Driver ‘freaked’ out over police
The voice of Eric Idle singing Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life was quintessential Richard Williams.
Williams, 64, died of a heart attack March 22.
And while the service held at St Joseph’s Church on Wednesday afternoon began with a sombre tone, the crowd of more than 200 couldn’t stifle their giggles as they recalled the life of the late Taranaki Chamber of Commerce CEO.
‘‘Richard was no Anthony Joines said.
‘‘But the world would be a much better place if we all took a page from his book.’’
While mourners shared slight nods and hands lingered on shoulders to offer condolences, the overall mood of Williams’ farewell was light and loving.
Daughter Bryony took to the podium and shared the tales her father once told her.
‘‘Dad’s favourite story was how his grandfather loved keeping bees, which was a bit surprising considering his grandmother was highly allergic to bee stings,’’ she said.
‘‘He would spend many hours tending to his precious babies.
‘‘But it wasn’t until he died when it was discovered that there were in fact very few bees and many hives stuffed to the gums with beer bottles.’’
Bryony said her ‘‘wonderful father’’ was her family’s sunshine.
‘‘You will always be the most important person in my life. I love you, dad.’’
Her remembrance speech followed younger brother Max’s, who thanked his father and mother for adopting him.
‘‘You’ve all heard the saying ‘ you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family’,’’ he said.
‘‘Ironically in my case, Richard and Miranda chose me.’’
He then acknowledged the crowd of friends, family and associates: ‘‘Like everyone here, I’m incredibly fortunate to have known him.’’
Son Nick was unable to attend the services due to travel issues.
Williams has been referred to as a highly respected leader of the Taranaki business community and noted as an avid participant in a number of com- saint,’’ friend munity trusts and organisations.
From 1999 to 2009, Williams sat on the Chamber board and took deputy chair for four years in 2004.
Though he returned home to the United Kingdom in 2009, Williams returned to New Plymouth in 2014 to take the chief executive position.
Chamber chair Sophie Braggins talked highly of Williams, calling him an example of a true gentleman.
‘‘He would stand when I entered the room, kiss my cheek with bright eyes and a big smile, and ask what extreme sporting activities I’ve been up to over the weekend,’’ she said.
‘‘If anyone were to define ‘gentleman’, it would be Richard.’’ She continued through strained tears. ‘‘Richard was extremely proud of his children and he loved to share their whereabouts in the world and their achievements.
‘‘Miranda is also a very valued member of the Chamber family and our love and support goes out to her.’’
Reverend Peter Beck led the afternoon service with an empathetic air in his words.
‘‘We shouldn’t be here. This shouldn’t have happened. Death came too soon,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s all okay to feel what you are feeling and I hope you can take a moment to thank Richard for all the love, for all the life, for all the joy he has shared with us.’’ A panicked driver reached speeds of up to 130 kilometres an hour on a Taranaki highway trying to get away from police.
After dropping his partner off to work on March 20, Taylor James Hintz was driving on State Highway 3A between Inglewood and Waitara.
About 11.55am, a police officer driving a marked patrol car signalled for the defendant to stop.
However, he accelerated away instead, reaching speeds of up to 134 kilometres per hour. The posted speed limit is 100km.
The highway pursuit lasted for about two kilometres before Hintz decided to pull over and stop.
Sergeant Lewis Sutton said the defendant told the arresting officer he had ’’freaked out’’ when he saw the police behind him.
During an appearance in the New Plymouth District Court on Wednesday, Hintz pleaded guilty to driving while suspended and failing to stop for red and blue flashing lights.
Lawyer Turitea Bolstad said Hintz had decided to drive his partner to work, despite being suspended since March 8, and had ‘‘panicked’’ at the thought of getting caught.
She said he was sorry for what he had done.
Community magistrate Lesley Jensen told Hintz he should have chosen to ‘‘face the music’’ rather than try and evade the police.
‘‘Unfortunately when people panic and speed, it can end in disastrous results,’’ Jensen said.
She gave Hintz credit for his early guilty pleas and fined him a total of $650. A six month disqualification was also imposed.