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A MUCHLOVED stalwart of the university’s Campus Watch and dedicated scifi fan, Peter Anthony Spinks (53) crossed the final frontier in Trekkie style last month.
The Dunedin man died at the Otago Community Hospice on April 11 after a battle with melanoma.
His sisterinlaw Merrin Rietveld said it was Mr Spinks’ dying wish to have a Star Trek casket, and Star Trek: The Next Generation theme music was also played as members of Campus Watch carried Mr Spinks’ coffin into the church.
The service was held at Hope and Sons Chapel in Dunedin.
Colleague Drew Hendry said Mr Spinks’ workmates put a bag of Maltesers and a pack of Coruba Rum on the coffin so he would have something to eat and drink on his voyage across the universe, and the song Star Trekking was sung at the end of the service.
In his final months, Mr Spinks had been positive and cheerful, Mrs Rietveld said.
‘‘He gave everything his best shot and made the most of the time he had [to] put his final wishes in place,’’ she said.
‘‘The support and practical assistance from his many friends was true testament to the high esteem they held him in.’’
Mr Spinks had a background in security, and joined Campus Watch 11 years ago after working for local businesses including Armourguard.
Mr Hendry, who knew him for eight years, said he was very kind and generous. He was popular with students and staff, and very knowledgeable in his job.
‘‘There’s not much he didn’t know.’’
He even used to carry lollies around for the students and staff he dealt with during the day.
Mr Spinks was born in London on January 9, 1965, and never relinquished his UK citizenship.
His parents were Tom
Spinks, an Irish plasterer, and Pat Spinks, nee Waite. He grew up above the laundromat his mother managed in Harrow Rd.
His parents separated while Peter was still a young child, and he and his brother Phil were raised chiefly by their mother and grandmother.
Phil emigrated to New Zealand after marrying Mrs Rietveld, a New Zealander, and not long after Pat and Peter joined them.
Peter cared for his mother for several years until her death in 2008.
Phil had died the year before.
Peter Spinks was remembered fondly by Mrs Rietveld and her and Phil’s daughter Lucy Borland, whom he ‘‘spoilt rotten’’, Mrs Rietveld said.
He gave her away on her wedding day, and he also gave Mrs Rietveld away when she remarried.
Mr Spinks’ main interest outside of work was science fiction programmes such as Star Trek, Stargate, Dr Who, and Thunderbirds. He also had an extensive movie collection and enjoyed gaming.
He was always happy to lend his entertainment to people, Mrs Rietveld said.
Proctor Dave Scott, who spoke at Mr Spinks’ funeral, said other members of Campus Watch rallied round him when he became ill.
He was very impressed with Mr Spinks’ generosity and the fortitude he showed in his final weeks.
Mr Spinks had a habit of feeding stray cats and doted on his own cat, Bandit, who was rehomed last month after Ms Rietveld put out an appeal.
Mr Spinks is survived by Mrs Rietveld, her husband Peter, and Rob and Joe Rietveld, his niece Lucy Borland, her husband Scott Borland and their son Robbie, and members of the Geddes family.