Eric liked his daily flounder

An old soldier whose fish-eating exploits made headlines worldwide a decade ago has died.

Eric Blake, 88, munched his way through more than 21,000 flounders at the rate of one a day - every day - for about 60 years and always at the same place, The Waldorf Restaurant in Masterton's Queen St.

His devotion to the flat fish delicacy had its beginnings during World War II about the time of the Battle of El Alamein.

The then-young New Zealand tank driver told a mate: "If I come out of this war alive I will shout myself a flounder every day."

And that's exactly what he did.

Returning from the war the lifelong bachelor faithfully turned up at The Waldorf at midday every day and set about demolishing his hot meal - a flounder, well done, with veges, and potatoes cooked without salt and with no added butter.

Over decades he hardly ever missed his daily flounder meal, and he welcomed and farewelled several restaurant owners, who had all been happy to serve their best customer with his unchanging daily order.

A Times-Age story on Eric's daily routine published in 2003 was widely used in publications throughout Britain, Australia and the United States, including The New York Times.

In the past few years, as his health failed, Eric went into care and for some time struggled to keep his lunchtime date, and had to settle for an occasional flounder treat.

Eric Blake died at Metlifecare, Masterton, on Tuesday and was buried yesterday on his younger brother Gordon's birthday.