Club mourns members’ deaths

THE oldest tramping club in Wellington, the Tararua Tramping Club, is mourning the loss of three life members, including one of New Zealand’s most gifted mountaineers, Nankervis.

Two other life members, Ian Baine and Hugh Barr have also recently died.

Nankervis, 75, who died this week after suffering a stroke, is being remembered as a man who was greatly loved in the climbing community both in New Zealand and in Nepal.

‘‘I’m just very glad to have known him – and blessed to have been touched by such a remarkable and vibrant life,’’ said the honorary New Zealand consul for Nepal, Lisa Cheogyal, writing from Kathmandu.

Baine, who died last year aged 90, joined the tramping club in 1947 and was a member of a prominent Hutt Valley tramping family.

A keen tramper and mountaineer, his climbs included first ascents in the Southern Alps and several notable climbs in the European Alps.

Barr, also a tramper and mountaineer, was involved in a wide range of environmental and outdoor projects, including the Te Aroha Trail. He died in December aged 80.