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Sir Wilson Whineray is farewelled - Source: ONE News -
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Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the life of one of New Zealand's great men today.
All Black captain and businessman Sir Wilson Whineray died in Auckland Hospital on Monday, aged 77. He was surrounded by family and had been in hospital for the past month.
Former All Blacks, business leaders and Victoria Cross winner Sir Willie Apiata were among the large crowd that gathered for the funeral at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, a building he helped raise funds to construct.
Sir Wilson Whineray's son, James Whineray, paid tribute to "a very special man."
He said his father used to say that a rich life was not measured by the amount of money one has in the bank but by the wealth of life experiences.
And by his own definition, James said his father was a very rich man.
As the casket of the decorated sportsman and businessman was carried out, a new generation of rugby players formed a guard of honour.
Whineray will also be remembered at provincial matches across the country this weekend, with a moment's silence to be observed in his memory.
Sir Wilson is survived by his wife, Lady Elisabeth, a son, two daughters and five grandchildren.