Rowan Brassey, another regarded among the very best singles players, said of the "Old Fox": "He just steps up the mat and simply picks his line and length almost automatically."
Croatian-born but New Zealand-domiciled since 1938, Kostanich divided his time between the bowling green and the Kaipara Harbour. For nearly 50 years he fished commercially, boasting that he had once pulled 700kg of flounder out "in one go".
"Kossie" would sometimes do a little bit of "fish business" on the side, turning up to clubs with a boot full of seafood to flog off. He was also generous - sponsoring an annual tournament at the Helensville club.
With the knack of playing shots most bowlers would dare not contemplate, let alone attempt, Kostanich was the master. Happy to play in a team, it was nevertheless as a singles player he was at his greatest.
In 1978, he trailed Australian Bill Norman 12-20 in the final of the Sydney City Masters before winning 10 of the next 11 ends to claim the title 31-21. In one memorable day Kostanich saw off three truly champion bowlers in David Bryant, Nick Unkovich and Bob McDonald in an unbelievable effort.
While he played for a time out of the Carlton Club, Helensville was his home. A year-on-year member at the club since 1948, Kostanich won the club's singles 23 times - the last in the 2009-10 season.
As failing health caught up with him he cut back on his bowls, but not his regular trips to "his" club, where he would down a beer or two.
The passing of the "gentleman player", who won four centre gold stars (20 titles) and was Auckland Bowler of the Year three times, leaves another gap in the ranks of those regarded as top blokes - on and off the green.
