There was a moment's silence in Central Otago District Council chambers on Thursday (July 10) to acknowledge the passing of former councillor Mike Dowling, of Ranfurly.

Mike also served on the Maniototo Community Board, including chair for seven years, and the Community Trust of Maniototo from 1989 to 2017.

He died on June 30 and a celebration of his life was held in Ranfurly on July 6.

A third generation farmer of Pine Terrace (which has been in the Dowling family for over 100 years), Mike was a long standing stalwart of the Maniototo community and had been married to Joan for more than 50 years. The couple had seven children. 

Mike also gave his time to rugby clubs, school boards and charitable trusts. 

There were many tributes on social media for the man who was patron of the Maniototo rugby club, including from members of the ex Maniototo Maggots.

“Over the years as a supporter there wouldn't have been a game he and Joan did not miss. Every ground in Otago country and beyond supporting their boys. They were a constant,” read the tribute.

The ex-Maniototo Maggots said Mike was always on hand to give well-thought-out, truthful and experienced advice on how they had played, “and it was always respected and sought after”.

Mike was crucial in the formation of the club and with the building of the new clubrooms.

“His length of time of involvement in rugby on the Maniototo would be second to none. 

Not only have we lost a patron we have lost a pillar of our club but also a very dear friend.”

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