9 March 2011

The passing of a well-loved staff and community member, Kenneth (Ken) Thomas Jones, on Monday 7 March, is being mourned by Nature Coast Enterprise staff, stakeholders, and the wider community.

Ken Jones, 67, Otaki resident, and i-SITE Otaki Visitor Consultant, died unexpectedly on Monday night after a short illness.

Mr Jones was employed in 1997 to work at the Otaki Visitor Centre and has been meeting and assisting visitors and locals ever since. His warm and generous manner will be remembered by many.

He was a founding member of the Kapiti Fly Fishing Club and was an avid model train enthusiast.

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Gaylene Sanderson, i-SITE & Visitor Information Centre Manager says Mr Jones was a "real gentleman. Ken didn’t know what the word ‘no’ meant and would do anything for anyone. I have some amazing memories of him that I will keep with me. I will truly miss such a warm and gentle caring man that cared about everyone."

Austin Fraser, founding President and Life Member of the Kapiti Fly Fishing Club, says Mr Jones was a special person, a "quiet mover" and well respected member. "He always contributed greatly to the welfare of Club. We've lost a dear member," says Mr Fraser.

Nature Coast Enterprise chairman, Graham Smellie, says the organisation has lost a very loyal and well-respected friend and colleague. "He will not only be missed by the Nature Coast Enterprise team, but by the wider community in general including many operators in the NZ Tourism industry.

"I would like to sincerely extend our sympathy to Ken's whanau and loved ones."

Mayor Jenny Rowan says “I’m very sorry to hear of Ken’s death. It’s a sad day for Kapiti when someone with such a wealth of local knowledge and history passes on.”

Mr Jones' public funeral is Friday 11 March, 1pm, Guardian Funeral Home Chapel, 4 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville Mr Jones' whanau ask that in lieu of flowers, donations to Te Omanga Hospice can be made.

ENDS

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