|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 4, 2015 13:34:45 GMT 12
WILLCOX, William (Bill): Reg 4310510 RNZAF 1943 – 1945. NZ. RSA. Life Member. On May 1st, 2015, peacefully at Christchurch Hospital, surrounded by his family, aged 92 years. Dearly loved husband of Bett. Loved father and father-in-law of Brian (deceased) and Margaret, Rosemary and Michael O'Regan, Christine and Brian Callaghan, Michael and Christina, and Therese and Gary Knowles. A much loved Grandad Bill of all his grandchildren and great-grand-children. Messages to the Willcox family c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. Special thanks to all the staff of Parklands Hospital and Christchurch Hospital for their care of Bill. Donationsto the St Vincent de Paul Society (Burnside) would be appreciated and may be madeat the Mass. The Funeral Mass for Bill will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church, 90 Greers Road, Burnside, on Wednesday May 6, at 10.30am. followed by private cremation.
RICKETTS, William Charles (Charlie): Army: 440872; RNZAF: 436602 (WW2). On Friday May 1, 2015, aged 92 years. Loved husband for 64 years of Margaret and proud father and father-in-law of Wendy and Russell Genet and Julia and Bob Christie and the late Jonathan Charles Ricketts. Grandfather of Martin, Terry and Zoe Genet and Heather and Beth Christie. Great-Grandfather of Thomas and Lucy Genet. A celebration of the life of Charlie will be held in the Mount Pleasant Yacht Club, Main Road, Mount Pleasant on Wednesday, May 6 at 3pm. Private cremation thereafter.
PASCOE, Elaine Mildred (nee Harre) W5599 RNZAF WAAF 1943 - 1945. At home on Sunday 3rd May 2015. Precious wife and best friend of Cal for 68 years. Dearly loved and loving Mum and mother-in-law of Andrea and Steve Prill, Murray and Jan Pascoe, Judy and Ian Murphy, Helen and John Haeusler. Loving Gran to her 12 grandchildren and proud Gran to her 11 greats. Warmest thanks to the members of St John, Whakatane Hospice, Social Services and the staff of Golden Pond. A celebration of Elaine's life will be held in St Nicholas Church, Pohutukawa Avenue, Ohope on Thursday 7th May at 11am, followed by burial at Whakatane Hillcrest Cemetery, Ohope Road, Whakatane. Messages please to the Pascoe Family, C/- PO Box 2070, Whakatane.
HUNTER, Ronald Charles. RNZAF 71294 Quietly slipped away at HB Hospital on April 29, 2015. Dearly loved husband of the late Jo, now reunited. Very special Uncle Ron to Mary Ritchie, Helen, Andrew, Finley and Claire Gordon, and Kath and his many nieces and nephews. A service to farewell Ron will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11.00am, in the Beth Shan Chapel, 157 Georges Drive, Napier followed by private cremation.
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on May 4, 2015 16:05:06 GMT 12
HUNTER, Ronald Charles. RNZAF 71294 Quietly slipped away at HB Hospital on April 29, 2015. Dearly loved husband of the late Jo, now reunited. Very special Uncle Ron to Mary Ritchie, Helen, Andrew, Finley and Claire Gordon, and Kath and his many nieces and nephews. A service to farewell Ron will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11.00am, in the Beth Shan Chapel, 157 Georges Drive, Napier followed by private cremation. Enlisted as NZ46946 on 11 May 46, renumbered as 71294 January 1949. Errol
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 8, 2015 14:44:39 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Arthur John Plank H81450 E MECH RNZAF 7 January 1964 to 26 August 1968 on 04/05/2015 in his 78th year. Ex Palmerston North , more recently of Port Macquarie, NSW Australia. Dearly loved husband of Hilary, love father of Sharon, Craig, Jason and Shelley, much loved Grandad of Sophie, Oliver, Ashlee, Bailey and Baby Jax. Passed away peacefully after a very short illness. Time for me to go now. I won't say goodbye, look for me in Rainbows, way up in the sky. Rest in peace our Johnny, alive and always in our hearts. BROWN, Robin Ashley (Bob) RNZAF A84755 Passed away Saturday 2 May. Loved husband of Anne, father of Jannette and Phillip, stepdad of Peter, Matt and Geoff. A very special man. Farewell to celebrate Bob's life at Tauranga Funeral Park, 383 Pyes Pa Rd Tauranga Wednesday 6 May at 1.30pm. In lieu of flowers donations to Waipuna Hospice please. HILL, William Murray (Murray) MBE, ED. (Service No. 4310675 RNZAF, 206493/ 130341 NZA): Suddenly at home in Paekakariki on Wednesday 6 May 2015. In his 91st year. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Helen for 60 years. Beloved father & father-in-law of Kim & Gerry, Jane & Rob, Peta & Greg, Alison & Donald, Judith & Aaron, Meredith Kate & Alan. Wonderful Pop of Hannah & Greg, Cameron & Penny, Charlotte & Jorge, Kate, and Bill; James & Ema, Briar, Matthew, Rhian, and Tom; Brigid, Esther, Garratt, Harriet, and Eliza; Conor; Daniel, Matthew, and Lucy, and his great grandchildren, Griffin, and Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations to either the Paekakariki Volunteer Fire Brigade or The Wellington Free Ambulance would be appreciated. A service to celebrate Murray's life will be held at the Paekakariki Memorial Hall, The Parade, Paekakariki on Monday 11 May 2015 at 11.00am, to be followed by burial at Awa Tapu Cemetery, Valley Road, Paraparaumu. Messages to "The Hill Family" PO Box 119, Paraparaumu 5254, or to murrayhill@paradise.net.nz. This last notice is particularly sad for me, as I knew Arthur Hoffman - he was a huge help and inspiration behind my research into the RNZAF General Reconnaissance squadrons. I had also met Paddy. Seeing that both died together is really, really sad. Arthur was perhaps the last living member of the pre-WWII Territorial Air Force (I'd have to check that but I think off the top of my head that he was the last). He originally served with the Wellington (Territorial) Squadron at Rongotai as a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner (he and the others in this role were destined to train eventually as Observers) in Baffins. When war began he was mobilised into the squadron full time, now known as the Wellington (General Reconnaissance) Squadron and based at Woodbourne. In 1940 he was posted to Whenuapai with the New Zealand General Reconnaissance Squadron (Baffins and then Vincents). In late 1940 or very early 1941 he went to Fiji as a member of Unit 20, navigating and performing wireless operator/air gunner duties on their DH89 Rapides, and later DH86 Express. Unit 20 later expanded with added Vincents to become No. 4 (GR) Squadron and Arthur flew in them as aircrew. Then when the war in the Pacific began the squadron received Hudsons. In these Arthur was alternating between Wireless Op/Air Gunner, Navigator, Radar Operator and occasionally aerial photographer. In 1943 he was posted to Guadalcanal to join No. 3 (GR) Squadron flying reconnaissance patrols on the front lines. Eventually a request he'd put in to remuster to pilot training came through, from memory in 1944, and he was sent to England where he ended the war flying as a pilot, I think just getting onto Mosquitoes. He returned to NZ postwar and joined the all new NAC when it formed, working a long career on that airline.
Arthur was the first person I spoke with when I hit upon an idea to try to write a book on the RNZAF's Hudsons. I had seen his number in an old Wings magazine listed as contact for a General Reconnaissance Squadron reunion. I phoned him out of the blue and he kindly spoke to me for well over an hour on the GR Squadrons. He was very enthusiastic, and he encouraged me to look wider than just the Hudsons, back to the Baffins, and right through to the Venturas. He sent me a list of names of his mates to contact, most of which I was able to interview (now all are gone I believe!). And it all went from there. He kept in touch and we spoke, wrote and emailed often, though in recent times he had not been at all well. Someday Arthur I'll get the books finished and published, and the first one will be dedicated to you. RIP Arthur and PaddyHOFFMAN, Shyreen Patricia (Paddy) HOFFMAN Aaron Arthur (Arthur) 438012 RNZAF WWII Flying Officer Dearly beloveds Arthur and Paddy Hoffman died peacefully in their sleep, within days of each other, on Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th March. He was 95 and she was 90. Arthur, a Retired Serviceman, and Paddy, daughter of the late Senator Dr Herbert Quin, were an admirable couple, married in 1946 and together until the end! They will be greatly missed by their son and daughter-in-law, their four grandchildren (all in the UK), their siblings, nephews, nieces, many more relatives and dear friends - across many parts of the world. His soft composure and her exuberant nature brought so much joy to us all. A double funeral service to celebrate the lives and love of Arthur and Paddy will be held at the Silverdale and Districts RSA, 43a Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, on Tuesday 12th May 2015, at 10am (Auckland, NZ). All family and friends are warmly invited. Donations, if so desired, may be made to Silverdale RSA. We love you both so much. May you rest together peacefully. This is a photo I took of 'Paddy' and Arthur Hoffman in the little museum that Arthur ran at Silverdale RSA, back in 2005 during a General Reconnaissance Squadron Reunion there. RIP mate!
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on May 8, 2015 15:40:09 GMT 12
John Plank will be remembered for his days at Palmerston North and particularly with United Aviation. Many involved in GA would have had dealings with John. Condolences to family and friends. I am ex-staff. RIP.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 8, 2015 16:39:03 GMT 12
I'm so sorry for your loss Dave, that is heartbreaking to read. That's a great photo of them.
Re John Plank, I think he was involved in the purchase of ZK-CBG in the mid-90s for parts. BB, I'm sorry for your loss.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 11, 2015 19:10:34 GMT 12
MEDDINGS, Philip Alan Reg No 442428 L.A.C.RNZAF WW11 - on May 6, 2015 at Metlifecare, Masterton, aged 91. Dearly loved and best friend of Pat. Loved father and father-in- law of Coralie and Bob Baines (Wellington), Alan and Donna Meddings (Gladstone), Wendy (dec) and Gary Johnstone (Perth W.A). Loved grandfather of Lydia and Charlie; Philip and Justin; Charnele, and Rhett. Loved brother of Clive Meddings (Cambridge) and Ailsa Henderson (Raumati). As was Phil's wish, a private service has been held. Messages to Phil's family may be sent to 2/188 Dixon Street Masterton. David Dew Funeral Services Masterton FDANZ rosewoodfuneralhome.co.nz
MCFADDEN, Peter George 403633 RNZAF 4 SQN WWII. On 2nd May 2015 aged 93. Dearest husband for 71 years of Ness. Fun Dad of Tony, Paul and Jane. A memorial service for Peter will be held at the Chapel of Forrest Funeral Services, 8 Glen Road, Browns Bay on Wednesday 13th May 2015 at 2pm. "A helper and servant to many." In lieu of flowers donations to M.E.R.C. (Marine Centre Long Bay) would be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by skyhawkdon on May 11, 2015 20:17:36 GMT 12
This is just a heads up in case anyone knew Dave, formal death notice and funeral details to come: GEDDES, David Eric ("Yeti"), SQN LDR (RTD), GD(Nav), 40 Sqn (Hercules), 41 Sqn (Bristol Freighter, including Vietnam), 1 Sqn (Andover), NATTS (Devon and Friendship), former OC NATTS and CTS. Post RNZAF Dave was Operations Manager at the NZ Antarctic Division for many years. Otago/Southland RSA District President, Queenstown RSA President. Passed away this afternoon after a short illness. Dave was my uncle and I was so proud to march with him in this year's ANZAC parade. RIP Dave. We Will Remember Them.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 11, 2015 20:23:28 GMT 12
I'm so sorry to read this Don. My condolences to you and your family.
|
|
|
Post by camtech on May 11, 2015 20:40:57 GMT 12
My condolences also.I knew Dave during my time on 1 Squadron - he was a bit of a character, led us astray a few times in odd places - Singapore, Bangkok, and others. RIP big fella
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on May 11, 2015 20:59:59 GMT 12
Sorry for your loss Don. Dave would have been well known from his RNZAF days and his other time in ChCh. Condolences to his family and friends.
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on May 11, 2015 21:14:21 GMT 12
This has come as a bit of a shock. I served with Dave as a member of No 12 Squadron, ATC in Invercargill during the 1960s. He was only a few years older than me and stood out as a leader from my very first meeting with him.
Errol
|
|
|
Post by shorty on May 12, 2015 9:14:11 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Colin George Meiklejohn B79420 Avionics Technician RNZAF 26 April 1958 to 19 June 1979. On 9 May 2015 at Rannerdale Veterans Care after a brief decline. Much loved husband of Myra for almost 50 years, father and fatherinlaw of Sharon and Brian (Canada), Gavin and Paula (Wellington), loved brother and brotherinlaw of Derrick and Diane (Pleasant Point), his many nephews and Pippin the cat. Messages C/- PO Box 39127 Christchurch 8545. A service will be held for Colin in our Crematorium Chapel, 65 Vickerys Road, Wigram on Wednesday 13 may at 1400 hrs.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 12, 2015 9:30:22 GMT 12
Why do I know that name? Was he well known for something?
|
|
|
Post by davidd on May 12, 2015 9:59:03 GMT 12
Dave, Colin Meiklejohn was a volunteer with the RNZAF Museum for many years, both as a guide and in the workshops; his pet technical project being the Vickers Vildebeest, although this particular endeavour seems to have been on the back burner in recent times. And a thoroughly nice fellow too. I believe he was well known face in Wellington in the 60s and 70s in the communications field. David D
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 12, 2015 10:07:11 GMT 12
Aha, yes, I believe I met him some years back and had a good chat with him whilst he was working on the Vildebeest. Nice chap. That's a shame. Thanks David.
|
|
|
Post by tbf25o4 on May 12, 2015 11:19:59 GMT 12
Two good old friends departed on this page Dave Geddes who I knew when at Whenuapai and Colin Meiklejohn who was a ground radio fitter at Wigram in the late 1960s, and I worked with his brother Derek for many years.
may they rest in everlasting peace
|
|
|
Post by skyhawkdon on May 12, 2015 15:33:44 GMT 12
Shot 21-year-old hunter named The 21-year-old man who died on Sunday while out hunting with friends in the central North Island was an aircraftman at Ohakea. He was Joshua Hunter Hill. Hill died after his gun accidentally fired as he crossed a fence while deer hunting in the central North Island, police said. An autopsy had been completed and police were continuing to investigate the incident. Officers were called to private farmland at Ruatiti, near Raetihi, about 4.30pm on Sunday. Hill had suffered a gunshot wound to his chest. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, were called and tried to save him without luck. www.stuff.co.nz/national/68482723/shot-21yearold-hunter-named
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 12, 2015 15:34:37 GMT 12
Awful. RIP
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 13, 2015 9:29:02 GMT 12
Death of an Ex-Serviceperson: F/S (RTD) Matt (Beavis) Beaven J1002808 HCM 3 SQN, OHAKEA It is with deep regret that RNZAF Base Ohakea announces the loss of one of our own. Matt died on Monday morning as a result of a vehicle accident on a farm in the Marton area. Matt was a long serving member of 3 SQN and only recently left the RNZAF in January of this year. He is survived by his wife SGT Jo Beaven and their three children Stella, Ava and Esther. Our thoughts are with them during this tragic time. Messages of condolence can be passed to SQNLDR Marc Beckers C/- RNZAF Base Ohakea, Private Bag, Palmerston North. Details for the funeral will be forthcoming as soon as they are available. SQNLDR Jen Ross | Executive Officer Base Headquarters | RNZAF Base Ohakea
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 13, 2015 9:33:23 GMT 12
SGT (RTD) William (Dickie) BIRD X77531 CMFIT(A) RNZAF 5 Feb 1955 to 27 November 1970. Passed away peacefully on May 9, 2015, at Christchurch Hospital, surrounded by family. Husband of the late Vera and former husband and friend of Dorothy. Loved father of Roger, Cynthia and Jane and stepfather of Stewart and the late Barbara. Loved grandfather to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A great friend to the many people he met during his career in the RNZAF and his work at the Air Force Museum, Wigram. Messages may be sent to 'The Bird Family, c/- 19 London St, Richmond, Christchurch 8013. Celebration of Dickies life will be held at the John Rhind Lounge Chapel, entrance from London Street only, on Thursday, May 14, at 1400 Hrs.
SQN LDR (RTD) David Eric GEDDES W81900 GD (N) RNZAF 12 January 1965 to 21 March 1986. On Monday 11 May 2015 peacefully at home aged 69 years. Cherished husband of Maryann. Loved and respected father and fatherinlaw of Rachel and Simeon, Lisa and Jeff. A farewell service to celebrate Daves life will be held at the Order of St Johns rooms, Douglas Street, Queenstown, on Saturday 16 May 2015 at 1500 Hrs. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Queenstown RSA would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to the family C/- PO Box 510, Queenstown 9348
|
|