Talented architect and a very like able man

Wanganui architect Barry John Lonergan. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Noted architect Barry Lonergan was born and raised in Wanganui, where he would spend the greater part of his life. He was educated there and at Auckland University from where he graduated with a degree in architecture in 1972.

Building and design was in his blood - his father, Joe, was a builder and would direct him throughout his career. Barry had a natural understanding of planning and space, which he developed through experience to become a talented architect.

He travelled to London in 1973 to broaden his architectural experience and to spend time with his two older brothers, William and Michael, who had lived there for some time. While in London he met up again with Judith Wadsworth, whom he had known at school in Wanganui - they married and returned to the city in 1974 with baby Daniel. Two more children were to follow, Morgan and Kate.

Barry began work with Bruce Dickson in 1974, and two years later they formed their partnership, which was to last 35 years.

In the early years the practice designed many fine houses, including three for Barry himself. Success in residential design was then extended to commercial, education, religious and - Barry's speciality - food processing dairy plants.

He moved to Wellington in 1999, and his work in the latter part of his career concentrated on projects for the dairy industry, firstly for Anchor and then Fonterra. These large projects offered him the opportunity to exercise his skills in large-scale planning, negotiation, bargaining and strategising situations to the best advantage of his clients.

All four of the Lonergan boys were fliers. Barry particularly flew in the early years of his career as many of the sites he worked on were difficult or time-consuming to get to. He was known as "Biggles" in those days.

The death of his younger brother, Patrick, in a helicopter accident was a great loss. After Patrick's death, Barry's interest in flying waned and he took to motorbikes.

Everything he did was done with great enthusiasm, but perhaps not the caution a situation might have deserved.

A serious accident was the final straw for his back, which had endured plenty of punishment already from the trampolining, long distance running, and a series of car accidents all of which complicated issues with his spine and led to long-term pain management issues that dogged him for the rest of his life.

All of these events were met with a strong will to be productive and create solutions to enable him to control his life.

He was enormously proud of his children and their achievements. Daniel, now in New York; Morgan, based in Adelaide (but mostly working in Europe); and Kate in Melbourne. The three grandchildren were also a great joy to him.

Barry met his partner Robyn Steele nine years ago. They had much in common and enjoyed catching up with their collective five children, scattered all around the world.

Barry will be greatly missed by Robyn and Daniel, Morgan, Kate and his grandchildren. As well as by his brothers Michael and William, sister Josie and many friends. He will be missed as a talented architect and a thoroughly likeable character.