Obituary: Peter Reynolds

Peter Reynolds, Rotorua retailer, died on Sunday. He is pictured in his Eruera St shop last December. Photo/File

Rotorua has lost a generous soul who could have taken his skills anywhere in the world.

Rotorua interior designer and decorator Peter Reynolds died on Sunday after a long battle with illness, having spent the evening with close friends.

Mr Reynolds was born in Auckland in 1940. He did not have any children, but was from a large family with four brothers and three sisters.

Rotorua pharmacist Ian Edward said his friend was one of nature's gentlemen: "He brought to Rotorua a wealth of international experience, having worked for Harrods in London, Kirkcaldie & Staines in Wellington and also in New York.

"He was truly one of Rotorua's retail personalities, who provided quality merchandise which was beautifully presented. He added a real sense of panache to the city's retail environment, always with a smile and a wish to achieve the best for his clients."

Mr Edward said Mr Reynolds was a man of extraordinary generosity and kindness which was evidenced by his organisation of a fundraiser to get an aspiring Rotorua actor to the Globe Theatre in London.

"He didn't know Zac [Swift], but the story resonated with him ... he would have loved for someone to give him the chance when he was younger."

Mr Reynolds donated a $4000 painting.

"It gave Peter this extraordinary buzz of goodwill and he was so proud to have been able to make a difference to a young man's life."

Mr Edward said Mr Reynolds could have set up business anywhere, but chose to make Rotorua his home.

Mike Steiner, of Mike Steiner Interior Design, said Mr Reynolds was a colleague and a competitor: "He was an amazingly talented and lovely man. I had a huge regard for Peter, his talent, and his generosity of spirit.

"He lived for his work and it was said he would go from the shop to the cemetery, and he did. He was a fantastic guy. People like that always go too soon and we're going to miss him."

Mr Steiner said Mr Reynolds had a fantastic store and contributed to Rotorua on many levels.

He did not have any relatives in Rotorua. His funeral arrangements will be organised when family arrive in the country in the coming days.

- Matthew Martin