The owner of Wānaka's Caltex Service Station, Matt Davison, died suddenly last week while working at his Caltex car wash.

The 47-year-old businessman died from an unexplained medical event which is now under investigation. Matt was a well-liked and respected member of the Wānaka community. A good communicator, he enjoyed networking and chatting to customers who, along with his friends and family, appreciated his conversation and quick wit.

A keen sportsman, along with his sons, Matt was involved in a number of sports clubs, including golf, rugby, biathlon, and smallbore rifle shooting. He was often found on the lake in his boat. Matt and his partner Kassandra came to live in Wānaka in 2006, having just bought Caltex Wānaka. Matt, the eldest of three boys, had grown up in South Canterbury on a sheep farm and had previously worked as an agricultural contractor.

With no experience in retail, it was a steep learning curve at Caltex, dealing with unpaid fuel, stock runouts, lack of staff and tills not balancing. Not to mention the busy Wānaka New Year. Matt and Kassandra have two teenage sons, Lachlan and Fletcher. A great dad and strong family man, Matt has passed on his love of the outdoors, teaching his boys rabbit and duck shooting and how to ride motorbikes on farm trails. Boating and camping have also been part of family life, with Matt happy to stop his boat in the middle of the lake, so a dozen youngsters could jump off it.

As a former executive member of the Wānaka Chamber of Commerce he was always willing to support and help other business owners.

His latest project was the high tech Washstation Carwash Complex out at Three Parks, and he was very happy to spend time there and share his new “baby” with others.

Always a “good mate”, Matt Davison will be greatly missed by many in Wānaka and remembered by his partner and sons as “a good man and fun dad”.

A service for Matt will be held later in the year once covid alert levels allow and will be notified so those in the community who knew Matt can pay their respects.

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