NZ Aviation Obituaries and Death Notices

[errolmartyn]

Nov 26, 2011 21:13:41 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

FYFE, George William. RNZAF WWII. On November 23, 2011 George passed away peacefully at Hospice, Waikato, surrounded with his loving family; Aged 84 years. Loved husband of the late Pauline. Much loved father and father-in-law of Roy, Wendy, Laurie and the late Michelle. Cherished Grandad of Randall and Viv, Tania and Whaylen, Daniel and Emily, Cameron and Kris, and Matthew. Treasured great-granddad of Jasmine, Zoe, Whaylen (Jnr) and Bobby. Loved brother of Trevor and Phyllis, and Neil. "Will be very sadly missed and forever in our hearts." A celebration of George's life will be held in the Gordonton Hall, Main Rd, Gordonton, on Monday November 28, at 1:00pm, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Memory of George would be appreciated to Hospice Waikato, PO Box 325, Hamilton, or may be left at the service. James R. Hill FDANZ Hamilton.[unquote]

His RNZAF service does not appear to have been in WWII, as he enlisted as NZ46452 on 25 May 1946.

Errol

[shorty]

SGT (RTD) Patrick (Pakie) Oliver Healy Q76397 Aircraft Hand (ACH) Ex RAF & RNZAF 3 Nov 52 to 5 Aug 1978. Passed away peacefully at the Vincentian home and hospital on 24th November 2011 aged 88 years.
Funeral service will be at the Vincentian Home at 1 Stanley Street, Berhampore, Wellington Monday November 28th at 1330 followed by burial at Makara.

Danny Higgins advises above and said Old Shelly Bay ites will remember Pakie with great affection. Worked as a runner for many years in Air Dept and Stout Street. A real gentleman and great to have a beer with in the Corporals Club.





Dorothy (DOT) Maxine CURTIS, (Wife of Gary Ex RNZAF and now Air NZ) suddenly on 25 Nov 2011 aged 54. In lieu of flowers donations to Cancer society would be appreciated.



The service for Dot will be held in Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Christchurch Friday 2 December 2011 at 1400 hours.



Dot worked in Catering at Wigram and was employed in the Airmen's and Officers Messes.

[Dave Homewood]

FLETCHER, William Peter (Peter). RNZAF Service No: NZ43472, WW11 Died peacefully at his home in Ngongotaha on 25 November 2011. In his 87th year. Loved husband and soulmate of Nancye for 58 years. Dearly loved Dad of Nick, Bill, Rodney and Hugh. Loved grandad to his eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. We have many memories to last all of our lifetime Requiem Mass will be Celebrated in St Michael's Catholic Church, Lake Road, Rotorua tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11:00am. To be followed by interment in the Returned Services Section of the Kauae Cemetery, Ngongotaha.

WADE, Mervyn Alyth. (Reg. No 428055; Plt Offr; RNZAF; WW2), passed away on 27 November 2011 peacefully at Eventhorpe Rest Home and Hospital in his 91st year. Much loved husband of the late Kath. Loved father and father-in-law of Clyde and Jo, Jim and Doreen, Kevin and Caroline, Janice and Keith Glover, and Pip. Dearly loved grandfather to his 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Thank you to the staff at Tamahere Eventide Rest Home and Eventhorpe Rest Home for their care of dad. A service to celebrate Merv's life will be held at Seddon Park Funeral Home Chapel, Cnr Seddon Road & Somerset Street, Hamilton, on Wednesday, 30 November 2011at 11:00am followed by burial at Hamilton Park Cemetery, Morrinsville Road, Newstead, Hamilton. In lieu of flowers donations preferred to Alzheimer's NZ Waikato, PO Box 5720, Frankton 3242 or these may be left at the service. Messages may be left online at www.seddonpark.co.nzor posted to the Wade family PO Box 5523 Frankton, Hamilton, 3242. Seddon Park Funeral Home

[Dave Homewood]

STEWART, Donald Hugh. (RNZAF 6187881/9622) On 26 November 2011 (just hours before his 89th birthday), Don passed away after a courageous effort. Dearly loved and cherished husband of the late Isabel; adored father and father-in-law of Donna and Colin (Australia), Joanne and Roger (Whangarei), Gail and Graham (Australia). Grandfather to Christopher, David and Michael; Ryan and Andrew; Heath, Jared and Blair. Great grandfather of six. Beloved brother of Bob and Margie. Loving partner and best friend of Evelyn. 'You will be forever loved and we will all treasure the memories'. A service celebrating Don's life will be held at Woodhill, 167 Grange Rd, Tauranga, on Thursday 1 December at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation. In Lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations being sent to Waipuna Hospice, PO Box 1156, Tauranga 3140. Communications to the Don Stewart Family c/- P.O Box 8139 Tauranga 3145.

[errolmartyn]

Dec 1, 2011 9:06:36 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

STEWART, Donald Hugh. (RNZAF 6187881/9622) On 26 November 2011 (just hours before his 89th birthday), Don passed away after a courageous effort. Dearly loved and cherished husband of the late Isabel; adored father and father-in-law of Donna and Colin (Australia), Joanne and Roger (Whangarei), Gail and Graham (Australia). Grandfather to Christopher, David and Michael; Ryan and Andrew; Heath, Jared and Blair. Great grandfather of six. Beloved brother of Bob and Margie. Loving partner and best friend of Evelyn. 'You will be forever loved and we will all treasure the memories'. A service celebrating Don's life will be held at Woodhill, 167 Grange Rd, Tauranga, on Thursday 1 December at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation. In Lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations being sent to Waipuna Hospice, PO Box 1156, Tauranga 3140. Communications to the Don Stewart Family c/- P.O Box 8139 Tauranga 3145.

9622 was his RNZN/Fleet Air Arm number - enlisted NZ 18 May 1944 and embarked for UK and FAA for aircrew training 12 Jul 1944.

Errol

[angelsonefive]

Vintage aircraft enthusiast and pilot Stuart Tantrum passed away at home in Blenheim, on Saturday the 26th of November, 2011.
Aged 63.

[Dave Homewood]

Oh no. I am dreadfully sorry to hear this really sad news, he has been a stalwart of the restoration and WWI aircraft community. My condolences to his family and friends. On the occasions I met him at Omaka I really liked him. And seeing some of his aeroplanes, particularly the Avro 504K that he and his team restored, was a huge privilege. RIP.

[skyhawkdon]

24 November 2011 - Captain Jeffrey Gledhill

A former Fleet Air Arm pilot, Captain Jeffrey Allan Gledhill DSC, died in Sydney on November 24 at the age of 90. A former New Zealander, Jeff Gledhill won a DSC for landing a bomb on the Tirpitz's A turrett when flying with the Royal Navy in a Barracuda aircaft. Following World War Two, he joined the RAN and became an RAN pilot with a strong belief in the value of naval aviation. Around 1963, he fought against Government decisions to cancel the Navy's fixed-wing capability and was instrumental in the
decisions which saw the life of the aircraft carrier Melbourne extended and the introduction of Tracker and Skyhawk aircraft. His death was marked by a private funeral and cremation.

[errolmartyn]

Dec 5, 2011 21:35:25 GMT 12 skyhawkdon said:

30 November 2011 - Captain Jeffrey Gledhill

A former Fleet Air Arm pilot, Captain Jeffrey Allan Gledhill DSC, died in Sydney on November 24 at the age of 90. A former New Zealander, Jeff Gledhill won a DSC for landing a bomb on the Tirpitz's A turrett when flying with the Royal Navy in a Barracuda aircaft. Following World War Two, he joined the RAN and became an RAN pilot with a strong belief in the value of naval aviation. Around 1963, he fought against Government decisions to cancel the Navy's fixed-wing capability and was instrumental in the
decisions which saw the life of the aircraft carrier Melbourne extended and the introduction of Tracker and Skyhawk aircraft. His death was marked by a private funeral and cremation.

Did he die on 30 November or the 24th?

Errol

[skyhawkdon]

Sorry the 24th. The 30th was the death notice date. Fixed now.

[shorty]

Obituary Brent Balcombe


CPL (RTD) Jeffery Brent Balcombe A81443 Engine Fitter 7 Jan 1964 to 10 May 1976 aged 64 passed away this peacefully at 1000 hours Monday 5 December 2011.

Funeral is Saturday 1100hrs at St Christopher's Church, Redwoodtown, Blenheim.

Contacts: His wife Anne 68 New Renwick Road, Blenheim Telephone [phone].

[Dave Homewood]

TAKARANGI-KEINA, Tao (Mick). Reg No 411105 RNZAF WW2. In his 93rd year. Passed away peacefully at Liston Heights Rest Home, Taupo, surrounded by his loving family. Gone to join his English Rose (Roma). Together at last. Loved father and father-in-law of Pine and Evelyn, Keina and Gwenda. Adored Grandad of Connie (UK), Karen and Stephanie, and Michael and Michelle. Proud Grandad of his 5 great grandchildren. At Mick's request a private cremation has been held. A memorial service at Putiki Marae, Whanganui, then Putiki Church, and onto Urupa for interment of ashes of Mick and Roma will be held on Thursday 8th December 2011 at 11.00am. Communications please to the Takarangi family, C/- PO Box 940, Taupo. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ

JAMES, Donald Stephen Rutland. Service no. 414073 Corporal RNZAF 2nd NZEF On December 5, 2011 at Melrose Silkwood, aged 89. Dearly loved husband for 66 years of Patricia. Loved dad and father-in-law of Bryan and Angela, Annette and the late Dick, Murray and Maree, Denise and Russell, Marilyn and Jim. Treasured grandad of Byard, Matyas, Juanita, Dayyan and Badi, Lara and Simaika, Nicola and Louisa, Hamish, Hannah and Erin, James and Tom. Great grandad of 6 great grandchildren. 'One of God's true gentleman.' A service to celebrate Don's life will be held at 2pm on Thursday December 8th at The Masonic Centre, cnr State Highway 29 and Hairini St, Tauranga.

[shorty]

Can you please let the RNZAF guys know Tom Keating died this week in Aussie. Tom joined the RNZAF 16 April 1978 on the R5 Recruit Course as a Supplier then remustered to Photographer. He died in Australia of kidney cancer. He leaves behind a partner and 9-year old daughter. Tom was 52-years old. There might be plans for a memorial service for Tom in JAN 2012 in his home town Wanganui

[shorty]

It is with great sadness to advise that Alan Horsnell, a Sixtyniner, died overnight after a long fight with cancer. He was one of the nicest guys you would ever know. His service details are;

CPL A.S HORSNELL Q84217 E FIT 22-Jan-69 5-May-75 ALAN


He was a F Dormer. He leaves behind his wife, Gaylene, and adopted children which I am not too sure about. He lived in Halswell, Christchurch and if any one wants to go to the funeral.

I know he was an elder in Halswell Buptist Church so the cahnces are that the funeral will be there.

His home address is; 26 Hindess Street , Halswell , Christchurch


F/S (RTD) Herman John Tolcher V77230 STC OPR RNZAF 20 Jan 1954 to 10 Dec 1976 passed away Sunday 11th of Dec 2011 and his wife Peggy is or was in hospital with chest pains.
I have no further details at this time and will advise when i do
UPDATE
TOLCHER, John. Passed away on Sunday 11 December, 2011 peacefully at his home. Beloved husband of Peggy (nee Movick of Fiji), father of Cheryl, Simone, and Paul, Jonathan and Louise. Grandpa to Chris, Daniel, Scott, Nathan, Connor, Sarah, Emma, and Lucy, and great- grandpa to Charlotte. A good man who was very much loved.

A Service for John will be held in the Main Chapel of the Morrison Funeral Home, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson , Auckland on Thursday 15 December, 2011 at 3pm.

All communications to the Tolcher Family, C/- the above Funeral Home.

[Gavin Conroy]

Went to a memorial service for Stuart Tantrum last night.
The good thing about being a photographer is that I can fly with some of my heros and Stuart was definately one.
Flew with him on more than a dozen flights but his friendship was the most important thing.
Stuart had been battling illness for a long time but it doesn't make it any eaiser.
He built many aircraft and they will always be his legacy.
The day I heard about his passing we were taking Air 2 Air photos flying in a Tiger Moth that Stuart built and photographing the DH-5 that Stuart restored.
Here is my favourite photo of Stuart flying the Fokker Triplane he built, we have this in our lounge more than one metre long and a few other people have it in their homes as well. RIP Stuart, you were one in a million.



Another of my favourite photos of Stuart.

[Andy Wright]

Dec 5, 2011 21:35:25 GMT 12 skyhawkdon said:

24 November 2011 - Captain Jeffrey Gledhill

A former Fleet Air Arm pilot, Captain Jeffrey Allan Gledhill DSC, died in Sydney on November 24 at the age of 90. A former New Zealander, Jeff Gledhill won a DSC for landing a bomb on the Tirpitz's A turrett when flying with the Royal Navy in a Barracuda aircaft. Following World War Two, he joined the RAN and became an RAN pilot with a strong belief in the value of naval aviation. Around 1963, he fought against Government decisions to cancel the Navy's fixed-wing capability and was instrumental in the
decisions which saw the life of the aircraft carrier Melbourne extended and the introduction of Tracker and Skyhawk aircraft. His death was marked by a private funeral and cremation.

Still can't believe the news about Stuart Tantrum. Grew up reading about him and his exploits. RIP.

Here's an obit for Jeffrey Gledhill DSC:

www.smh.com.au/national/obituaries/navy-to-the-bone-he-served-with-distinction-20111213-1oszm.html

The German battleship Bismarck proved such a menace to Allied shipping in World War II that Winston Churchill had to virtually put everything else on hold to sink it. This might have been the end for the 19-year-old New Zealander Jeffrey Gledhill, whose ship, the Tamaroa, almost blundered into the battle between the Bismarck and HMS Hood.

Hood was blown up. Tamaroa was undetected and Gledhill went on to serve throughout the war as a naval pilot. He also led a flight of Barracudas in an attack on the Bismarck's sister ship, Tirpitz. His flight landed two bombs on Tirpitz, not sinking it but doing it no good and the battleship survived a few more months.

Gledhill saw service on the aircraft carriers HMS Furious and HMS Victorious, in the North Atlantic and Antarctic, and in Norwegian waters. It was in his blood, because after a brief spell at the end of the war he joined the Royal Australian Navy, served in the Korean War, and remained with the RAN for the rest of his working life.

Jeffrey Allan Gledhill was born in Wellington, New Zealand, on Armistice Day, 1921, the son of an engineer, William Gledhill, and Daisy (nee McQuade). Schooled at Wellington College, he signed up for the Fleet Air Arm in November, 1940. On loan to the Royal Navy, he sailed on the Tamaroa in 1941. He did his naval and flying training in Britain. He was posted to 827 Squadron RN and, on leave at Lee-on-Solent in southern England, met English-born Margaret Armstrong, who was serving with the Women's Royal Naval Service.

Gledhill continued flying from HMS Furious in January 1944, damaging a number of German ships with bombs off Norway. He survived heavy flak defences. He transferred to the HMS Victorious and on April 3, 1944, led the attack on the Tirpitz, in Kaafjord, off Altenfjord at the northern tip of Norway.

After two years on the front line, Gledhill was appointed a deck-landing instructor and promoted to lieutenant. He married Margaret in July 1944. George VI awarded him the DSC. In 1946, Gledhill returned to New Zealand with his bride. He worked for a period in an architect's office and for recreation went sailing. But the lure of the services was too great and in 1947 he moved with Margaret to Australia to join the newly founded RAN Fleet Air Arm.

Gledhill trained in Australia then returned to Britain for more training. He served in 817 Squadron RN, flying Fireflies, and in 1950 returned to Australia on HMAS Sydney. A year later, Sydney and the Carrier Air Group were deployed to the Korean War.

In 1952, Gledhill was promoted to lieutenant-commander and posted to the naval air base at Nowra. He was sent again to Britain, in 1954, this time to fly in a Gannet squadron in Ireland. The following year he returned to Australia in the newly commissioned carrier HMAS Melbourne, participated in SEATO exercises in south-east Asia, and in 1956, promoted to commander, headed air operations at Nowra.

In 1958, Gledhill was assigned to Australia House in London. In 1960, he went to the RN Staff College at Greenwich, then returned to Canberra as director of air warfare, organisation and training. He took a stand against moves within the Defence Department to scrap naval fixed-wing squadrons but helped in the introduction of new helicopters and re-equiping of the Fleet Air Arm. In 1964, Gledhill was promoted to captain and became the naval officer-in-charge, Northern Australia. This was followed by assignments to the Defence Planning Group, Canberra, the shore installation, HMAS Penguin, at Balmoral, and as aid-de-camp to the Governor-General Lord Casey.

In 1968, Gledhill was appointed to the high commission in Wellington as Australian defence representative and in 1972 returned to Canberra for his final appointment, director of naval intelligence. He retired in 1975 but that was not the end of his sailing career. He was a commodore in the RAN Sailing Association and was made a life vice-commodore of the Sydney RAN Sailing Association. His last racing was done at Pittwater, near Mona Vale, where he had his last home. He was still racing at 88. Jeffrey Gledhill is survived by Margaret and daughters Diana and Rosalind.

[Dave Homewood]

BARNETT, John Thomas Leonard (Jack). FLT. LT. RNZAF Service No. NZ417001 WWII. Passed away peacefully 14 December 2011 aged 91. Dearly loved husband of Margaret (Peg). Loved father and father-in-law of Anne and John, John and Joy, Richard and Sue, and Andrew and Robyn. Proud grandfather of Helen and Mark, Dayle and Alec, Tom, Alice and Sam, Simon, and Michael. A Funeral Service will be held at the Hamilton Park Crematorium Chapel on Saturday 17 December 2011 at 11am. Communications to the Barnett family, c/- Pellows Funeral Directors, 138 Grey Street, Hamilton East. FDANZ.

[Dave Homewood]

MacDONALD, Alan John. Reg No. NZ401137 RNZAF. Passed away peacefully in Auckland on Monday 19 December 2011, aged 97. Dearly loved husband of the late Marjorie. Loved father and father-in-law of James and Jillian Douglas and Patricia, Geoff and the late Eleanor Bourke. Grandfather of Philip and the late Matthew, Joe and Tim, Mary and Susan and Great-Grandfather to Louis, Hugo and Maddison. "Together with his beloved Marjorie." A service for Alan will be held at Ranfurly Veterans Home, Warren Avenue, Three Kings, Auckland on Wednesday 21 December 2011 at 12.30pm. Very special thanks to the nursing team at Ranfurly Veterans Home for their care and compassion.

[shorty]

Regret to advise that Ex W/O (RTD) George John (JUNK) CLARKE N83203 S&S WKR RNZAF 8 Feb 1967 to 8 Dec 1987 and Civilian Storeperson at Hobsonville Camp Pack Up 5 March 1990 to 20 Dec 2011.

See Leg McKenzie's message below.

Funeral details to follow






______________________________________________
From: MCKENZIE LEG, MR
Sent: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 09:36

Hi all,
It is with much sadness that I report the death of an old mate; Junk Clarke (S & S).
Junk signed off base yesterday morning. Bought a few beers for a retirement party in the afternoon. Went home at lunchtime, sat down and never got up.

Junk was about 62 and joined in 1967 and had been working in the Pack Up Store at Hobsonville.
The funeral is probably Friday morning. I will advise when I hear.
Regards
Leg

[Dave Homewood]

A message from John Forrest via Norm Empson, regarding George 'Junk' Clarke's funeral:

Funeral details:

Garden Chapel
Morrison Funerals
Universal Drive
Henderson
Friday 23 Dec 2012 1100hrs

After the service, return to the house for refreshments and a chance to remember our friend Junk.

Junk will be returned home, today, 21 Dec 2012 at 1630hrs,
4 Widmore Rd
Royal Heights