Jane Southee/Supplied
The front of the funeral cortège for beloved truck driver Bryan Menefy reflected his love for all things Mack.
Engines revved up and horns sounded off as a leading figure of the New Zealand transport industry was farewelled by the community on Saturday.
Menefy Trucking managing director Bryan Menefy died on June 22 at the age of 57 after a hard fought five year battle with motor neurone disease.
The guard of honour started at about 20 vehicles that set off from Menefy’s house, with his coffin riding on his prized Mack Superliner truck leading from the front.
Outside the Mack retailer on Malden Street, Menefy’s favourite truck brand, the numbers swelled as truckers from across the region came to join the procession, blaring horns and engines to crowds of onlookers.
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Jane Southee, a close friend of Menefy’s, said many attendees jumped in their cars to follow the big procession.
“He was so well-loved in the trucking community. Truckers from across the region and beyond came down to see him out. I haven’t seen a funeral like that since Lloyd Lampp passed on.”
Jane Southee/Supplied
Truckers from across the region gathered on Malden Street to pay their respects.
Menefy had owned and operated Menefy Trucking Company since 1997, which over the years had gradually grown to become a multi-vehicle transporting company covering the lower North Island.
Southee had known Menefy for over four decades and said he’d sponsored her drag racing cars in the past.
“He loved his stock cars and had this huge collection of trucks and Fords. Anyone who’s worked with him remembers him as this huge presence who was always willing to help.”
Jane Southee/Supplied
Menefy Trucking managing director Bryan Menefy was beloved amongst the trucking community.
Murray Sowerby got to know Menefy through his role with Motor Trucks Distributors, selling him parts and trucks. Originally a business relationship, he said that gradually turned into a deep friendship.
“He was quite a reserved guy. He wasn’t that outgoing, but he was just a very genuine, friendly, hardworking man with a great sense of humour.
“Whatever he did, be it motor racing or driving trucks, it was all done to a high standard. He had lots of pride in what he did.”
Sowerby described the send-off as more of an event than a funeral but said it’s something Menefy would’ve loved to see.
“It was a tremendous send off for a man so dedicated to his business and the wider industry. It was as good as it could’ve been.”
Menefy’s obituary remembered him as an “amazing nephew and friend to his extended family.”
“We will always remember Bryan for his love and dedication to Fords and all his achievements in the trucking and speedway worlds.
