New Zealand Rugby Foundation co-founder and inaugural President Sir Russell Pettigrew passed away peacefully in Hawkes Bay on Thursday aged 94.

In 1986, along with Kel Tremain, Sir Russell established the NZ Rugby Foundation amidst concerns for areas of rugby in need. Sir Russell facilitated the contribution of $1m from Goodman Fielder as seed funding for the Rugby Foundation, and sat as both President and Chairman in its formative days.

“Often we consider what Kel and Sir Russell envisaged and as part of their legacy we act accordingly” Explained CEO Lisa Kingi-Bon. “Having men at the helm with as much mana and passion ensured we were established from a strong platform.”

“It is indeed a time to mourn, but also to celebrate how many lives have been enhanced due to the vision of these 2 great men” said Kingi-Bon. Today the NZ Rugby Foundation partners with and supports 102 (VIPS) players who have suffered serious spinal injury. "He set up a fine example for us with his clear-cut, no nonsense approach."

A prominent business and philanthropist Sir Russell was well known for not wasting time. He returned from World War Two on a Friday, purchased a delivery business over the weekend, and opened shop on Monday. It was a pace he was to maintain. In 1964 he formed transport giant Freightways and also found time to serve as a director of 14 organisations.

Despite his business successes Pettigrew was a community man. He served as President of the New Zealand and Hawkes Bay Rugby Football Unions, and Napier High School Old Boys Rugby Football Club; installed as a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, granted Freedom of the City of Napier, an inductee of the Hawkes Bay Business Hall of Fame, and a Life Member of the Transport Forum, Hawkes Bay Rugby Football Union, and the Meeanee Rodeo Association.

On behalf on our board of Trustees, operational staff and the 102 VIPS whose lives are for the better every day due to Sir Russell’s vision we pass on our deepest sympathies to Glennis Lady Pettigrew and entire family and many friends.