Vietnam veteran and Games boss with indomitable spirit dies

Photo / APN

A Vietnam War veteran who went on to become a leader in New Zealand sport has died.

Colonel Tom Aldridge died this week after a battle with lung disease. He was 71.

Colonel Aldridge was the commander of the army's Number One Taskforce in 1984.

He had been a career soldier and was also a Vietnam veteran.

In 1986, he was appointed chief executive of the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.

In later years, he became the chief executive of the project to complete the city's Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral.

His strength as a leader was also looked at when he was again chosen to be a chief executive, this time as the first boss of the Warriors rugby league team.

Colonel Aldridge has been described as a person who played several significant roles for his country - in very different ways - but never sought the limelight.

Long-time friend Dai Bindoff, who was the head of public relations for the 1990 Commonwealth Games, paid tribute to a man he described as a humble leader. "Tom could be a very charming man. He could be very forgiving as well - he was picked as a leader because of this.

"If he was determined to get anywhere, nothing could stand in his way."

Mr Bindoff said that although his friend was not a very "famous" person, many New Zealanders knew about his work and leadership.

"He just drove for it. Tom was never one for seeking the limelight, he just got the job done. It is sad. He really was a great New Zealander."

Colonel Aldridge is survived by his wife, Judy, their children Louise, Michael and Patrick, and grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm tomorrow at St Michael's Catholic Church in Remuera.