Whitebaiter ‘gentle’ man
INVERCARGILL
THE nephew of a man who was found dead in a Catlins river during the weekend described him as ‘‘kindest and gentlest man’’ he had ever met.
Police confirmed yesterday the man was John Edward Toogood (71), of Gore.
His body was found on Saturday close to Gourley Rd, beside the Waikawa River, after he was reported missing on Friday.
Police said it was thought Mr Toogood had been whitebaiting in the area at the time.
His death has been referred to the coroner.
Mr Toogood’s nephew, Nigel Toogood said yesterday his uncle had been a whitebaiter for about 40 years.
He used to fish in the Fortrose area, but in recent years had set up a stand on the Waikawa River in Southland.
‘‘He loved whitebaiting, he loved fishing. It was his favourite thing in the world to do,’’ Nigel said.
He had memories of his uncle taking him fishing when he was younger.
‘‘I used to go out to the [river’s] mouth just to make sure he was safe and just give him a hand.
‘‘I’ve not been whitebaiting with him for quite some time now.’’
Mr Toogood also had a passion for drag racing cars and his Nuffield tractor.
He was part of the Crank Up event held at Edendale every year and also enjoyed a good game of pool.
‘‘A lot of people [in the community] knew him.
‘‘He liked to have yarns,’’ Nigel said.
Crank Up convener Ken Bell said Mr Toogood had been a member of the Edendale Vintage Machinery Club for about five years.
‘‘He was an enthusiast and a passionate exhibitor,’’ he said.
Nigel said his uncle always visited the family in Mataura during the Christmas period.
‘‘He was great. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it.’’
Mr Toogood was a retired farmer. He was single and had no children.