Life of generosity praised as city mourns benefactor

Brian Perry, here with golfer David Smail (left) and son Simon Perry, set up a trust that at its peak gave $30 million a year to charity. Photo / APNZ

Tributes were flowing last night for a Hamilton businessman and philanthropist who has died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Brian Perry, who set up the Perry Group in the 1950s and has been described as "one of the finest citizens our region has produced", died yesterday afternoon.

He was a noted philanthropist who gave to Hamilton, Waikato and the rest of the country through the Brian Perry Foundation.

Friends and work associates said they would best remember him for being a great man who contributed to society beyond measure.

Former Hamilton Mayor Margaret Evans, who knew Mr Perry for more than 40 years, said the world would be a better place if every business person behaved even slightly the way he did.

"He just had incredible ethics. Everybody who ever ... did business with him or even met him casually was always just so taken by what a good man he was," she said.

Mr Perry, 75, had spent time in hospital but was taken home on Tuesday to be with his family.

"He had a strong resolve," said Ms Evans. "I think he fought hard and I think he had more time than anyone had expected, which was largely due to [his partner] Mivora, she made sure he had the best quality of life possible."

On Tuesday, Mr Perry and his family knew his time was coming to an end and Ms Evans visited him at home to farewell her friend and colleague.

"It was just lovely to be able to see him at peace."

Mr Perry, famously humble, was this year inducted into the national Business Hall of Fame for his business and philanthropic achievements.

His Hamilton-based civil engineering company, the Perry Group, was involved in the construction of Marsden Pt and the Sky Tower while his philanthropic contributions were spread across New Zealand.

At its peak five years ago, the Brian Perry Charitable Trust was giving up to $30 million a year to community, sport, education, arts and charity organisations.

Mr Perry was made an OBE and was named New Zealand Businessman of the Year in the 1970s. In 2005, he was given the Freedom of the City - Hamilton's highest honour.

Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe described Mr Perry as "one of the finest citizens our region has produced" who left his mark in myriad ways.

"It would be impossible to measure the debt we owe to Brian, the Perry Group and the Brian Perry Foundation. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest contributors to our region's development, events and facilities, as well as to a countless number of individuals who benefited from his support, and he leaves an outstanding legacy," Mr Macindoe said.

Mr Perry handled significant health setbacks in recent years with dignity and fortitude, the MP said.

"Nevertheless, to the end of his life his generosity and support for others remained undiminished. He was a remarkable man who was widely respected and will be greatly missed."

Mayor Julie Hardaker said: "The Perry Group has been one of the Waikato's true success stories, and Brian was the driver behind that.

"His commitment to the city and the region earned him widespread acknowledgment and he has been a true leader for Hamilton and Waikato.

"He is a great loss, and council's thoughts are with his family at this time."