Queenstown-based investor, philanthropist and businessman Sir Eion Edgar has died aged 76.

He passed away yesterday afternoon (Monday June 14) while surrounded by family at his home in Queenstown. 

Tributes have poured in for the respected and cherished New Zealander, led by his family and deputy prime minister Grant Robertson, who visited him in Queenstown last month.

Sir Eion, who had been fighting pancreatic cancer since late last year, was chairman of investment company Forsyth Barr for 20 years until he retired in 2018. He played a critical role in the development and funding of Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Edgar Sports Centre in Dunedin – the largest single-building indoor sports arena in the Southern Hemisphere.

He was chairman of the New Zealand Stock Exchange, director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, a former chancellor of the University of Otago, and president of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

Sports, health, education and, of course, business were his passions, and he made a significant impact across multiple fields, leading numerous charitable trusts and organisations, including the Edgar Olympic Foundation, New Zealand Dementia Prevention Trust, and Winter Games NZ Charitable Trust.

The husband, father and grandfather was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for his services to education, business and sport.

"Eion had a positive impact on the lives of many New Zealanders across the vastly diverse causes, projects and businesses he supported so passionately," his family said in a statement.

"He was a leader in philanthropy in New Zealand and brought others along with him to amplify his impact and help make New Zealand a better place. He leaves behind an enormous legacy."

Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson said he will "miss him greatly".

"Sir Eion's energy, drive and generosity has been truly immense. He leaves a tremendous legacy and on behalf of all New Zealanders, I would like to extend my thanks for everything he has done and how this has benefited people and communities," Grant said.

“I also extend my condolences to Jan, Lady Edgar and their family. At a personal level I want to acknowledge Sir Eion for his unfailing generosity of spirit. As he would often remind people we were both Otago University graduates and share our love for the region.

"Even as a young student president nearly 30 years ago I appreciated working with Sir Eion. We may not have agreed on everything, but he was always respectful and encouraging – I will miss him greatly."

Sir Eion earned many awards and accolades for his philanthropy, including his knighthood, NBR New Zealander of the Year 2004, Senior New Zealander of the Year in 2010 and being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.

"The range of philanthropic causes that Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar have supported both inside and outside the sport sector is nothing short of extraordinary. These projects and initiatives have left a huge imprint on sport in New Zealand," Grant said.

"Their genuine desire to improve the lives of New Zealanders meant that their contributions have extended well beyond the realm of sport to business, community, youth, arts, education, the environment and health."

PHOTO: Supplied