In Memoriam: Dr. Paul Kibblewhite
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Dr. Paul Kibblewhite was known by many in TAPPI for his creativity and engaging personality that brought life to many technical sessions when he was able to travel to TAPPI conferences. Paul died August 21 at age 74 where he lived in Rotorua, New Zealand. His service on Monday was standing room only as family, former colleagues and friends from all aspects of his life gathered to farewell the revered scientist.
Paul was blind and very much a family man, whose great enthusiasm for the outdoors included tramping, gardening, sailing, or travelling. In his many adventures, he was accompanied by his wife Leonie and his guide dog. "His first love was native trees and we'd go bush walking and tramping. We did most of the Great Walks. He didn't let his blindness stop him. "When tramping, we were slower than everyone else, but it didn't stop him from doing it," Leonie said. Dr Kibblewhite was born very short-sighted and, from 1997, gradually lost his sight.
Paul was awarded an MBE in 1993 for his research on wood fiber and kraft pulp. He was regarded as the world's leading researcher on the forms of wood fiber from radiata pine. "He was probably the most amazing scientist Scion and Rotorua has ever had," said Dr. Russell Burton, Scion research and investment general manager.
"Dr. Kibblewhite was internationally regarded. He was the person who helped us get radiata pine on the map in terms of a species for producing high quality paper. He was a significant part of that team, and radiata pine is what has been driving Norske Skog and Carter Holt Harvey pulp and paper. He was a character, a fantastic mentor of young staff," Dr. Burton added.
Paul started at what was originally the Forest Research Institute in 1968 and retired in 2009. In retirement, he helped raise funds for the Red Puppy Appeal, took on the secretary role at the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron, started gardening, and took his grandchildren on expeditions. He and Mrs. Kibblewhite also travelled extensively, including to the Subantarctic Islands.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, two stepsons, seven grandchildren, and guide dog Enzo.
