Tim Wallis obituary

Tim Wallis Obituary: A Pioneer in Aviation and Deer Farming

Sir Timothy William Wallis, a visionary entrepreneur, aviation pioneer, and key figure in New Zealand’s deer farming industry, passed away on the 17th of October, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the nation’s aviation and agricultural sectors.

Early Life and Entrepreneurship:

Born on September 9, 1938, in Greymouth, New Zealand, Tim Wallis was the second of four children to Arthur Trevor and Janice Mildred Wallis. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, his father’s interests in the timber and sawmilling industry surely influenced young Tim’s future endeavors. Wallis attended Christ’s College, Christchurch, after completing compulsory military training in 1957, and eventually transitioned into the workforce, starting at the Kopara Sawmilling Company’s Haupiri mill.

Pioneering Deer Recovery and Farming:

One of Wallis’s most significant contributions was pioneering the live deer recovery industry in New Zealand’s South Island. He built a remarkable aviation empire centered around helicopter operations, extracting valuable animals from the rugged high country. He held a virtual monopoly over commercial hunting rights in Fiordland National Park for many years.

Wallis foresaw the potential of the deer farming industry in New Zealand and moved into this sector during the 1970s. His Criffel farm became a center of excellence for high-quality genetics, serving as a model for many other farmers. In 1977, he hosted the world’s first deer auction on his farm. His company, Alpine Deer Group, established trade relationships with Russia, Korea, and Hong Kong, leading to exports of velvet, antler, and pizzle to Asia. Wallis even pioneered the first exports of live deer to Taiwan in 1974, followed by live deer exports to Korea in 1975.

In 1976, he purchased Mararoa station, which he later sold in 1987 to Challenge Deer Park.

Aviation Enthusiast and Collector:

Wallis’s passion for aviation was undeniable. In 1965, he acquired his first helicopter for commercial operations, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey in the aviation industry. He was not only a businessman but a collector and restorer of World War II-era fighter aircraft.

His acquisitions included a North American P-51 Mustang and a Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI. The purchase of these aircraft played a significant role in expanding the Warbird movement in New Zealand. Additionally, Wallis established the Alpine Fighter Collection and the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum.

Legacy and Personal Challenges:

Wallis’s life was not without its share of personal challenges. In 1968, he faced a life-altering helicopter crash, leaving him partly paralyzed and requiring steel, later titanium, support for mobility. The indomitable spirit that defined him allowed him to continue his flying career despite this setback.

Further trials came in 1996 when he faced another serious aircraft accident while practicing formation flying. Though his injuries left him medically unfit to fly, Wallis’s passion for aviation remained undiminished.

Remembering Sir Tim Wallis:

Sir Tim Wallis’s legacy is defined by his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to the fields of aviation and agriculture. His entrepreneurial acumen and unrelenting passion have left an indelible mark on New Zealand.

He was not only a remarkable businessman but also a loving husband to Prue Wallis and a devoted father to their four children: Toby Frederick, Jonathan Arthur, Matthew Timothy, and Nicholas Robert.

The Wallis family faced immense tragedy in 2018 when they lost Matthew and Nicholas in separate helicopter crashes. These losses cast a shadow over their lives, yet the Wallis family’s resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to their strength.

Sir Tim Wallis’s death, which occurred at home surrounded by family, marks the end of an era. His exceptional contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

A funeral will be held at Wānaka Airport in the coming week. Sir Tim Wallis is survived by his wife Prue and their two sons, Toby and Jonathan.

Sir Tim Wallis’s passing is a profound loss, but his enduring legacy as a pioneer, aviation enthusiast, and family man will continue to inspire and shape the future of New Zealand’s aviation and agricultural industries. His remarkable journey, riddled with achievements and personal challenges, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a visionary entrepreneur. Sir Tim Wallis will forever be remembered for his exceptional contributions to his nation and his family.