Solitary nature lover dies in tent fire

John Whyte loved nature and had a wide knowledge of the trees, plants and animals around the tent he lived in for 33 years at Waimauku, west of Auckland.

A fire in a tent has claimed the life of a man whose family described him as a "free spirit dwelling in the wonders of nature".

John William Lowder Whyte had spent the past 33 years living in the tent on his property at Waimauku, west of Auckland.

The 80-year-old died this month from injuries suffered in the fire.

Mr Whyte moved into the tent after the break-up of his marriage and enjoyed a solitary lifestyle with no letterbox and no driveway, said his brother, Don Whyte.

He said John Whyte was well known to local residents, many of whom turned up to his funeral this week.

John Whyte would joke to his brother that some people thought he was a poet, an artist or an architect.

Don Whyte said his brother had a great knowledge of trees, plants and wildlife.

"He certainly preferred his bush life to any other way of living."

John Whyte attended Dilworth Boys' School, where he was head prefect and captained the First XI cricket team. He completed his schooling at Auckland Grammar School in 1942 and went to Auckland University before joining the Air Force.

However, peace was declared so he joined in the post-war occupation of Japan.

On his return he worked on farms, as a proofreader at the Herald and managed Leader Press.

He left to take up woodcarving and worked at Nobilo's vineyard.

Don Whyte said he was thankful the family had come together to celebrate his brother's 80th birthday in June.

"John was chuffed, and I suspect that it had been a long time since he had had such a party."