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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 13, 2012 20:08:36 GMT 12
I too had heard this sad news about Ross. A great chap, so well known for his time in the RNZAF as both a pilot and a doctor - during which he flew in the Vampire and Red Checkers display teams and was a Skyhawk pilot. He was also very well known in warbirds, one of the original Roaring Forties pilots, involved heavily in the Catalina and also a Vampire from memory. He was well known in aviation medicince too, and was a great man for history. I always enjoyed his journalism, and of course he worked as a long time associate editor and then chief editor of New Zealand Wings magazine among other things, and he has written a few books too. He'll be much missed.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 14, 2012 22:54:28 GMT 12
Here is Ross's death notice. EWING, Dr Ross Lithgow. MBChB, Squadron Leader (Ret'd) RNZAF, Vietnam Veteran. Born Wellington,1944. Died peacefully at home in Christchurch after a short illness; aged 68 on 13 August, 2012. Much loved husband of Raewyn and father of Lee, Scott and Charlotte. Brother of Barbara Ewing and the late Andrew Ewing. Gramps to Madison Ewing-Reid, and Eleanor, Lachlan and Euan McVicar. Father-in-law to Wayne Boyd and John McVicar. Loved and terribly missed. Thanks to John Boyd, Nurse Maude, Becky and Paul Peterson for their care of Ross. In lieu of flowers, donations to Nurse Maude would be appreciated and can be made at the service. Messages to PO Box 20-170, Harewood, Christchurch. A Service for Ross will be held on Friday 17 August, 5pm at the Wigram Airforce Museum, Christchurch. Academy Funeral Services FDANZ Phone 03-343-0919 And some others: HALL, Anne Patricia, (Pat). Service No. W2943, RNZAF, WWII. On Tuesday, 14th August 2012, suddenly at North Shore Hospital. Aged 88 years. Dearly loved wife and best friend for 70 years of Frederick. Loved mother and mother in law of David and Maxine, Carl, Kath and Mary, Deborah and Jeff, and Tony. Loved nana of Patrick, David, Jamie, Nathan, Katie and Michael. A Service to celebrate Pat's life will be held at the Chapel of Faithfull Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Rd, Hibiscus Coast on Saturday, the 18th of August 2012 at 11:00 AM followed by the burial at Silverdale Anglican Cemetery. Our grateful thanks to Waitemata Health for their wonderful care. MILLAR, Bruce Gordon. Flight Lieut RNZAF NZ4213910. Loving husband of the late Wendy. Much loved and cherished father of Carol, Jennie, Judy and Debra. Treasured and loved Grandpa of Simon, Ben, Jonathan and Charlotte; Mathew, Antony and Cory; and Conor. Loving Great-Grandfather of Isabella and Tayla. Respected and admired father-in-law of Peter, Mark and Guy. A kind and gentle man who will be so sadly missed. A service to celebrate Bruce's life will be held at St Johns Anglican Church, 327 Beach Road, Campbells Bay at 1.30pm on Thursday 16 August 2012. SMITH, Herbert Thomas Sylvester. 'Uncle Herb' 31st October 1924 _ 9th August 2012. NZYMCA RNZAF 451529 and 22BTN-BCOF 636773 'J' Force. Passed away peacefully at St Patricks Rest Home and Hospital, Epsom. Much loved Dad and father-in-law of Mary-Ellen and Alan, Wes and Carol, Norman and Sue, Nigel and Sandy, Gail and Mark Burgess, Ange and Phil Southgate. Granddad of 15 and great-granddad of 10. Uncle Herb in the 60's to many at Mt Albert Methodist Church. A service for Herb will be held at Mt Albert Methodist Church, cnr Alexis Avenue and New North Road, Mt Albert on Friday, 17 August at 1.30pm, to be followed by private cremation.Special thanks to the caring staff of St Patricks Home and Hospital for all the love, fun and good times Herb has had with them. All messages please to Herb's family, PO Box 96230, Balmoral 1342 or online at www.davisfunerals.co.nz/memorials. BARNES, Patrick Earle. Pilot Officer RAF Service No 4232382 Passed away peacefully at Whangarei Hospital on 26 July, 2012. Dearly Loved soul mate of Oriel and Loved dad of Benjamin and Claire. Adored Grandpa of Pascale, Jacob, Imogen and loved brother of Susan, Stella, Marc, Helen and Peter. Favourite son-in-law of Neville and Beryl, brother-in- law of Lester and father-in- law of Nick and Megan. A celebration of Patrick's life will be held at The Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Rd, KeriKeri on Thursday 2nd August 2012 at 1:00pm, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand ( P O Box 99182, Newmarket, Auckland ) or St John ( P O Box 154 KeriKeri 0245 ) would be appreciated.
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Post by phil82 on Aug 15, 2012 6:26:12 GMT 12
Sad to see Ross Ewing has died on Monday.. I had a very personal connection with Ross some years ago.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 15, 2012 9:07:12 GMT 12
W/O AG C. M. Bligh NZ4214461 RNZAF on 9 August 12 aged 89. Messages to Family of Colin Bligh C/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. At Colin's request a private cremation is to be held.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 10:16:05 GMT 12
Not to lessen the deaths of the other servicepeople posted about, but it was very sad to read on Twitter of Ross Ewing's passing. I reviewed his aerobatics book and the second edition of Catalina Dreaming for the Wanganui Chronicle and received a thank-you note from him. I was never fortunate enough to meet him, although he was in the room at an Omaka meeting I attended in 2007.
He was indeed key in the move of the ex-RAAF Vampire ZK-VAM from Australia, helping to found the NZ Warbirds Association and the Roaring Forties. His human factors book was (is still?) a key requirement of the NZ PPL course.
My best thoughts are with his wife and family. Blue skies and rest in peace.
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Post by baz62 on Aug 15, 2012 12:45:51 GMT 12
Not to lessen the deaths of the other servicepeople posted about, but it was very sad to read on Twitter of Ross Ewing's passing. I reviewed his aerobatics book and the second edition of Catalina Dreaming for the Wanganui Chronicle and received a thank-you note from him. I was never fortunate enough to meet him, although he was in the room at an Omaka meeting I attended in 2007. He was indeed key in the move of the ex-RAAF Vampire ZK-VAM from Australia, helping to found the NZ Warbirds Association and the Roaring Forties. His human factors book was (is still?) a key requirement of the NZ PPL course. My best thoughts are with his wife and family. Blue skies and rest in peace. YesI just finished my PPL Human Factors lectures and have his book(a good reference) and of course knew his name, a sad loss for NZ aviation. My thoughts go to his friends and family too.
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Aug 15, 2012 19:28:31 GMT 12
I've read a few of Ross Ewing's books too, a shame to hear of his passing - I thought he was older than 68 too.
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Post by phil82 on Aug 16, 2012 2:39:50 GMT 12
I've read a few of Ross Ewing's books too, a shame to hear of his passing - I thought he was older than 68 too. Nope, 68 is correct.As a Fg Off Ross was seriously injured in a car crash at Ohakea [at which I had some involvement] in 1967 which killed the driver [P/O Henstock?] and front-seat passenger, both RNZAF. His recovery and subsequent regaining of his flying medical took a long time, 8-10 months.
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Post by shorty on Aug 16, 2012 18:58:46 GMT 12
Ex SGT (RTD) Alan Bernard PRAGG R84839 ARM FIT RNZAF 20 Sep 1973 to 19 Sep 1981 aged 78.
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Post by shorty on Aug 16, 2012 19:59:56 GMT 12
I've read a few of Ross Ewing's books too, a shame to hear of his passing - I thought he was older than 68 too. Nope, 68 is correct.As a Fg Off Ross was seriously injured in a car crash at Ohakea [at which I had some involvement] in 1967 which killed the driver [P/O Henstock?] and front-seat passenger, both RNZAF. His recovery and subsequent regaining of his flying medical took a long time, 8-10 months. Was Brian Lockie in that same accident?
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Post by Damon on Aug 16, 2012 20:44:45 GMT 12
Quite a shock for me on just finding out about Ross Ewings passing on Monday the 13th.He did my medicals at one point. Great guy. He will be missed.
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Post by aileronroll on Aug 16, 2012 21:08:37 GMT 12
Ross was one of aviation's really nice guys, much like the late Tom Middleton. Despite the amazing stuff he had flown he always had time for a chat with anyone leaning over an airshow fence.
All Ross's articles and books are a true reflection of someone clearly in love with aviation.
Per Ardua Ad Astra.
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Post by thoram on Aug 16, 2012 21:29:48 GMT 12
Interesting posts
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Post by phil82 on Aug 16, 2012 21:31:55 GMT 12
Nope, 68 is correct.As a Fg Off Ross was seriously injured in a car crash at Ohakea [at which I had some involvement] in 1967 which killed the driver [P/O Henstock?] and front-seat passenger, both RNZAF. His recovery and subsequent regaining of his flying medical took a long time, 8-10 months. Was Brian Lockie in that same accident? No, The driver was Henstock passenger in front was a WRAF member, Ross was in the back. Two up front died pretty well instantly. I think Lockie was involved in an other incident, but not this one!
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Post by skyhawkdon on Aug 19, 2012 11:32:02 GMT 12
From Ross' funeral service sheet.
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 19, 2012 13:38:06 GMT 12
That's a nice photo of Ross.
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Post by shorty on Aug 20, 2012 14:44:54 GMT 12
SGT (RTD) Alan Bunce H76689 Elect Fitter RNZAF 4 Jan 54 to 16 Nov 73.
On the 8th of August there was a death notice for Bunny there was a private burial as Bunny wished and no address for messages.
Bunny was an Electrical Fitter and proud of his time in the service I believe he served in the Royal Navy before joining the RNZAF.
He was a great mate who could always be relied on to help with the Mess raffles and give a hand to all that needed one Sgt Alan Bunce Elt Fit (Bunny)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2012 19:11:10 GMT 12
I'm a bit teary seeing that, thankyou for sharing Don.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 21, 2012 13:12:31 GMT 12
I am very sad to see that my mate Brian Baber has passed away. A really nice chap, he was most probably New Zealand's last surviving Brewster Buffalo pilot I think. he served with No. 243 Squadron (with Geoff Fisken) in Singapore. He was the baby pilot of the squadron so saw little action but was certainly involved in the defence of Singapore.
On returning home to NZ after escaping Singapore, Brian served with No. 8 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron (he was their last known pilot too) flying Vincents operationally from Gisborne. He progressed onto the Grumman Avengers with No. 30 squadron and went with them to the Pacific. He developed inner air difficulties and this was prevalent during dives so he did not complete the tour, being invalided home. He was grounded and made an Aerodrome Controller, spending the rest of WWII in charge of traffic in and out of RNZAF Station Rongotai.
I visited Brian on several occasions and really liked him a great deal. His brother was one of the early members of No. 75 Squadron on Wellingotns and was killed in Europe.
RIP mate.
BABER, Kevern Brian. Flying Officer 402372 RNZAF. On August 16, 2012, peacefully at home in Auckland, aged 92 years. Loved husband of Ngaere, father of Diane, Gail, Murray, and Brent, father in law of Dianne and Robyn, grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of 11. We give thanks for your life with us. A private service was held on Saturday the 18th of August. The family wish to thank all of those who have been involved in Brian's care in recent weeks.
Other deaths this week: TIMNEY, Osmond Joseph (Joe). (Service No. 391913 RNZAF WWII) On 17 August 2012 (peacefully) at Waitakere Hospital, in his 100th year. Much loved husband of Trixie, dearly loved Dad of Gordon, Bryson, Kevin, Sheryl, and Karyn, and their families. A brave battler now at rest. Special thanks to all the staff of Waitakere Hospital for their loving care. Could not be surpassed. Thank you. The entire service for Joe will be held in the Main Chapel of the Morrison Funeral Home, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson on Tuesday 21 August at 10.00am. No flowers by request please. All communications to the Timney Family, c/- the above Funeral Home.
WAKEFIELD, Colin Norman. LAC RNZAF WWII. On August 16, 2012 peacefully with his family by his side. Loved and loving husband of the late Nan. Loving father of Colleen, Malcolm, Judy, and Raewyn. Cherished Poppa of 15 grandchildren and Poppa G of 10 great-grandchildren. The complete service for Colin will be held on Tuesday August 21 at the Romaleigh Funeral Home, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote, at 2pm followed by private cremation. H Morris Funeral Services.
WEDGWOOD, John William (Jack) RNZAF WW2 NZ421545 Peacefully on August 18th 2012 at Auckland Hospital, aged 102 years. Much loved husband of the late Helen and brother of Nancy, Marge, and the late Norman and Ken. Will be dearly missed by his 7 children, Jack, Bob, Don, Ian, Val, Marilyn and Sue; his 19 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. Treasured father-in-law of June, Joan, Jeanette, Maryanne, Stuart, Peter and Simon. You are and will always be carried in our hearts, the moments and memories spent together will forever be treasured. Rest in peace. The family would like to thank the staff at the Awatea Ward for their exceptional care. A service will be held at Davis Funerals (Grange Manor), 400 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Wednesday 22nd August at 10:00am.
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 21, 2012 14:13:25 GMT 12
I am very sad to see that my mate Brian Baber has passed away. A really nice chap, he was most probably New Zealand's last surviving Brewster Buffalo pilot I think. he served with No. 243 Squadron (with Geoff Fisken) in Singapore. He was the baby pilot of the squadron so saw little action but was certainly involved in the defence of Singapore. On returning home to NZ after escaping Singapore, Brian served with No. 8 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron (he was their last known pilot too) flying Vincents operationally from Gisborne. He progressed onto the Grumman Avengers with No. 30 squadron and went with them to the Pacific. He developed inner air difficulties and this was prevalent during dives so he did not complete the tour, being invalided home. He was grounded and made an Aerodrome Controller, spending the rest of WWII in charge of traffic in and out of RNZAF Station Rongotai. I visited Brian on several occasions and really liked him a great deal. His brother was one of the early members of No. 75 Squadron on Wellingotns and was killed in Europe. RIP mate. BABER, Kevern Brian. Flying Officer 402372 RNZAF. On August 16, 2012, peacefully at home in Auckland, aged 92 years. Loved husband of Ngaere, father of Diane, Gail, Murray, and Brent, father in law of Dianne and Robyn, grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of 11. We give thanks for your life with us. A private service was held on Saturday the 18th of August. The family wish to thank all of those who have been involved in Brian's care in recent weeks. Other deaths this week: WAKEFIELD, Colin Norman. LAC RNZAF WWII. On August 16, 2012 peacefully with his family by his side. Loved and loving husband of the late Nan. Loving father of Colleen, Malcolm, Judy, and Raewyn. Cherished Poppa of 15 grandchildren and Poppa G of 10 great-grandchildren. The complete service for Colin will be held on Tuesday August 21 at the Romaleigh Funeral Home, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote, at 2pm followed by private cremation. H Morris Funeral Services. Baber's service number was actually NZ402 472. Interestingly, in RNZAF records his first names are recorded in reverse order to those note above. Wakefield was NZ4213322. Errol
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