The 76 year old cyclist who was hit by a van on Tahunanui Drive on Saturday morning, and later died from his injuries, was a former Good Neighbour of the Year winner, known for his good nature.
William (Bill) Frederick Higgins, of Tahunanui, told Nelson Weekly in 2010 after winning the award for being a “good neighbour” that if he won Lotto he’d still want to live on his beloved Blackwood St. “It’s the best street I’ve ever lived on,” he said.
Bill was a former truck and bus driver and was often seen walking and cycling around Tahunanui. He was also a volunteer at the Stoke Seniors and a keen bowler at the Tahuna Bowling Club.
Police are still piecing together how the accident occurred and are appealing for witnesses.
The accident happened at around 8.50am and forced the closure of Tahunanui Drive for more than an hour.
Tahuna Bowling Club member Peter Goodman says Bill’s death has hit the club hard.
“Bill was one of those guys who didn’t wait for the club to do things for him, he did things for the club.”
Bill was on his way to the bowling club to play in the semi-finals of the club champs, when he was hit.
He is survived by his wife Jean.
