Tim Mossman was farewelled in a moving ceremony at St Luke's Church.
Identical triplet Tim Mossman has been farewelled in a moving ceremony.
He was just a few days off his 92nd birthday, which he shared with surviving brothers Rodney and Henry, when he died last Monday.
More than 100 people attended Mr Mossman's funeral at St Luke's Church yesterday, which included a tribute from the RSA.
Family remembered Mr Mossman, who fought in WWII, for his quick wit, generosity and strong sense of humour.
Wife Pauline Mossman said her late husband was the eldest of the triplets, who had always been competitive with each other.
She and her husband had lived in Rotorua for 37 years.
"He [Tim] was the oldest of the triplets - they are the only identical triplets in the Southern Hemisphere and most probably the world," Mrs Mossman said.
Nephew Stuart Mossman's eulogy also mentioned the friendly competition the three brothers had, which extended to sending each other riddles, facts and new words in attempts to out-wit each other. "Tim had his 55th wedding anniversary with Pauline on February 15 and he thought 'I have ran the race, nothing else matters, I'll let the others stick around'."
Son Derrick (DJ) Mossman spoke of the brothers' strong bond and individual identities.
"As identical triplets I know they are feeling Tim's passing greatly." He said his father enjoyed telling stories and sharing memories and had lived an exciting life.
"Dad served in Egypt, Italy and Japan. He drove through Hiroshima after it had been decimated but luckily did not get radiation poisoning. He never really talked about his experiences there."
He had also been a brilliant stockman and a great farmer with a life-long love for antiques.
Tim Mossman is survived by wife Pauline, their three sons Simon, Peter, and Derrick and three grandchildren.
The foodbank has collected $5560 in donated food, money, and gifts in week one.