Tim Wallis cause of death: What happened to Tim Wallis?

Introduction:

The passing of Sir Timothy William Wallis on October 17, 2023, marked the end of an era in New Zealand’s aviation and deer farming industries. Throughout his life, Sir Tim Wallis was a driving force behind innovation and progress in these fields, making remarkable contributions that shaped his country’s heritage. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding the cause of his death and reflect on his life’s extraordinary achievements.

A Life of Pioneering Achievements:

Born on September 9, 1938, in Greymouth, New Zealand, Tim Wallis came from a family with interests in the timber and sawmilling industry. His early years were spent in Greymouth, and he went on to attend Christ’s College in Christchurch. After a brief stint as a medical student at the University of Canterbury, he embarked on a unique journey by taking a job at the Kopara Sawmilling Company’s Haupiri mill.

Wallis’s pioneering spirit became evident as he ventured into the live deer capture industry in New Zealand’s South Island. He built an aviation empire around helicopter operations, revolutionizing the industry by using helicopters to extract valuable animals from the challenging high country terrain. For years, he held a virtual monopoly on commercial hunting rights in Fiordland National Park.

An Impactful Transition: From Deer Recovery to Farming:

Tim Wallis wasn’t content with just revolutionizing the live deer capture industry. In the 1970s, he recognized the untapped potential of the deer farming sector in New Zealand. His farm, Criffel, became a beacon of excellence, setting high standards for genetics and serving as a model for other farmers. Notably, the world’s first deer auction took place on his farm in 1977.

Wallis’s company, the Alpine Deer Group, established trade relationships with countries like Russia, Korea, and Hong Kong, leading to the export of velvet, antler, and pizzle to Asian markets. He made history in 1974 by pioneering the first live deer exports to Taiwan, followed by similar exports to Korea in 1975.

A Lifelong Passion for Aviation:

Tim Wallis’s love for aviation was evident throughout his life. In 1965, he made a pivotal move by purchasing his first helicopter, which he used for commercial work. His fascination with aviation didn’t stop there. He went on to purchase and restore numerous World War II-era fighter aircraft, leading to the establishment of the Alpine Fighter Collection and the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum.

Despite a life-changing helicopter crash in 1968 that left him partially paralyzed, Wallis demonstrated immense resilience, continuing his flying career and pursuing his passion for aviation.

A Legacy of Iconic Aircraft:

Wallis’s contributions extended beyond his personal achievements. He acquired and restored historic aircraft, such as the North American P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI. His dedication to preserving aviation history was evident in these acquisitions, and his collection became a symbol of his commitment to this cause.

Warbirds over Wanaka:

One of Wallis’s enduring legacies was the creation of the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka airshow in 1988. This event has since drawn crowds of up to 50,000 aviation enthusiasts and has become an integral part of New Zealand’s cultural landscape. Wallis led the organizing team for this event until 2006 when it was passed on to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, ensuring its continuation.

A Life Well-Lived:

Sir Tim Wallis was not only a trailblazer in aviation and deer farming but also a dedicated family man. He married Prue Hazledine in 1974, and they raised four children. Tragically, in 2018, the Wallis family suffered the loss of two of their four sons, Matt and Nick, in separate helicopter crashes.

The cause of Sir Tim Wallis’s death has left a void in New Zealand’s aviation and deer farming industries. His contributions will forever be etched in history, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His unwavering commitment to innovation, his dedication to preserving aviation history, and his pioneering work in the deer farming industry have left an indelible mark on New Zealand. As we reflect on his life’s extraordinary journey, we remember Sir Tim Wallis as a true visionary who elevated both industries to new heights.