[Deathwatch] David Lange, former New Zealand PM, 63

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

NZ's former PM Lange dies after health complications


WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange
died in hospital on Saturday after complications of renal failure.

"It is with sadness that we announce the passing of The Right
Honourable David Lange," his family said in a statement reported by the
New Zealand Press Association. "Mr Lange died from the complications of
renal failure with his close family by his side."

He died at 10 p.m. (2200 GMT) on Saturday.

Lange, 63, was a pugnacious and witty former Methodist lay preacher who
spent five turbulent years as New Zealand's prime minister from 1984.

Lange was taken to hospital on July 15, and had his right leg amputated
below the knee after a complication of diabetes.

In 2002, Lange was diagnosed with a rare incurable plasma disorder,
which causes a build-up of excess protein from bone marrow and damages
the organs.




Many thanks to Stevie Davidson for posting this obituary