Kingston Flyer buyer David Bryce dies

Former owner of the Kingston Flyer and winegrower David Bryce has died, surrounded by family, aged 59.

Mr Bryce, who sold the vintage steam train to a consortium of local investors in February, died at his Blenheim home on Monday.

High school friend and business associate Adrian Chisholm, who listed the Flyer, described him as an entrepreneur with great vision.

He bought the Flyer in 2011 and spent $1.3million on restoration work before relaunching the operation.

Mr Chisholm said Mr Bryce's ill health meant he could not see the project through.

He thought the purchase was slightly out of character, ''but he saw the opportunity to own a full-size train set and just did it. That was David. The Kingston Flyer was something he could put back into the community.''

Mr Bryce was father to Davey, Tim and Georgie and former husband of Marian.

A celebration of his life will be held in Blenheim tomorrow, followed by a committal ceremony on Monday in Riverton.