Neill Inkster, one of New Zealand’s most well known Rotarians and a prominent member of the Kāpiti Rotary Club for 14 years, passed away last week aged 91 years.
Neill joined Masterton Rotary club in March 1955. After being Club President he became the District Governor (DG) in 1974/75. He was involved in a project in Tonga and lead a study team to China in the early 1980s. He was proud to report that he introduced women members into his club and into the District clubs when DG.
In 1984-86 Neill was a appointed a Director of Rotary International and held many International roles from that date for another 20 years. Until New Zealander Bill Boyd became the RI World President Neill was the senior Rotarian in New Zealand.
Neill shifted to Paraparaumu and transferred to Kāpiti Rotary Club in 1998. He left the Kāpiti Club in 2012 when he returned to Masterton and rejoined his old club becoming an Honorary member there in 2014 after 62 years of active Rotary service.
Neill was married to Margaret for 66 years and had 3 adult children.
Club members who knew Neill remember him as a very wise, kind and gentlemanly figure and club representatives will attend his service Wednesday in Masterton.
