Final farewell for former officer
A funeral for former Waimate Senior Constable Clint Vallender will be held today at Priritahi Marae at Blackpool on Waiheki Island.
The 52-year-old died of natural causes on Waiheke Island, where he worked for the police, on August 8. He had been diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year.
Mid-South Canterbury area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin said Vallender worked in Waimate for nine years and was an enthusiastic police officer and a kind, considerate man.
‘‘He was competent, enthusiastic and always gave his best to the Waimate community.’’
He was also involved with the Waimate senior B rugby team and enjoyed playing the game.
Vallender left Waimate, with his partner Roz Pearce, two years ago.
Originally from Manawatu, Vallender spent several years in Taupo before moving to Waimate.
He told The Timaru Herald in 2012 tha the decision to exchange rural living for island living was a ‘‘lifestyle choice’’.
‘‘It’s another challenge, I like the island life,’’ he said.
Vallender, who was also a keen fisherman, spent 24 years with the police.