Farmers owe a debt of gratitude, says John Monaghan.
Dairy co-operative Fonterra has paid tribute to its former chairman John Wilson, who died yesterday aged 54 after a long illness.
In July last year, John Wilson announced his intention to step down from the role of chairman to focus on his health. He then retired from the board at its annual meeting last November.
In a note to the co-operative’s farmer-owners yesterday, his replacement John Monaghan said Mr Wilson was a man whose dedication and commitment to the co-operative ran deep.
“We owe John and his family a debt of gratitude for all the time, energy and sheer hard graft he gave us as a farmer-owner, inaugural chairman of the Fonterra Shareholder’s Council, as a farmer-elected director from 2003, and as our chairman from 2012.
“John always brought dedication, commitment, and deep dairy knowledge to each of the representation and governance roles in which he served. On behalf of his fellow farmers he was the ultimate advocate for what we stand for.
“We have lost a friend, colleague, leader and champion for our industry much too soon. Our thoughts and deep gratitude for all that he contributed go to his family and friends,” said Mr Monaghan.
Mr Wilson is survived by his wife Belinda and four daughters, Sophie, Victoria and twins Tessa and Libby.
