NZ Aviation Obituaries and Death Notices

[Dave Homewood]

OSWIN, John Hanbury (Jack). RNZAF 4213438 LAC Peacefully passed away at the Palms Hospital on 27th May 2017, almost 93 years. Loving husband of Marie, much loved and admired Father and Father-in-law of John, Richard and Karin (Christchurch), and fond Grandad to Matthew and Hannah, Andrew and Kate. A family service will be held on Thursday 1st June at 2:00pm, at St Andrews Anglican Church, Queen Street, Pukekohe, followed by private cremation. Special thanks to the staff at the Palms Hospital for their devoted care of Jack over these last four weeks.

[Dave Homewood]

Two RNZAF Canberra era men posted by Glen Turner on the No. 75 Squadron Association Facebook Page:

LAST POST: SQN LDR DONALD RAYMOND SMITH, AFC. L77221, GD PILOT, EE CANBERRA T4+B2. RAF Tengah + RNZAF Ohakea, June1961 - August1962. Aged 80 years, in Christchurch, New Zealand after a short illness. Funeral for Don will be held in the Chapel at St Andrew's College on Tuesday 6th June 2017 at 1 pm. Our condolences to Jacqui, Jeremy, Mark and Belinda.

LAST POST: WG CDR COMYN CAMPBELL 'MAC' McALISTER, K75127, GD PILOT, RNZAF. DH VAMPIRE FB5, 1957; EE CANBERRA B2, 1958-60; A4K SKYHAWK, 1977-78 (CO). Aged 81 years, in Victoria, Australia. The service is to be held Wednesday 7 June 2017 at 2pm, Tobin Brothers Doncaster, 816 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108, Australia. The forwarding address is to Meredith Pavone, 14 Greville Road, Rosanna, Victoria 3084. Our condolences to the family of Mac.

[errolmartyn]

Jun 1, 2017 21:03:55 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

Two RNZAF Canberra era men posted by Glen Turner on the No. 75 Squadron Association Facebook Page:

LAST POST: SQN LDR DONALD RAYMOND SMITH, AFC. L77221, GD PILOT, EE CANBERRA T4+B2. RAF Tengah + RNZAF Ohakea, June1961 - August1962. Aged 80 years, in Christchurch, New Zealand after a short illness. Funeral for Don will be held in the Chapel at St Andrew's College on Tuesday 6th June 2017 at 1 pm. Our condolences to Jacqui, Jeremy, Mark and Belinda.

From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 :

SMITH, Squadron Leader Donald Raymond, AFC.
L77221; Born Huntly, 17 Mar 1937; RNZAF 20 Jan 1954 to 30 Dec 1975, Res. to 31 Dec 1979; Pilot.
Citation Air Force Cross (NY1971): Squadron Leader Smith joined the RNZAF in 1954 as a Boy Entrant. He trained as a pilot in 1957 and qualified with distinction. He is a qualified A1 category instructor and has served as Flight Commander of the Central Flying School. In July 1967 he was appointed Flight Commander of No 14 Sqn. He assumed command of that Squadron in 1969. He is at present a member of No 12 Senior Command and Staff course. Throughout his RNZAF career and especially during both his appointments with No 14 Sqn Sqn Ldr Smith has displayed flying skills of the highest order. He has participated in eight deployments to the Far East including three as Flight Commander and three as Squadron Commander. The excellent morale and high reputation for operational efficiency of No 14 Sqn is in no small measure due to his leadership and professional ability. Sqn Ldr Smith’s leadership of No 14 Sqn over the past eight months is particularly worthy of mention. During this period the Squadron carried out its last deployment to SE Asia with Canberra aircraft. By his leadership and example Sqn Ldr Smith maintained an excellent level of morale and the Squadron’s effectiveness in the five nation combined exercise (BERSATU PADU) was the subject of special comment by the Air Commander Far East Air Force. There is no doubt that the overall performance of No 14 Sqn under this officer’s command during the past two years has done much to enhance the good reputation of the RNZAF and of NZ in SE Asia and that credit is due in large measure to Sqn Ldr Smith’s own efforts. He has given unstintingly of his time and his personal example both on the ground and in the air and has won the respect and admiration of his men and his superiors alike. Sqn Ldr Smith has logged a total flying time of 4300 hours. He has flown 3900 hours as captain in command and over 200 hours as Canberra captain. He has flown 165 hours during the last six months. CO 14 Sqn RNZAF (Canberra) Apr 1969-Aug 1970.

Errol

[tbf25o4]

Dominion Post 2 Jun 2017. Fraser Boyd M78533 RNZAF Retired on 30 May 2017 at Wellington Hospital. I can remember working with Fraser at NZDF Headquarters in the late 1980s

[planewriting]

PAUL BEAUCHAMP LEGG

The Rev Dr Richard Waugh has just advised the following "Paul Beauchamp Legg passed away in Picton last night, (1 June 2017) aged 88 years, after a time of ill health.

His funeral will be at the Picton Union Church, 40 Broadway, Picton, at 11am on Thursday 8th June 2017.

Paul had a remarkably versatile aviation career that began with flying lessons in 1946 and lasted until his last article was written only last year. He served as a flying instructor, early top dressing operator, West Coast Airways and Southern Scenic pilot, established a very early pilot training school, alpine and charter pilot, and was an avid aviation photographer and prolific author.

Paul’s family would be grateful if you would pass this information on to others in the industry."

[planewriting]

PAUL BEAUCHAMP LEGG Correction

I have since been advised the following by Richard Waugh, "A correction for the funeral time: 1pm on Thursday 8th June"

[Dave Homewood]

HOGAN, Peter (Bernard Thomas): Regt. No. 433285 F/SGT RNZAF WWII of Foxton (formerly Paekakariki) peacefully on Thursday 1st June 2017, at Summerset, Levin, aged 92 years. Loved husband of the late Maureen. Loved father and father-in-law of Ruth & Glen, grandfather of Emma. Special thanks to all the staff of Summerset, Levin for their care of Peter. A memorial service will be held at the Foxton RSA on Friday 9 June at 1.00pm.

TAYLOR, Albert Ronald (Bert). WWII, RAF, LAC, Service Number. 1437217. Peacefully on June 1, 2017. A loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Special thanks to the staff of Hampton Court for their wonderful care of Bert. A celebration of Bert's life will be held at the Sugar Loaf Chapel of Howard & Gannon Funerals, cnr Lee Road and Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier on Tuesday June 6, 2017 at 11am. Followed by interment at the Taradale Services Lawn Cemetery. Messages to the 'Taylor Family' C/o PO Box 7001, Taradale, Napier 4141.

MUNRO, Phyllis (Phyl). Service No. 4337 WAAF. On Thursday, 1st June 2017 peacefully at North Shore Hospital; aged 95 years. Loved wife of the late Ian and mother of Russell and Karen, and the late Christine. Now at rest. A service celebrating Phyl's life will be held at the Warkworth Bowling Club, Mill Lane, Warkworth on Wednesday, 7th June 2017 at 11:00am followed by burial at Kaipara Flats Services Cemetery, Kaipara Flats. Communications to C/- The Munro Family, PO Box 652, Warkworth 0941 would be appreciated.

[Dave Homewood]

BIRSE, Clifford:
RNZAF, AC2, 452370. Peacefully at Calvary Hospital, on Wednesday, 7th June 2017. Aged 91 years. Loved husband for the past 70 years of Jessie. Loved father and father-in-law of Neil and Dawn, Keith and Margaret (Christchurch), Jill and Geoff Burns (Auckland) and the late Janice. Loved grandad, great-grandad and great-great-grandad of all his grand, great and great-great-grandchildren. Loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews.
"A special thank you to the staff at Calvary Hospital for their loving care of Clifford."
A service to celebrate Clifford's life will be held in the St Andrews Church Hall, corner Manse Street and Elles Road, on Monday, 12th June 2017, at 1.30pm followed by a interment at the Eastern Cemetery. Donations for St John Invercargill would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to Flat 3/215 Centre Street, Invercargill 9812.

[Dave Homewood]

RYAN, Francis Noel: CMT RNZAF. Late of Cheviot and Riverton. On 6 June 2017, at Christchurch Hospital, in his 84th year. On his instructions, no funeral service. A private cremation has been held. Messages c/- Ryan family, Hall & Co, 12 High Street, Rangiora 7400.

HICKTON, Henry Thomas (Pat): 403004, Flt Sgt, RNZAF, WWII. Peacefully at Palmerston North Hospital on Saturday 10 June 2017. Aged 96 years. Loved husband of the late Nessie. Much loved father of Derrick; Janice; Sandra; and Sylvie. Loved grandfather and great-grandfather to all. A service to celebrate Pat's life will be held in The Lychway Chapel, 5 Roy Street, Palmerston North, on Thursday 15 June 2017, at 1.00pm, followed by private cremation. Messages can be sent to the Hickton family, c/- PO Box 1014, Palmerston North.

LUMSDEN, Norman Edward (Norm). Royal Airforce (RAF) 2554844, 49th Squadron. Passed away peacefully at Princess Alexandra Rest Home on June 9, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimers. Loving husband of Dorothy (nee Sigvertsen). Father of Norman (Jnr) and John, father- in-law of Jane. Treasured grandfather of Rebecca and Alice. Special thanks to Dr Kirby and the staff at Princess Alexandra Rest Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Norm's life at the Beth Shan Chapel, 157 Georges Drive, Napier on Wednesday, June 14 at 10.30am, followed by interment at Western Hills Lawn Cemetery. Messages to the Lumsden Family, C/o PO Box 439, Napier 4140.

[pjw4118]

I spent some time with Pat Hickton just three weeks ago , still very bright and lively. He flew as rear gunner with 101 squadron and came down on his 9th ? op on 10/9/41. Their aircraft was hit over Torino and lost a propeller over France. The crew all became escapees/evaders. There are at east two books written about Pat and his fellow evaders. After repatriation in 1943 he served as a gunnery instructor at Ohakea.

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Is that the same Pat Hickton who was a Palmerston North-based locomotive engineer until he retired about thirty-something years ago? If he is, I did my familiarisation trips with Pat way back in 1976 when I was at the locomotive trainee school in Palmerston North when I started working for the New Zealand Government Railways Department.

I can still recall a trip I did with Pat to Wellington on a freight train where he was literally overtaking every car on the adjacent state highway at a huge rate of knots, then on the return trip to Palmerston North he was driving a twinset railcar from Wellington to Palmerston North via Masterton and Woodville, and while sitting in the rear cab along the Matarawa straight between Woodside and Carterton, I watched the speedo go right off the clock hard up against the stop (about 125km/h), yet the railcar was still accelerating. The rev counters for the underfloor Fiat diesel engines were way around in the red zone past the red-line mark. Pat had a reputation for not mucking around.

I was aware Pat was a WWII veteran, but I didn't know which service he was with.


EDIT: I now know he is the same Pat Hickton I worked with all those years ago.

I contacted one of the senior Palmerston North locomotive engineers I know and he confirmed it.

They're having a railway workers' reunion in Palmerston North in a few weeks time. I guess those attending will really miss Pat's tales of the decades he worked on the railways as he has always attended every reunion they have held. Pat was a real hard-case story-teller at such events.

[kiwithrottlejockey]

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Pat Hickton features in this advertisment from the 1970s at 0:10, 0:45 and 0:49....

[Dave Homewood]

HAMMOND, James (Jim). M73013 RNZAF Sqn Ldr (Retd) On 17 June 2017 at Palmerston North Hospital aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Mary Elizabeth (Fawcett) and previously of the late Margaret Elaine (Crighton); loved father to Christopher James and daughter-in-law Gail and Grandad to Andrew James. Loved brother of John (deceased), George, Eileen, Stewart (deceased), Samuel, Robert (deceased) and Joan; treasured and valued member of his Northern Ireland and UK families. Sadly missed by his faithful companion Bunty. The family would like to thank with great appreciation the Levin Home for War Veterans for their loving care of Jim over the past three years and for the staff at Palmerston North Hospital for their truly wonderful care of Jim in his final days. To all the Parishioners at Jim's Otaki Church our thanks for their love and support and our special love and thanks to the "A" Team. A funeral service for Jim will be held at the Otaki Presbyterian Church, 249 Mill Road, Otaki 11.00am on 22 June 2017, to be followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to Home for War Veterans would be appreciated and may be left at the Church or sent to 'Home for War Veterans, Private bag 4001, Levin 5540. Postal messages to the Hammond Family can be sent c/- I C Mark Limited, 547 Queen Street, Levin. IC Mark Ltd Levin and Otaki

KNIGHT, Ronald Gavin (Ron): RNZAF NO A76797 41SQN W.O Rtd. Died peacefully at Christchurch Hospital after a short illness, aged 81 years. Dearly loved and respected husband of Sue (deceased). Very special and loved Dad of Helen and Alec Doig, Phil and Leanne Knight. Loved granddad of Robert and Angela, Chris and Lauren, A much loved brother and brother-in-law of Margaret and Peter (deceased), and Jean and Dave (deceased). Messages to the Knight family, C/- PO Box 11101, Christchurch 8443. Special thanks to the wonderful staff of Summerset, at Wigram Retirement Village and Christchurch Hospital for their love and care of Ron. At Ron's request, a private family service was held.

McCULLOUGH, Kenneth Samuel (Ken). RNZAF Aircraftman, Service No. 645943 Peacefully on June 16, 2017. Aged 82 years. Dearly loved husband and friend of Maida. Much loved father and father-in-law of Mike and Julie (Tauranga), Anne and Nigel (Taradale). Cherished grandad of Melissa and Jon (Canada), Nikki and Simon (Brisbane), Ryan and Emma (Tauranga), Kendall, Hayley, and Paige (Napier). Great grandad of Archie, Frankie, Jack, and Isla. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at the Sugar Loaf Chapel of Howard & Gannon Funerals, cnr Lee Road and Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 11am. Followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers a donation to Diabetes Hawke's Bay would be appreciated and can be made at the service. Messages to the 'McCullough Family', C/o PO Box 7001, Taradale, Napier 4141.

NOBLE, Patrick Francis (Pat): 20.03.1920 - 17.06.2017. F/O RNZAF WW2, Service No. 431383. Passed away peacefully in his 98th year at Tauranga Hospital with his family by his side. Loved son of Arthur Clarence and Alice Mary. Cherished husband for 64 years of the late Josephine. Deeply respected father of Anthony. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Joe and Joan (both deceased), Maureen and Brian (both deceased) and John and Kath. Loved uncle, great-uncle and great-great-uncle of his many nephews and nieces. You will always be treasured in our hearts for your kindness and generosity and unconditional love. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Pat at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, Gloucester Street, Mount Maunganui, at 11.00am, on Thursday, 22 June, and burial will take place at Ohaupo Catholic Cemetery, at 1.30pm, on Friday, 23 June. R.I.P. All messages to the Noble Family, C/- PO Box 650, Tauranga 3140.

WAITE, Ronald Wilfred "Ron": RNZAF 441629 NZA 646009 Passed away peacefully in Tauranga Hospital on Saturday 10th June 2017, aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband and lifelong companion of the late Alison. Loving father and father-in-law of Wayne and Jeanette and Robyn and Paul. Treasured Pop of Tania, Kelli and Phill, Scott and Tanya and Dion and Casey. Great-grandad and "Poppy Ron" to Summer and Tyson. "Forever in our hearts". At Ron's request a private cremation has taken place.

[Dave Homewood]

JOHNSON, Edwin Thomas (Ed): 15.4.1926 - 17.6.2017. Born Grays Essex, England. Son of Edwin Arthur and Jessie Alice. Served RAF 1944-1948. Served in Algeria, India and Ceylon. Husband to the late Margery Isabel. Father and father-in-law to Angela and Graham (Kumara), Jenifer (Hokitika), Mike and Linden (Auckland), Linda and the late Brian (Hokitika), Judy and David (Nelson). Grandfather and great-grandfather to all grandchildren. Member of Manchester Unity Society and various Masonic organisations. At Ed's request, a private cremation has been held. Messages to 9 Lassen Place, Stoke, Nelson.

[Dave Homewood]

BRAY, Cathleen. WAAF, WWII, Corporal, Service No 425505. On June 24th 2017 after a short illness, of Manurewa, aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Bill. Much loved Mum of Bob and Yvonne. Loving Nana of Stephanie and Paul, and Richard and Emma. Adored great Nana of Leo, Alisha, Maela and Camille. 'Miss me - but let me go" A Service will be held in the Chapel of Manukau Memorial Gardens, Puhinui Road, Papatoetoe on Friday June 30th at 3.30pm. Our sincere thanks to all staff of the Remuera Care Home, Meadowbank for their care of our mum. All Communications to: Ensom Funeral Services 15 East Street, Papakura 2110 09-299-6646

CRAWTE, Dennis John Stewart (Danny Danbo). Passed away 22 June 2017 at St Margarets Private Hospital, Te Atatu Peninsula. British Fleet Air Arm (Korea) 4/SFX 872356. Born in Aldershot UK, but has lived 50 years in NZ, 45 of those on Te Atatu Peninsula. Dearly loved and respected husband of Lois, much loved father of Tony (and his partner Leanne) Conrad and Rodney. Loving Poppa of Jordan, Shannen (USA) and Jacquie. Much loved and respected brother-in-law of Rosalie and Graeme Collett, Maxine and Brett Stephenson and the late Heather and John Petersen and their families. Special Uncle Den to Natalie in UK. Fondly remembered by Traci in USA. We will all miss you Danbo. Danny was a Life Member of the Te Atatu Football Club and Lois and the family wish to thank the "TAT" boys for the friendship and support they have been for Dan. At Dan's request, a private cremation has taken place. A get-together will be held at a date to be advised at the Football Clubhouse in Neil Avenue. Communications to Lois at 1/33 Ward Crescent Te Atatu Peninsula 0610 or phone [phone]

[Dave Homewood]

ANDERSON, David Allen. Air Force Officer NZ433215. Dearly loved husband of Mary, loved Dad and father-in-law of Peter and Gail, Sr Teresa, John and Wendy (and the late Maureen), Elizabeth and John, Barbara and Peter. Loved grandad of Beth, Hannah, Kathryn; David, Ryan, Jared; Fiona, Sam, Zac; Evelyn, Louise, Aiden, and great grandad of Ruby and Zoe. Passed away on 29 June 2017 at Little Sisters of the Poor, aged 92 years. Vigil rosary at Little Sisters Chapel, 9 Tweed Street, Herne Bay on Sunday 2 July at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph's Church, 2 Taharoto Road, (entrance 10 Dominion Street) Takapuna on Monday 3 July at 1.30pm. Resting In Peace.

[Dave Homewood]

John Forrest posted this notice to Facebook:

Regret to advise that F/S (RTD) Mary L. Instone (Mary O'D) Nee O'Donnell J86741 SCLKACCT RNZAF 1974 to 1990 passed away Saturday 1st July 2017. Further information will be posted when known. Our condolences to Howard and all of the family.

[pjw4118]

Banks Mel NZ402511 AG 106 squadron on July 1
Mel trained in Canada and served as a rear gunner on Manchesters and Kancasters. He was part of G Gibsons crew on some flights including the raid on Mainz in August 1942.

[Dave Homewood]