Family say goodbye to 'most wonderful father'

Flight Sergeant Andrew Forster's coffin is carried into the chapel at RNZAF Base Ohakea. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Hundreds of people yesterday farewelled an Air Force veteran killed by an artillery shell last week.

Flight Sergeant Andrew Forster, who was 46, was remembered as a military hero as well as a loving husband and father.

He died in an accident at the Waiouru Army Base as he marked an old shell for future disposal.

More than 300 servicemen and women, family and friends gathered to pay their respects at RNZAF base Ohakea.

His daughter, Candice, told those gathered that "he is the best and most wonderful father you could ever ask for". His wife of 19 years, Karyn, described him as her best friend and soulmate.

Flight Sergeant Forster served for 27 years, and had returned from a tour of Afghanistan just weeks before the accident at Waiouru.

Members of Parliament extended their sympathies to the Forster family, and Prime Minister John Key attended the service.

Flight Sergeant Forster is survived by his wife and three children.