Sir Patrick O'Dea, once dubbed the quintessential public servant, died on Saturday, aged 93.Sir Patrick was born in Dunedin and studied at Otago University and later Victoria University. He served in the army during World War II before entering the public
Sir Patrick O'Dea, once dubbed the quintessential public servant, died on Saturday, aged 93.
Sir Patrick was born in Dunedin and studied at Otago University and later Victoria University. He served in the army during World War II before entering the public service. He held a range of jobs in the Department of Internal Affairs before rising through the ranks to run it.
Dr Michael Bassett, in his book about the department, said Sir Patrick rose rapidly through the ranks following his 1949 appointment.
The book described him as: "A solid man with heavy glasses, his quiet manner belied a tough inner core and a logical mind, although some claimed he was loath to delegate.
"He was nearly always late for appointments. Colleagues recall him as being a 'good networker', a 'trader' who knew how to get bargains for his department. One who worked with him described him as the quintessential Sir Humphrey Appleby of his day."
Sir Humphrey Appleby was a fictional character from the British television series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister who was masterful at confusing his political bosses into doing what he wanted -- mainly keeping the status quo.
He headed Internal Affairs as its secretary from 1967 until 1978.
The book said Sir Patrick was also a good writer with strong advocacy skills and was something "of a missionary" when it came to local government reform.
During the 1953 Royal tour he endeared himself to the royal household and was associated with another five visits by the Queen and several by other members of the royal family.
In 1981, three years after retirement, he was asked to run his last royal tour, for which the Queen honoured him by making him her Extra Gentleman Usher, a permanent appointment.
He was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1974.
He kept busy in retirement and was involved in a wide range of organisations, including as president of Keep New Zealand Beautiful.
A funeral service will be held in Waikanae on Wednesday.
