Whanganui Mayor, family farewell loved dad

Gerald McDouall with former mayor Annette Main and son Hamish repaying a council loan on behalf of the Laird Bowling Club in 2013. Photo/Stuart Munro

Gerald McDouall was a dignified man of immense integrity, says his son Hamish who was with his father when he died in Whanganui Hospital on Friday night.

McDouall senior was 88 and the Whanganui mayor says his father's body "had been failing for a while but his mind was still active even on his last day".

The mayor says his father, who was from the South Island town of Waimate, first came to Whanganui to work at the National Bank as a young man in his early 20s.

He met a young dancer named Shirley Sanson when they performed in a play together at Amdram and although he went back south and overseas for a few years, he did not forget her.

"Dad was appointed as general manager of the Wanganui Savings Bank when it opened in 1963 and it gave him the reason he needed to come back to Whanganui," says his son.

"He was a dignified man of immense integrity, who loved his family, stamps, the Highlanders, mirth, serving the community and food."

McDouall senior served the Whanganui community as Deputy Mayor during the 1990s as well as serving on various committees and trusts.

"He was an old-fashioned gentleman who even apologised to the wonderful nurses for occupying their time," says Hamish.

"He leaves behind my mother Shirley, my siblings and I, and seven grandkids. We will miss him immensely."

Hamish says his father's funeral is likely to be held on Wednesday at the Wanganui Collegiate chapel.