Avid firefighter honoured at funeral

Reon Suddaby
A single fire siren sounded in tribute yesterday, as Waipukurau firefighter Roland (Rowley) Webb took his final journey on the back of a vintage engine.
Mr Webb, 58, who collapsed and died at the scene of a car fire on Wednesday last week, was carried in his coffin on the back of the vintage fire engine from his funeral service at St Mary's Anglican Church in Waipukurau.
A packed church heard Mr Webb described as "incredibly open and big-hearted" by the Rev Ian Pimm, who conducted the funeral service.
The mourners included friends and family of Mr Webb, along with firefighting colleagues, police and members of the St John's Ambulance service.
Mr Webb became involved in firefighting after helping fight a fire in the Manawatu Gorge while he was living in Ashhurst.
It was the beginning of 27 years in the fire service in both Ashhurst and Waipukurau, leading to the presentation of a Gold Star to Mr Webb for 25 years' service, the 28th Waipukurau firefighter to receive the honour.
Mr Webb was remembered as a dedicated firefighter who would go out of his way to help his colleagues. Waipukurau Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Gary Weaver recalled Mr Webb's arrivals at the fire station for call-outs, driving "hell for leather" with the headlights blazing, and leaving the car motor running.
"I think he saw driving to the station as part of the challenge" Mr Weaver said.
He paid a touching tribute to his friend and fellow firefighter.
"Rowley, your journey to the fire station in the sky is almost complete, there are some hard case characters waiting up there for you, I'm sure you'll fit in extremely well."
Beyond fighting fires, Mr Webb was remembered as a devoted husband, father, son and mate. Outside of firefighting, Mr Webb worked at Waipukurau firm Sloan's Saddlery, and was also a freemason.
On a lighter note, friend Keith Harrington recalled childhood adventures in the Isle of Wight and bemoaned the timing of Rowley's death.
"Just before the Lions tour - what a disaster!"
Mr Webb was a founding member of the Isle of Wight Hurricanes rugby union team, and represented Hampshire from the age of 15.
His form was such that he was even selected to trial for the English national team.
Rugby was not his only sport - he was also a rower who competed in several top regattas. It was at a regatta in 1968 that he met his future wife Frances. They married in 1971.
Mr Webb's coffin was carried through a guard of honour of his fellow firefighters, before being taken away for private cremation.
He is survived by Frances and two adult children.