It was not only in law that Gerald Blathwayt carved a name for himself.
At university he was a member of a highly successful senior rugby side that included players who went on to represent New Zealand.
Mr Blathwayt was a flanker but could play virtually anywhere in the forwards, having games at No8, lock and prop.
Among his teammates were the legendary winger Ron Jarden - who as a 1956 All Black was to feature prominently in the defeat of the touring Springboks - Bill Clark, Mick Bremner and Jim Fitzgerald.
Rugby was not his only sporting love.
He also played senior cricket for the university and for Masterton Old Boys on his return to Wairarapa.
His forte as a cricketer was bowling, being a leg spinner.
Golf remained a great love, too, with Mr Blathwayt playing to within a month of his death.
He belonged to Masterton Golf Club and played Duncan Cup golf for many years.
His golfing handicap was in single figures for many years and his regular Thursday golfing partner, John Tatham, recalls he and Mr Blathwayt winning one particular prestigious golfing competition on two occasions, 50 years apart.
Mr Blathwayt's family has a link back to the famous - or infamous - Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the incident that led to the enduring Guy Fawkes commemorations.
The family name Wynter links back to one of Guy Fawkes' co-conspirators in the plot to blow up the British Parliament, at the same time disposing of King James 1.
Wynter's name was given up by Guy Fawkes along with the others when he was tortured in the wake of the failed gunpowder plot.
The Blathwayt family have ever since made a traditional of including the name Wynter in each generation of the family.
Mr Blathwayt is survived by his wife Sue, three sons John, Stuart and Guy and six grandchildren.
