Mainfreight co-founder and company ‘legend’ Christchurch philanthropist Neil Graham has died after a long battle with ill health.
The logistics company announced his death yesterday on its news website
The company says 71-year-old Graham had been a huge part of the Mainfreight family since 1979 when he accepted an invitation from Bruce Plested to join the operation as joint managing director.
For the following 32 years Graham and Plested oversaw the growth of the company, laying down the foundation and culture which sustains it to this day says Mainfreight.
Mainfreight says Graham stepped down from his role as director due to ill-health in 2011, but he maintained his passion for the business with regular visits to the Christchurch branch of Mainfreight, and of course ongoing contact with his many friends that are everywhere in the business.
Mainfreight says it has lost an integral connection with its past, but more than that, a staunch and true supporter – a special member of its family.
“We know that there are many, many Mainfreight team members throughout the world who will have memories of Neil – he was a character who was larger than life, and everyone who met him will have a story to share.”
Graham’s son Dean Graham told Stuff.Co.NZ that his father was a generous and loving man who was kind to all sorts of people.
“It was his default position,” according to Dean Graham.
In Canterbury, Neil Graham financially supported the arts, Orana Park, and the order of St John. He was also a passionate rugby supporter and business mentor to Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter.
DIESELtalk extends its thoughts and condolences to the Mainfreight family and to the Graham family at this sad time.
