Ashburton A&P Association members are paying tribute to immediate past president Victor Schikker of Ashburton who died after falling at the Staveley ice rink.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at the Hotel Ashburton, 2pm on Saturday.
Current A&P president Ben Stock said he and fellow members were shocked and saddened by the death of Schikker, who he described as ‘‘a big Mid Canterbury identity’’.
‘‘We are all just trying to process it still, just sort of can’t believe he’s not with us anymore,’’ Stock said.
‘‘He was a really good guy, a great mate to a lot of people, a good storyteller.
‘‘He’s just left a big hole in our community,’’ Stock said.
During his two-year president term, Schikker had come up with the inspiring show themes of Multicultural Mid Canterbury, in 2022, and Bees, Bugs and Butterflies last year.
He had been good at encouraging new people, including Stock himself, on to the committee.
Stock said he had not even been a member of the association when about four years ago Schikker ‘‘pulled’’ him on to the committee, following Stock giving Schikker ‘‘a bit of lip’’ about Schikker’s formal style wear at a show.
Schikker, a father of three and well-known longtime Mid Canterbury stock agent, was the second person to die at a Canterbury ice skating rink in two weeks.
It is understood he fell backwards and hit his head during a social game of curling he had organised.
He was transported to Christchurch Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition but died on Sunday morning.
Schikker’s son Liam paid tribute to his father on social media, saying he was a proud dad and Mid Cantabrian who went out of his way to bring a smile to any room he entered.
“Although he was taken from us far too early we are thankful his final moments were spent at a place he loved throughout his entire life, surrounded by friends.”
