Tributes have flowed for medical professor Sir Don Beaven after the 84-year-old was killed in a house fire on Banks Peninsula yesterday.
Sir Don, a pioneer in major developments in diabetes treatment and prevention, was alone at his bach in the beach settlement of Little Akaloa yesterday when fire broke out about 11.40am.
The fire, which was not though to be suspicious, burnt the three-storey house nearly to the ground.
Sir Don was foundation professor of the Christchurch School of Medicine and had held medical appointments and fellowships all over the world.
He was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit -- one of the country's highest honours -- in the 2005 New Year Honours.
He accepted a knighthood after the National Government restored the former honours system earlier this year.
Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia today paid tribute to Sir Don, expressing sadness at the tragic loss.
"I met with him just two days ago, in his capacity as co-patron of Diabetes New Zealand. His enormous enthusiasm was evident to us all -- he had a fierce passion for making a difference for the lives of people with diabetes."
Mrs Turia said Sir Don's legacy was best represented by over the eight books and more than 250 articles he wrote in the area of clinical medicine and diabetes.
"But it will be his relentless energy and his quick mind that will stay in our minds," she said.
"While New Zealand mourns the loss of such a distinguished statesman, our heartfelt sympathies are extended to those who miss him most as the head of their family."
Labour Party health spokesperson Ruth Dyson also offered her condolences to Sir Don's family and said he would be greatly missed.
"I had the pleasure of recently attending Sir Don's 80th birthday it was a privilege to have known such a talented New Zealander who was dedicated to improving the health of Kiwis," she said.
"His work has been acknowledged throughout the world and his passing leaves will be felt by all New Zealanders whose lives have been affected by diabetes."
Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said the greatest tribute to Sir Don would be for others to continue his research and to implement the many recommendations he had made over the years.
