Obituary: Peter Rendall
One of Athletics Wellington loyal servant passed earlier this week in Wellington Hospital. Peter was made a Life Member of Athletics Wellington in 2016 and was also life member of the WHAC club. He represented his club on the Track & Field Committee.
Peter has been a regular identity at Cross Country, Track & Field and Walks events in the Centre for many years until recent times.
For many years he was the Athletics Wellington Track & Field Equipment Manager and used his bus workshop tools and gear to keep equipment in good repair. When the track was refurbished with new gear shed, Peter almost well single handedly fitted it out with shelves and “lock-ups” sections for users at club and centre level.
He had been “Equipment Manager” for many ANZ Championships and other major meetings held at Newtown Park where he was noted for his driving of the quadbike to deliver and pick up hurdles and other equipment.
When he gave up running himself, Peter Rendall took up race walking, and coached that as well, producing 2 Centre Junior Champions! He was always been willing to step in when school and junior events found themselves short of walks judges and after every event he could be found passing on advice to interested novices.
At the track, Peter also coached juniors for many years. As his health and hearing deteriorated, he reduced his involvement, but he still coached High and Long Jump, hurdles and throws, both at regular Saturday morning WHAC “Club Days” and on week nights. Many of the younger athletes over several decades were beneficiaries of Peter’s early tutelage.
He also regularly operated WHAC club’s food and drink stall at Newtown Park during Saturday meetings, for the benefit of all athletes.
A funeral service for Peter will be Monday at 11.00 am Wilson Funeral Home, Adelaide Road.
