‘Bush psychologist’ Lochore

Sir Brian Lochore was a lot of things to a lot of people. Knight. New Zealand Rugby patron. All Blacks selector. All Blacks coach. All Blacks captain. Team-mate. Mentor. Bush psychologist. Farmer. Breeder. Golfer. Son. Brother. Grandfather. Father. Husband.

While the Kiwi sporting icon died on Saturday, aged 78, after a battle with cancer, the 2000 mourners at his funeral in Masterton yesterday captured the sprit of a great New Zealander.

Many words were used to describe him: Selfless. Loyal. Devoted. Inspirational. Humble. Hero.

All Blacks mental skills coach

Gilbert Enoka put it best when he said: ‘‘He was never seeking the limelight, but he was like a lighthouse on a stormy night to those in his circle.

‘‘BJ’S life has been a tapestry of triumph. He is such a great example of everything that is good in a human being.’’

The picture of Lochore that developed through Enoka’s eulogy and speeches from friends and family was of a multi-faceted man that transcended sport.

He was a Wairarapa farmer first and foremost.

His son, David, remarked, only half jokingly, sheep may even have superseded his children in his life’s pecking order. He was said to have implemented visionary farming practices decades ahead of his time, mixing old school thinking

‘‘He added to the All Black legacy like no other.’’ Gilbert Enoka on Sir Brian Lochore

with new age techniques.

It was an approach he brought to the All Blacks environment when he joined Graham Henry’s management team in 2004, having done similar things as coach of the 1987 World Cupwinning team.

That was where he met Enoka, although David Lochore said there was a bit of scepticism about Henry at first due to being a city slicker from Auckland.

But once he overcame that, he