My Account
The long-time Leigh resident was farewelled with a simple ceremony befitting a man who once told Mahurangi Matters that, “Material things have never been important to me. If I really want to feel like a decadent millionaire, then all I have to do is allow myself two fried eggs for breakfast.”
Dr Ballantine was the first director of the Leigh Marine Laboratory (1965-1985) and one of the key people responsible for establishing NZ’s first marine reserve at Goat Island in November 1975.
He devoted his life to the establishment of marine reserves, both in New Zealand and overseas, and the rocky seashore, and particularly limpets, were his passion.
And while Dr Ballantine’s formidable academic achievements were acknowledged, it was the man behind the scientist that family, friends and colleagues remembered.
He was described as a devoted family man to his late wife Dulcie, children Michael and Mary, and grandchildren; a man of science and an intellectual who was uncompromising in his arguments for marine reserves.
His long-time friend and colleague Dr John Walsby said few would probably remember that when the Goat Island marine reserve was first mooted, it covered only one-and-a-half kilometres of shoreline.
“It was Bill who said that that was not enough,” Dr Walsby recalled. “Some resented this and felt it set back the process, but he was stubborn and he was right. It’s thanks to him that the reserve covers five-kilometres from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point.”
But Dr Ballantine’s influence went far beyond Leigh.
Speakers included representatives of Auckland University and the NZ Marine Sciences Society, and messages were read from underwater photographer and author Wade Doak, and the Minister for the Environment Nick Smith. In a written message, climatologist Professor Jim Salinger paid tribute to the decades of invaluable records that Dr Ballantine had kept on sea surface temperatures.
Colleague Kim Westerskov said that all Bill had really wanted to do was “leave the world a better place”.
“Although he could be crusty and argumentative on the outside, underneath he was a warm, hospitable and generous man,” he said.
Many described him as conversationalist of unflagging enthusiasm and energy.
His sister Elizabeth Ballantine, from England, told the story of Bill’s student days at Cambridge, when he and two friends decided to make the 80-mile journey between Cambridge and Oxford on roller skates, a scooter and tricycle. Bill, on the scooter, was the only one to finish the stunt, which earned him front page coverage in The Times newspaper.
His research, teachings, passion for the marine environment had influenced thousands of people all over the world, over a long and dedicated career.
Dr Ballantine died unexpectedly at Auckland Hospital on November 1 aged 78 years.
