The sad loss of a gentleman and an inspiration

John Howard set the standard for the New Zealand rowing team's current success. Photo / Getty Images

John Howard, who died last Sunday, was a core force in helping set the standard for the New Zealand rowing team's current success.

The 57-year-old died after battling for the best part of a year with lung cancer. He was a non-smoker. Manager of the national team from 2005-2007, Howard will best be remembered for his gregarious, enthusiastic nature and bristling salt-and-pepper handlebar moustache.

When John was around no task was too demanding or too menial for his attention. In short, he got things done.

The first year of Howard's watch with the national team in 2005 coincided with the four gold medals in 45 minutes in Gifu. It was there that Howard's unwavering loyalty to his charges and cheerful willingness to give of himself became clear. They were qualities that helped athletes exceed expectations.

That continued through the campaigns to the Eton and Munich world championships in the following two years. It was a surprise Howard was not chosen to manage the Olympic team in 2008.

He loved an inclusive atmosphere, and his hospitality never felt anything less than sincere.

Outside rowing, Howard spent 28 years with Fletcher Challenge, mainly in their roofing sector, before running the Loft 109 Backpackers hostel over the last couple of years on the main street of Tauranga. The visitor comments are testimony to his enthusiasm at making it a fun place to stay. Kim from Scotland probably best summed up the atmosphere: "Had the best time ever, only meant to stay a week, ended up staying 10."

The former Tauranga Rowing Club president was also a top golfer who once got his handicap down to five as club captain at Omanu.

Howard remained buoyant despite the terminal nature of his cancer. He watched the New Zealand rowers earn their medals last Saturday from his sickbed.

John Howard is survived by his wife Sue, daughters Renee and Sacha and four grandchildren.