Sir Pat Goodman’s legacy to Motueka
Sir Pat Goodman has left his town of Motueka a legacy that will continue to give back to his local community.
The philanthropist, businessman and ‘‘gentleman’’ in his late 80s died in his Motueka home on Saturday morning.
Goodman was knighted in 1995 for services to business, the arts and the community.
One community which prospered through Goodman’s involvement was Motueka.
Motueka Community Board chair Brent Maru said it was thanks to Goodman that the Motueka Recreation Centre flourished.
He said in the late 80s, early 90s, Goodman rescued the centre from debt by making a ‘‘significant contribution’’ which included cash and his business manager to see the centre through a transition phase.
The asset was passed on to the Tasman District Council and was now a centre the ‘‘community own and can utilise forever’’.
‘‘The legacy of such a generous gift, it wasn’t just in money it was also in time and energy.’’
The Goodman family gave donations to several organisations around the Nelson and Tasman, including Motueka Catholic Church, the Suter Art Gallery and Motueka’s health services.
Maru said Goodman ‘‘sort of had two worlds’’.
‘‘He had a career as a successful businessman but also as a very generous philanthropist. He was a caring, gracious gentleman.’’
Even after he received his knighthood, he was still very humble, Maru said.
‘‘One of his favourite sayings was, ‘I’m just Pat the baker from Motueka.’’’
‘‘He was absolutely more than that ... but that’s the humbleness, he embraced people and he valued people.’’
He said his thoughts were with Goodman’s family, ‘‘and his wider family’’.