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Post by trees on Sept 24, 2020 12:05:40 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Russell Anthony (Russ) Holmes X80291 SDRVR RNZAF 18 January 1961 to 11 April 1969. Suddenly on 15 September 2020 at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney aged 77 years. Most treasured youngest son of the late Sara and Jim, dearly loved brother of Sally (UK), Sharon (Auckland), Barry (Auckland), and brother in law to Jill (Auckland). Adored uncle of Tania and Suzie (UK), Peter (Perth), Russell and Shelley (Auckland), Dean (Dubai), Lisa (Manawatu), and their families. Formerly RNZAF, MOT, and Burns Philp, Pacific Islands. Now at Rest. A celebration of Russ's life will be held in Coffs Harbour on Thursday 24 September at 10am. All communications to the Holmes family c/- Keith Logue and Sons, Funeral Director, 42 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, NSW2450
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Post by trees on Sept 24, 2020 14:47:26 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Ian Robert (Junk) Jenkins P80283 ARM FIT RNZAF 10 January 1961 to 17 October 1967. On 22 September 2020 at Bundaberg QLD. No further details available at this time.
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Post by trees on Sept 27, 2020 14:47:01 GMT 12
SPILMAN, Sidney Lewis (Buzz): NZ413138 Flight Lieutenant 75 Squadron WWII. Aerial topdressing pilot Wanganui. Died on Friday, September 18, 2020, at The Wood Retirement Village, Nelson, aged 98. Dearly loved husband of the late Dinah, loved father and father-in-law of Margot and John Rowling of Nelson, and Sherrilyn (Shern) Spilman and John Pattison of Nelson, treasured granddad of Josette Prince of Auckland, and Flynn Perry of Nelson. In accordance with his wishes he will be farewelled privately. Special thanks to staff at The Wood for their care during his final days. Messages can be sent to Buzz's family c/- 164 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson 7011, or made online at www.shoneandshirley.com
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Post by trees on Sept 28, 2020 11:01:59 GMT 12
SGT (RTD) David Ernest (Dave) McCullough A78821 AVTECH RNZAF 13 February 1957 to 23 Sep 1975. Peacefully at home on 24th September, 2020. Dearly loved husband of Peggy. Loved father of Sharon and Glenn, loved Grandad of Steven, and brother of Diane, Sandra, and the late Margaret. At Dave's request, a private cremation has been held, with a Memorial Service to take place at a future date. NZ Herald.
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Post by oj on Sept 28, 2020 20:20:01 GMT 12
By a remarkable and sad coincidence, I opened this page tonight to find three former work colleagues from Ohakea, Pete Jost, Russ Holmes and Ian Jenkins have all passed away. RIP fine gentlemen. We need to be so reflective of our own lucky positions at this time.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 28, 2020 21:00:37 GMT 12
That's sad OJ.
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Post by trees on Oct 1, 2020 21:06:17 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) Robert Lacon (Bob) Randal U716974 GD(N) RNZAF 5 July 1960 to 16 November 1985 Best friend and adored beloved husband of the late Gail. The best ever dad and father-in-law to Kirsten & Stuart, Tania & David, Mark & Michelle. Beloved granddad to Jordan, Joelle, Leah, Lachlan, Lacon, Malachi, Judah, Jesse, Samuel and Harrison. Much loved brother to Julie and Howard. Passed over on 22 September 2020 at Charles Fleming, Waikanae. A service to celebrate Robert's life will be held in Cedarwood, 17 Parata Street, Waikanae, on Tuesday 29 September 2020 at 1.00pm, followed by a private burial. Waikanae Funeral Home Ltd FDANZ Tel 04 2936844 Published in Dominion Post on Sept. 25, 202
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Post by trees on Oct 5, 2020 10:26:29 GMT 12
CPLW (RTD) Heather Kathleen (Heather) METCALFE (nee McDonald) U80472 Snr Librarian RNZAF passed away on 1 October 2020. Beloved friend and soul mate of Frances Woods (Garden). My dear friend of 65 years through school, Air Force service and life. Too precious to forget.. Published in The New Zealand Herald on Oct. 5, 2020
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 6, 2020 10:40:23 GMT 12
McKENZIE, Colin Francis: (RNZAF 4311695) Born March 24, 1923. Passed away on October 4, 2020, aged 97 years. Dearly loved husband of Gladys for 74 wonderful years. Much loved father and father-in-law to Brian and Iva, Noel and Maureen, and Warren and Karen. Loved Grandad to Leonie and Pat Gresham, Adrian and Belle, Scott, Karl and Yasemin. Playful Old Grandad to Bella, Liam, Izzy, Lukus and Libby. Special thanks to the staff at Elloughton Gardens for their care and compassion during the last 12 months. A celebration of Colin's life will be held at 1.30pm, on Thursday, October 8, at Aoraki Funeral Services, 160 Mountainview Road, Timaru 7910. Messages to: The McKenzie Family, C/- PO Box 4091, Highfield, Timaru 7942.
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Post by trees on Oct 7, 2020 10:35:04 GMT 12
MAJ & SQN LDR (RTD) Stephen James (Steve) Taylor J102404 Legal Officer. On October 4, 2020 at home in Masterton, aged 72 years. Loved by Diana (Wink), Drew, Lizzie and Jackson; Catherine, Rhyce, Max and Ella; Rachael and Joachim; Sarah and Kane. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Bruce and Rowena, Gillian and Terry Beloved uncle to Tim, Nick, Sam, and Jamie. Loved and respected by many. Messages can be left on Steve's tribute page at www.heavenaddress.com Funeral notice to follow. Wairarapa Funeral Services www.wairarapafunerals.co.nzFDANZ
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Post by errolmartyn on Oct 7, 2020 11:18:29 GMT 12
MAJ & SQN LDR (RTD) Stephen James (Steve) Taylor J102404 Legal Officer. On October 4, 2020 at home in Masterton, aged 72 years. Loved by Diana (Wink), Drew, Lizzie and Jackson; Catherine, Rhyce, Max and Ella; Rachael and Joachim; Sarah and Kane. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Bruce and Rowena, Gillian and Terry Beloved uncle to Tim, Nick, Sam, and Jamie. Loved and respected by many. Messages can be left on Steve's tribute page at www.heavenaddress.com Funeral notice to follow. Wairarapa Funeral Services www.wairarapafunerals.co.nzFDANZ From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : TAYLOR, Squadron Leader Stephen James, AE. J102404; Born Marton, 27 Oct 1947; RNZAF/TAF 28 Oct 1982 to ~; Legal. Air Efficiency Award - 28 Oct 1992. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 11, 2020 7:32:45 GMT 12
Thanks to Ray Deerness who brought this obituary to my attention. World War II bomber pilot Buzz Spilman transitioned to topdresser in Whanganui10 Oct, 2020 05:00 AM Buzz Spilman had a long career in aviation, including being a World War II bomber pilot. Photo / Supplied Whanganui Chronicle By: Shern Spilman A former World War II bomber pilot who was among the early aerial topdressing pilots in the central North Island has died in Nelson at the age of 98. Sidney Lewis Spilman (July 11, 1922–September 18, 2020), known as Buzz, started out aerial topdressing in Whanganui more than 65 years ago in a Tiger Moth biplane. He logged more than 10,000 hours aerial topdressing over almost two decades, a period rife with fatalities and serious "prangs" but he came through without any accidents. In his first year of topdressing in 1954 he had to swing on the Tiger Moth's wooden propeller to start the engine before scrambling to move the wooden chocks away from the aircraft's wheels, then climbed into the open cockpit. He had had two years using Tiger Moths as a flight instructor in England during the war before flying Lancaster bombers on a tour of 30 operations over Germany. In Whanganui, unlike England, he wasn't getting chilblains on his face from exposure to the weather in a Tiger Moth cockpit and a year into the job with Aerial Farming of NZ he became the first commercial pilot in New Zealand to use the Piper Super Cub. He now had an enclosed cockpit but otherwise operations remained rudimentary. His base at the airport was a creosoted shed about 2m x 2m; the branch office was a desk with a telephone in the dining area of the family home. Buzz worked long days, often heading out to the airport before dawn, and in summer was lucky to get home before dark. For the family, the drone of approaching aircraft signalled the end of a day's work. Buzz would circuit the house until someone rushed out to the back lawn and waved furiously. He would then waggle the plane's wings and disappear in the direction of the airport. The phone would ring throughout the day and Buzz was lucky to have an evening meal uninterrupted by farmers on the "blower" putting their orders in late into the night. Fertiliser had to be ordered, fuel arranged, farmers canvassed, airstrips sited, loader drivers organised, multiple jobs within an area co-ordinated, sometimes one farmer allowing neighbours use of an airstrip. Any paddock long enough and accessible for a loader to cart in fertiliser could constitute an airstrip. Often they were plateau airstrips but others were short with steep drop-offs and there was little or no margin for error. The attrition rate in the industry was high. Pilots who had survived fighter attacks and anti-aircraft guns in World War II fell victim to the hazards of the job back on their home turf. Many died. Many quit. Many had to quit after being seriously injured. Buzz's approach was methodical, precise, and consistent. His precautions inevitably attracted a bit of ribbing from time to time. He would just give a wry smile and quote the saying: "There are old pilots and there are bold pilots but there are no old, bold pilots." Buzz continued flying out of Whanganui until early in 1968, having moved on to Piper Pawnees, with Fletcher and Cessna aircraft also in the mix. By then he had also trained 16 pilots. Then 45 years old, he switched to flying sprayers in the wide-open spaces of the Darling Downs in Queensland, about 200km inland from Brisbane. However, an approach from Wanganui Aero Works within the year brought him back to Whanganui. He finally retired from flying in 1975. Buzz spent time in Horowhenua and Manawatū before retiring to Nelson in the early-1980s. At 90 he flew to England with the NZ contingent to attend the unveiling of the Bomber Command memorial in Green Park, London. He died at The Wood Retirement Village in Nelson on September 18. www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/world-war-ii-bomber-pilot-buzz-spilman-transitioned-to-topdresser-in-whanganui/LJ5FBOGQ2MN26UBHND22OQW74U/
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Post by ZacYates on Oct 11, 2020 16:41:39 GMT 12
Thanks to Ray Deerness who brought this obituary to my attention. World War II bomber pilot Buzz Spilman transitioned to topdresser in Whanganui/ Bravo Ray. Dad bought yesterday’s paper so I could have a copy, I meant to take a photo to upload to this thread. I’m sad to say I wasn’t terribly aware of Buzz although I had heard the name. He led quite a life.
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Post by trees on Oct 15, 2020 10:21:37 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Leslie (Les) Andrewes E FIT RNZAF 13 January 1965 to 12 January 1973 Peacefully on 12th October 2020. Loved and adored husband of Mariana; dedicated and loving father and father in law of Elsie and Sami; and Frank and Natalie. Loved brother of Margaret, and Brian (Dec'd). A gathering to celebrate Les's life will be held in the Maunu Crematorium Chapel, Cemetery Road, Maunu, Whangarei, on Friday 16th October 2020 at 12:30pm. All communications to The Andrewes Family, C/- PO Box 5116, Whangarei 0140.
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Post by trees on Oct 15, 2020 10:53:33 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Marcus James (Marc) Gallagher MSM Q77317 COMFIT(G) RNZAF 27 February 1954 to 28 February 1989.
At Hutt Hospital on 14 October 2020, aged 84 years. Dearly loved husband of 58 years of Shirley. Loved father of Ian, Peter and Claire. Loved father-in-law of Sheryl and Deb. Loved Grandad of Michael, Thomas, Katelin and Jasmine. Loved brother of Brian, Stuart (dec) and John (dec).
Messages to the 'Gallagher Family' may be left in Marcus' tribute book at tributes.co.nz or posted c/- PO Box 44176, Lower Hutt 5040.
Marcus' Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Joseph, 1 Pine Avenue, Upper Hutt, on Monday, 19 October, at 1.00pm, thereafter interment at Akatarawa Cemetery.
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Post by errolmartyn on Oct 15, 2020 12:40:23 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Mark Gallagher Q77317 RNZAF 7 February 1954 to 1990's. Passed away Wednesday 14th October 2020 at Hutt Hospital. It is TBC that the funeral is proposed for Monday 19th with interment at the Akatarawa Cemetery, timing TBA. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: GALLAGHER, Warrant Officer Marcus James, (MSM). Q77317; Born Masterton, 16 Jun 1936; RNZAF 27 Feb 1954 to 28 Feb 1989; Avionics Technician. Citation New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (4 Dec 1987): W/O Gallagher joined the RNZAF on 27 Feb 1954 at the age of seventeen and a half. Following basic training at RNZAF Taieri he was posted to RNZAF Ohakea where he was employed as a radio assistant. He completed his specialist training as a Communications Mechanic (Ground) in 1956 and after a tour at No 1 Repair Depot, RNZAF Woodbourne, he completed his advanced training as communications Fitter (Ground) in 1959. From 1959 to 1971 he specialised in line communications, particularly in communications security and telegraph systems, while serving at RNZAF Ohakea, RNZAF Woodbourne and RNZAF HQ, Wellington. During this time he was promoted to Cpl on 1 Jun 1961, and to Sgt on 1 Apr 1968. From 1971 to 1975 W/O Gallagher’s career changed direction slightly when he moved out of the specialist area of line communications technology and became involved in radio communications and aircraft engineering, including the introduction of the CT4 Airtrainer aircraft. During this period he was again posted to RNZAF Ohakea, and back to the Air Staff, Wellington, where, as a F/S he was employed in the Radio Engineering Directorate. In Aug 1976 he was posted, on promotion to W/O, to Defence HQ and for the past 10 years W/O Gallagher has been part of a small but highly specialised team that has been responsible for establishing and maintaining the security of Defence communications. His work has demanded, inter alia, a detailed knowledge of Defence communications systems, and the ability to inspect and test all Defence communications facilities. W/O Gallagher has developed the comprehensive technical knowledge and combined this with the high degree of vigilance and initiative essential to the inspectorate role. Because of the security implications of his work, W/O Gallagher has assumed a very low profile and his achievements have not been openly acknowledged. He has, however, demonstrated exceptional dedication, enthusiasm and loyalty to Defence in a role that is not generally popular due to the type of work and the level of technical knowledge that is required, the frequent out-of-hours activity, and the extensive in-country travel that the work involves. He has become the most experienced serviceman and practitioner in this communications security engineering specialisation, and he is recognised as such by his associates in all three Services. His exceptional contribution has been vital to the achievement of the task. In addition to his normal work. W/O Gallagher has also found time to pursue his enthusiasm for fire-arms. Since the early 1960s he has been involved with a number of Rifle, Pistol and Gun Clubs, both military and civil, and has served on many club committees in executive positions such as Officer-in-Charge, Armourer and Range Safety Officer. He has also been actively involved in instructing and encouraging junior club members. He has held a Range Safety Officer qualification since 1963 and he has maintained a close liaison with the NZ Police department on weapons safety and security matters. He has been a consistent small arms competitor and on several occasions he has held the Group Captain Watt Cup for the highest score by an RNZAF Small Arms Association member over the Queen’s Medal Match Series. In 1981 he was awarded the Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot of the RNZAF. He is currently Armourer for the RNZAF Small Arms Association, the Officer in Charge of the RNZAF Shelly Bay Rifle Club and a committee member of both the Upper Hutt Indoor Rifle Club and the Upper Hutt Small Game Shooters Club. W/O Gallagher was awarded the long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 27 Feb 1987. Over a long period of time, W/O Gallagher has, almost single-handedly, ensured that the vital security and integrity of our Defence communications have been maintained. His outstanding performance and his extremely high professional and personal standards make him an excellent example for other to emulate.Errol
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Post by tbf2504 on Oct 15, 2020 12:57:02 GMT 12
Although short in stature, Mark was enormous in his wealth of knowledge and willingness to help all those he came across in his service career. I worked with him for several years at Wellingon in DDC and DCU. A close personal friend he will be sadly missed, but always remembered
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Post by thomarse on Oct 17, 2020 8:47:11 GMT 12
PAKU, Richard Colin Tutekohi (Dick): 10.8.1932 - 14.10.2020 Peacefully with family. Much loved husband of Diana (Anna) for 64 years. Loved father of Dale McLeod, Colin, Joanne, Brent, Neil & Kiri. Cherished by all his Mokopuna. Son of the late Wilson (Wirihana) & Freida. Loved brother of Judy Beetham, Francis, & Tui McKenzie. Due to Covid-19 quarantine restrictions Tangi details will be announced later. Farmer Pilot & Gardener Wairarapa Funeral Services I knew Dick when he was flying Agricolas (Agricolae? ) for Associated at Martinborough but before that he was on Airtruks at Air Contracts. He will be best remembered for the incident with a Hughes 500 at a Masterton airshow though
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Post by ZacYates on Oct 17, 2020 14:56:28 GMT 12
I'm so sorry to see that, I'd have loved to meet him. He will be best remembered for the incident with a Hughes 500 at a Masterton airshow though For those unaware, here's Mario Geremia's footage which I watched all the time as a kid:
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Post by trees on Oct 19, 2020 10:54:42 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Peter James Reid S79849 S & S WKR RNZAF 11 August 1959 to 3 September 1967 on 17 October 2020 Funeral to be at Morrisons Funeral Home, 220 Lincoln Road, Henderson on Thursday 22nd October at 1230 hours. Further information TBA
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