Respected old boy mourned

Lindisfarne College old boy Hamish Duncan, 20, who disappeared while kayaking at Lake Coleridge 17 days ago.

A Hastings school is mourning the loss of former student, Hamish Duncan, who disappeared 17 days ago while kayaking at Lake Coleridge.

Mr Duncan is presumed dead after he vanished on the Canterbury lake, on his 20th birthday, early this month.

In the ensuing days, search and rescue crews made extensive efforts to find him and, at times, were hampered by inclement weather. Police divers carried out a five-day underwater search, army crews scoured the shoreline and the navy used sonar to scan the lake floor.

Mr Duncan's presumed drowning has now been referred to the Coroner, and Canterbury police are still reviewing the search for the 20-year-old, in consultation with the Coroner and members of the Police National Dive Squad.

Lindisfarne College rector Ken MacLeod told Hawke's Bay Today the school's staff, students and old boys were "deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss [of Mr Duncan]".

"Hamish was a fine young man who was well-liked by staff and his peers. He was a kind, respectful young man who was sincere, honourable and genuine."

The rector said the young man, who had started training as a medic within the NZ Army since leaving school, was involved in a range of activities during his school years. He had a passion for speech and drama, gaining his ATCL qualification in public speaking.

His sporting interests included tennis, orienteering and canoe polo. He was acknowledged on a number of occasions within the school for academic excellence and achieved well in NCEA.

"Totally trustworthy, Hamish was a person who demonstrated humility and graciousness. He was always loyal and supportive of his friends, house and the college."

Mr Duncan was also giving of his time - offering to volunteer in the school library for two years.

"Service to others is a quality that we respected in Hamish and he volunteered to work in the college library for the final two years of his time at school.

"This is a sad time for our wider community and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."