Major Ian Lattimore, a long serving military officer in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and former Ashburton College head boy, was farewelled in Ashburton last week with a military funeral.
Streets around Paterson’s Funeral Home were closed following the service as his casket, lead by a police vehicle and accompanied by military escort, was transported by gun carriage as part of the honour.
A firing party on the corner of Cox and East Street fired three volleys as the carriage passed.
Ian, who had retired from the New Zealand Army, passed away unexpectedly on January 28. He was 61.
A professional and long-serving military officer in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Ian grew up in Mid Canterbury; the family lived on Dip Road, near Methven.
He attended Lyndhurst Primary School, Methven High School and Ashburton College.
At the college he was head boy, captain of the rugby 1st XV and also head of red house.
During his last year at school, he was accepted for officer training in the NZ Army and attended Officer Cadet School in Portsea, south of Melbourne.
He graduated as an officer in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
During his career Ian held a number of command appointments within 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, 2nd Canterbury Nelson Marlborough West Coast Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and 2nd/4th Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, as well as numerous roles with NZ Army and the wider
New Zealand Defence Force.
He served for 40 years in these roles with many highlights recognised both internationally and within New Zealand.
Towards the end of his career, he commanded the Youth Development Unit in Burnham and was particularly passionate about supporting, coaching and developing young New Zealanders.
He served on operational tours in the Sinai Peninsula, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Timor Leste.
His most recent role was as a reserve officer was in the MIQ hotels as part of the whole of government response to Covid-19.
Throughout his long and distinguished army career he is remembered for his sense of humour, professional ethos and comradeship.
It was reflected in the many condolence messages, remembrance wishes and attendance of present and past military service members alongside his family at the funeral.
