Army bomb victim 'a good Kiwi bloke'

Air Force officer mourned

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Andrew Forster, the bomb disposal expert killed by an exploding shell at Waiouru, was a devoted family man, proud serviceman and all-round good Kiwi bloke.

The 46-year-old was remembered yesterday by his brother-in-law, Glen Langvad, as a totally honest man who loved his family and career.

"He was a devoted family man and awesome all-round good Kiwi bloke."

The air force veteran of 27 years was killed on Thursday while trying to detonate an unexploded shell.

It exploded when Mr Forster drove a stake into the ground to warn others of the shell's location, killing him instantly.

He was due to return home to Palmerston North that day to spend time with wife Karen and his three children, who are aged 13 to 19.

He had just taken up a role with the Explosives Ordnance Disposal squadron after spending six months in Afghanistan.

"He was supposed to turn up at 3pm to go and get tickets for the Top Gear show because the kids are right into their cars and motor shows," Mr Langvad said.

Instead, they spent the afternoon mourning their dad.

Mr Langvad said Mr Forster frequently talked about his work, which he loved, and his family were aware of the dangers involved.

When not on duty, Mr Forster was a keen farmer and spent time making wooden chairs and furniture for children.

"One Christmas when the children were all very young he put out flour in the shape of Santa Claus' footprints so they would think he'd been there.

"That's the type of guy he was ... he'd go the extra distance."

Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki said a second man involved in the explosion had escaped with cuts and bruises and was discharged from Waiouru Hospital yesterday.

Mr Forster's funeral will be held at Ohakea air base on Tuesday.