The funeral for former Army Chief Louis Gardiner is being held in Upper Hutt tomorrow.
Former Army Chief Louis Gardiner Photo: Defence Force
The Defence Force Chief, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, said the death of the retired major-general earlier this week was met by widespread sadness within the Defence Force.
"The army family has lost a general with a sincere and common touch," said Lieutenant General Keating. "Our thoughts and condolences are with Lou's family."
During his time with the Defence Force, Louis Gardiner served at the United Nations Operations in Somalia, was appointed as the New Zealand Defence advisor to Australia, and oversaw support for defence activity in Timor Leste.
He was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his operational service in Timor Leste in 2004.
A Defence Force spokesperson said the retired major-general died peacefully on Saturday surrounded by his family.
The funeral service will be at the church of Our Lady of Grace in Upper Hutt at 11am and is to be followed by a private burial.
