Tragic death of Waiouru man

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 394, 9 July 1991, Page 9

Tragic death of Waiouru man

Waiouru identity, Keith Bonnor Chesterfield(Chesty), 59 years, died last Thursday morning at 6.50am. He was travelling South on State Highway one when he skidded on ice 10 km north of Hunterville. He was towing a trailer which jack-knifed when the car slid off the road. Chesty was unharmed, but when he tried to wave down traffic he was tragically killed Since 1972 Chesty has been employed as the hobby hut supervisor. In 1976 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his outstanding services to the

community and army. His citation stated "....for maintaining an excellent facility, operating it for extended periods and willingly contributing much of his non-duty time. His obliging manner and ef-

ficiency have proved an invaluable contribution to the morale of a large number of soldiers and jdependants who use the hobby facilities." 'Chesty' joined the New Zealand army as a territorial Force soldier in 1950 and served until 1953. He joined the regular force in 1957 and saw active service in Malaya with the First New Zealand Regiment. During this tour he saved the lives of six.Malayan policeman who were trapped in an overturned vehicle and in recognition of his action he was awarded the State of Perak Distinguished Conduct Medal. He rejoined the regular force in 1961 and was posted to Malaysia with the First Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment until 1963. For many years Chesty was the mainstay of the Waiouru cricket Club. He was a familiar sight in summer time on Hamilton Field, on the cricket pitch with his brown overalls and woollen hat. This popular man is a loss to the Waiouru community and army.