In memory of Bryan Wenmoth
9 October 1946–31 October 2012, aged 66 years
In November 2012, it was with great sadness that NZOQ learned of the passing of Honorary and Founding member, and former Executive Director, Bryan Wenmoth. The quality fraternity lost a guru and friend.
The following are edited highlights taken from tributes from Bryan’s former NZOQ colleagues. The full tributes are published in the November/December 2012 issue of QNewZ, NZOQ’s member magazine at the time.
New Zealand’s own ‘Quality Guru’
“Bryan was for so long the face of NZOQ, and for that matter, of the New Zealand Quality movement, so much so that at the time of his retirement at the end of 2003 it was hard to imagine the organisation without him. In fact most of us who remain involved still miss the guidance, exceptional expertise, professionalism, hard work and passionate leadership that were his hallmark. And, given the number of since-highly successful people in their own right that he helped and mentored over those years, it would be no exaggeration to accord him the title of New Zealand’s own ‘Quality Guru’!”
—Roger Atkinson (Honorary Member and former President)
The ‘white-suited’ messenger
“My memories of Bryan go back to 1977, during the halcyon days of NZOQ. Bryan will always be remembered as the ‘white-suited messenger’ from NZOQ. To stand out in a crowd one has to have presence and capability to deliver beyond the initial image. He always delivered sound advice and ideas. He was always ready for a fight with heavy-handed bureaucracy. He did not hold back. I was encouraged by his strength of presence when I visited him in Palmerston North three weeks before he died. Still walking, still debating, still being positive about the future, and still a fighter. Rest in Peace, my friend.”
—Tony Stephenson (Honorary Member and former President)
Passionate about his work
“Bryan will always be remembered as the ‘man in the white suit with a beard and ponytail’ and that is how I remember him too. He liked the finer things in life — good wine, great art, and he was never short of a topic to discuss. I was privy to his thoughts on these and many other topics during the many trips we took to Wellington for NZOQ meetings; and I was lucky if I got a word in!”
— Ansley Te Hiwi (former Administration Manager)
Farewell to a legend!
“All those who have come across Bryan [would] believe that they have met another guru of the order of Deming, Hertzberg, Maslow or even Mayo. He has certainly had an impact and influence on many and we have become the better for this. What a quality contribution and experience! What a significant record of service! … Go well, old friend.”
—Joe Hollander (Honorary Member and former Board member)
NZOQ owes a great debt of gratitude
“I valued Bryan’s support most during my time as National President in 1991–1993. Bryan’s wide knowledge of the history of quality in New Zealand, including the organisations and people concerned, was a tremendously valuable resource for our efforts to encourage cooperative activities.”
— Diane Baguley (Honorary Member and former President)
A version of this story first appeared on the NZOQ website.
