William McGregor was able to smile as he surveyed his flooded Anzac Drive property in 2015. Photo / Stuart Munro
William McGregor and his green thumbs have left plantings in Whanganui that will benefit future generations.
Mr McGregor died at Hospice Whanganui on March 16 with his family around him.
Koha Shed manager Sherron Sunnex said Mr McGregor's contributions to the community had been amazing.
"I would like to share my sorrow at the passing of Willy McGregor - my heart is heavy and my love and thoughts are with his whanau," she said.
"Willy contributed much to the community and the Koha Shed.
"The fruit trees on Williams Domain in Whanganui East were planted by him, the gardens at Wai Ora Trust were created by him and our fruit trees and main raised beds were also his doing."
In 2010, Mr McGregor supervised a group of young men in planting 103 fruit and nut trees at Wai Ora Trust in Brunswick Rd.
"These fellows came to us raw and they wanted something to do," he told the Chronicle.
He spoke of how the young men would be able to return and enjoy the fruits of their work in years to come.
The Chronicle last interviewed Mr McGregor in 2015 after floodwaters swamped his Anzac Pde property and drowned his chickens.
He was still able to raise a smile and Ms Sunnex said that was the kind of person he was.
"Willy was one of those people who always saw the big picture and had compassion for everyone."
Mr McGregor was from Palmerston North but had lived in Whanganui for many years.
Ms Sunnex said he was also a relative of James McGregor who, in the 1920s, planted many of the trees that dominate the southern end of Kowhai Park.
"We will miss his smile and wisdom - Arohanui mai whanau rest in peace my friend."
Mr McGregor's family will remember him as a loved father, son, brother, uncle and Koro to his grandchildren.
'It has been challenging but it was important to see it through.'