Statement by Stewart family read out to assembled media representitives Hamilton Central Police Station 13.00hrs Thursday 01 July 2010
Hello, my name is Gordon Stewart and I am one of Donald's brothers, beside me I have Don's daughter Tracey and her husband Cameron, Tracey is understandably upset at this time and has asked not to have questions directed to her.
From the family's perspective we were shocked by the news of Don's death, particularly the circumstances involved.
As a family we believe it important to get across to the media our gratitude to those who have provided information to help the inquiry team so far and we ask anyone else who may have information into what caused my brother's death to contact Police.
Don was a private conservative man who at the same time was kind and fun loving and we all knew him as someone who had a large, dry sense of humour.
His many friendships were very important to him and a love of skiing and the mountains in his younger days is an enduring memory as is his love of cars, at one stage he owned the fastest electronically timed TR4 in the country and he had a fondness in his younger days for making cars roll on Foxton Beach.
Don was a qualified builder, quantity surveyor, cabinet maker and draughtsman. He is described by those who worked with him as a meticulous craftsman.
He helped Tracey and Cameron decorate their first home and had built his family's home in Lower Hutt.
Though members of the family hadn't seen Don for some time they kept in regular contact via mail, the last contact being just 10 days ago.
My brother was retired and loved to travel, both around the country and also to Africa where he expanded on his concern about people affected by civil war and strife.
More recently he had been to the Fieldays and he had enjoyed a wonderful time with friends.
To that end we as a family would like to retain these memories, one of the best ways for us to do this is by attaining a quick closure to the investigation into his death.
For this to be achieved we need anyone with information on what happened to contact the Police to allow us to move through the grieving process.
This has understandably been a very tiring time for all of us and at this point I would ask that the family's privacy be respected at this time.
Thank you
End