Willem Petrus Myburgh named as man killed in North Shore crash

Willem Petrus Myburgh, 45, died when the van he was driving and a bus collided on Waipa Rd, Birkenhead, just before midday on Friday. Photo / Facebook

A man killed when a van and bus collided on a busy road on Auckland's North Shore has been described as a "gentle giant".

Willem Petrus Myburgh, 45, died at the scene of the crash on Waipa Rd, Birkenhead, just before midday on Friday.

No passengers were on the bus but the driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to North Shore Hospital.

Willem Petrus Myburgh with his wife Wanda. Photo / Facebook

A death notice in the Herald today said Myburgh was the much-loved husband of Wanda and father of two children, Melvin and Mercia.

"He will be missed," the notice said.

Myburgh had been driving a van branded with the auto repair business where he worked.

His colleagues at Kaar paid tribute to Myburgh in a death notice today.

"It's with great sadness and shock we see our friend and work colleague taken from us," they wrote.

Myburgh, known as "Big Fella", was described as a valued member of the team.

"The gentle giant will be missed by us all, his humour, kindness and compassion to everyone around him will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family."

The scene of the fatal crash on Waipa Rd, Birkenhead, on Friday. Photo / NZ Herald

Myburgh's funeral will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services in Albany on Friday. He will then be buried at North Shore Memorial Park Cemetery.

Police today said their thoughts were with Myburgh's family while the cause of the incident was still under investigation.