Mr Kohler (54), of Poolburn, was killed when his motorcycle and a truck collided at the intersection of Springvale Rd and State Highway 85. Mr Kohler died at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.
Mr Kohler was yesterday remembered as an intelligent, caring man who had volunteered for Victim Support for many years.
He was highly trained in Victim Support, working in areas of family violence, grief, sudden death and homicide, Central Otago Victim Support local group committee chairwoman Judy Elliot-Hall said.
Now, Victim Support volunteers were supporting Mr Kohler’s two children, whom Mr Kohler adored, Mrs Elliot-Hall said.
She said Mr Kohler was extremely highly thought of in all he did. He was also registered as a translator through the police-Victim Support network. Mr Kohler had started volunteering for Victim Support because he wanted to be part of the community, Mrs Elliot-Hall said.
"It was his nature to be able to help as many people as he could. Nobody can talk highly enough of him. He’s going to be sadly missed among our group of friends and our community."
Mr Kohler lived on a lifestyle block and enjoyed tending to his animals, Mrs Elliot-Hall said. He also kept bees, and "made the best honey in Central Otago", she said.
Originally from Germany, Mr Kohler was also a scientist. He is listed in the electoral roll as a palaeontologist and there are various mentions of his geology studies and writings on the University of Otago and other websites.
