Possum a hero to his family

Rally driver Possum Bourne was "the greatest loving father" and "our hero", his widow said yesterday.

"To say the children and I will miss him is a vast understatement," Peggy Bourne said in her first public statement since her husband's accident.

"He was the love of my life and the greatest loving father to our children."

Bourne died on Wednesday after his life support had been gradually reduced since the start of the week.

Even from his bed in Dunedin Hospital Bourne had "fought tremendously and bravely" until the end, Mrs Bourne said.

"He did not want to leave us.

"I cannot even begin to describe how devastating this has been on us."

Bourne's funeral will be held at his hometown of Pukekohe on Tuesday.

Mrs Bourne, a Zambian-born American whom Bourne met on a trip to Africa, said she would always cherish their 16-year relationship.

She described Bourne as "the most loving, genuine, fair, down-to-earth, competitive and amazing man.

"He was our world. He was our hero.

"He is and will always be my Poss, daddy to the children, Peter to his mum, big brother to his family, a great mate to all his friends, and an enthusiastic competitor, rival, and mentor to his colleagues of the rallying community, with a personality that transcended all boundaries.

"I and my family have shared Possum with a nation (and beyond) for as long as I've known him, and now the nation is sharing in my grief. Thank you." Mrs Bourne also touched on her husband's great passion for the sport that became his career.

"As a proud Kiwi, he was passionate about and enjoyed the opportunity to compete in not only New Zealand and Australia but all around the world.

"He knew just about every corner of every stage of every rally he ever competed in and it was enthralling to watch him relive all those exciting moments.

"I hope Possum will remain the legend he has become so that his children will know what a great guy he was to all of us."

The Bournes have three children: Taylor, aged 8, Spencer, 4, and Jazlin, 3.

- NZPA, STAFF REPORTER