OBITUARY: Ross Worthington

Ross Worthington was a warm-hearted man with a great passion for game fishing - a love he turned into a business.
He was born in Te Kuiti on July 12, 1939 to a farming couple and educated at Piopio School.
After leaving school he farmed a 570ha sheep and cattle farm with his father. He later married Judy Harrison and they had a son, Brian.
In 1969, the couple sold the Worthington farm and bought the Greerton Lodge Motel which they operated for several years.
Ross also started what proved to be a lifetime love of big-game fishing when he bought his first launch, the 7.3m Joanne, followed later by the 9.8m Valeta.
At that point they sold the motel and bought a citrus orchard in Bethlehem which they ran for several years. Valeta was eventually replaced with the 11.6m launch Nor East, which was itself replaced by Intrepid 1.
It was with this vessel that Ross launched his successful charter fishing business.
In later years he skippered the launch Taiho.
He chartered for many years off Tauranga, Tutukara and the Bay of Islands. In addition, he often fished around Great Barrier Island and won trophies and competitions.
He would often return home with two marlin on board. Pacific Ranger was the boat of his dreams. Ross sourced the kauri and tear, and had the vessel built by Brian in Te Puna.
After 18 months of construction the boat was launched in grand style in 1989 on Judy's 50th birthday.
Pacific Ranger was Ross' pride and joy.
Brian now owns Pacific Ranger and is carrying on the family tradition.
Under Ross' gruff exterior was an extremely kind man with a big heart.
He was always willing to help or give advice.
"He was always there," Brian said.
Ross had strong opinions and expressed his views zealously. That was one of his endearing characteristics.
His philosophy in life was based on a desire to help make the world a better place to live in. He didn't believe in sitting on the fence.
He wasn't afraid to rattle a cage to make his point. Ross loved king charles spaniels and he had a garage full of tools and treasures - and he knew where everything was kept.
He was Judy's much-loved husband for 44 years and Brian's treasured father. He will be sadly missed.
Ross is described as a great mate, friend, father and husband who has left behind treasured memories for many people.
A funeral service was held at the Tauranga Game Fishing Club and his ashes were afterwards spread at sea. Tight lines, calm seas from now on, Ross.
Written by a member of the family