The Hamilton City Council flag on the city’s Municipal Building will fly at half-mast on Thursday 22 November to mark the passing of former councillor Brian Burkhart.

Mr Burkhart, who passed away on Saturday 17 November, served on the Council from 1977 to 1983 under the mayoralty of Sir Ross Jansen.

“Many of the features of our city which our residents know so well had origins or significant development during the time Cr Burkhart served,” Hamilton Mayor Andrew King says.

“The Waikato Museum, Hamilton Zoo and the concepts for the Hamilton Gardens we know today were all developed in the early 1980s. As Hamiltonians of today we can be thankful for the vision and commitment of those who represented our city in the past.”

Mayor King says he and his family had a personal connection with Mr Burkhart, one shared by many Hamiltonians.

“Brian was our family dentist for many years and I always recall him as someone who was incredibly efficient and a true gentleman. When you were given your appointment time he would see you at exactly that time, almost to the second,” Mayor King says.

“On behalf of the city of Hamilton I convey my thanks for Brian’s contribution to our city and my condolences to his wife Diane and their family.”

A service will be held in the Hamilton Park Crematorium Chapel, Newstead, on Thursday, November 22nd at 1.00pm. In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Brian Burkhart may be made to St John.

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