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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 1, 2015 20:31:12 GMT 12
I'm sad to see my mate Charlie Christiansen has passed away. He was one of the few Cambridge airmen left. Some of you will recall Charlie from the 2012 forum meet, in which he had a turn and had to leave in an ambulance. CHRISTIANSEN, Charles Herbert (Charlie from the bush). Reg.No.NZ4311287. Fiji Leading Aircraftsman RNZAF. WWII. On 29th August 2015 peacefully at Resthaven Cambridge; aged 95 years. Loved husband of Margaret. Loved father and father-in-law of Jillian Lowrie, Evan and Willy (Cambridge). Loved Grand Pa of Aaron and Jenny, and Michael. Great Grand Pa of Max, Ashton and Zac. In lieu of flowers donations to Waikato Heart Foundation would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A service for Charlie will be held at Trinity St Pauls Church, Queen Street Cambridge, on Thursday 3rd September 2015 at 12:30pm. Followed by interment at RSA Cemetery Hautapu. Grinter Funeral Services Ltd 3 Hallys Lane Cambridge
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 2, 2015 15:25:04 GMT 12
HICKMAN, Graham Leicester. RNZAF M81224 Passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2015 at Cranford Hospice. Beloved husband of Kathryn. Cherished father of Kim and Bill, Erin and the late Steve. Much loved Grandad to his six Grandchildren. Loved brother of Robin and Una. He will be very sadly missed by all who loved and knew him. Graham will be resting at home, where a celebration will be held on Thursday, September 3 at 2pm. A private Cremation to follow. Donations if desired, can be made to Cranford Hospice.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 2, 2015 15:36:47 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) Geoffrey Allen (GAP) Parkinson N327877 GD (N) RNZAF 2 January 1954 to 31 March 1984. Geoff passed away late last night 1 September 2015. The funeral for Geoff will be held in Old St Pauls, Mulgrave Street, Wellington on Monday the 7th of September at 1.00pm. Messages of condolence may be sent to Elaine and family to Lychgate Funerals, 7 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 2, 2015 15:44:22 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) Geoffrey Allen (GAP) Parkinson N327877 GD (N) RNZAF 2 January 1954 to 31 March 1984. Geoff passed away late last night 1 September 2015. The funeral for Geoff will be held in Old St Pauls, Mulgrave Street, Wellington on Monday the 7th of September at 1.00pm. Messages of condolence may be sent to Elaine and family to Lychgate Funerals, 7 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: PARKINSON, Wing Commander Geoffrey Allen, OBE. N327877; Born Auckland, 29 Dec 1932; RNZAF 2 Jan 1954 to 1 Apr 1984; Navigator. Citation Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (NY1983): Wing Commander Parkinson joined the RNZAF as a navigator trainee in 1954 and served initially with No 41 Sqn. He subsequently qualified as a navigator instructor and completed tours of duty as navigation leader on No 42 Sqn and Officer Commanding RNZAF Navigation School. Wg Cdr Parkinson than held a variety of staff posts including the directing staff at the RNZAF Command and Staff College and Deputy Director of Movements in Defence HQ. Following attendance at the Australian Joint Services Staff College in 1975 he commanded No 41 Sqn in Singapore until 1978 when he was appointed Director of Personal Services in Personnel Branch, Defence HQ. During his appointment as Director of Personal Services, Wg Cdr Parkinson has made an outstanding contribution to personnel matters that have had a major impact on all servicemen. He commenced his posting at the time of the Armed Forces Pay Review implementation and was responsible for originating and preparing all the detailed implementation instructions that were part of the Review. He has been responsible for originating many policy changes in the conditions of service area that will be of long-term benefit to all servicemen. His proposal for an Aircrew Terminal Benefit could well have a significant effect on aircrew retention in later years. He instituted and undertook briefing sessions on all camps and bases and this has proved of immense benefit both as a staff relations exercise and in obtaining important feedback from servicemen in the conditions of service area. He has a genuine concern for the welfare of servicemen at all rank levels in all three Services, but he nevertheless exercises fair and objective judgement. His approach to personnel problems and policy is unbiased, fair and realistic. Through his service Wg Cdr Parkinson has displayed exceptional dedication which has been hallmarked by a strong sense of loyalty and vigour. He has made an outstanding contribution to the Service, in particular during his last appointment as Director of Personal Services. His efforts during this posting in introducing new conditions of service to meet the changing needs of today’s Armed Forces will benefit all servicemen for many years to come.Errol
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Post by shorty on Sept 4, 2015 18:47:15 GMT 12
W/O RTD Graham HICKMAN - AVTECH. Graham started his career in 1964 and was in the last Boy Entrant course. He was posted to RAAF Base Forest Hills, Wagga Wagga in 1965 as an Airman Apprentice for two and one half years training as an Instrument Fitter. To my knowledge, during his career he served in Singapore, on 3 Sqn Wasp Afloat, and on Bases Auckland and Woodbourne. Graham was also employed with SAFE AIR LTD as a Technician from 30 June 2006 to 4 July 2010 and then as a RNZAF Civilian Maintenance Technician in the Logistics Training Squadron (LTS) from 4 February 2011 to 7 September 2012 when he and Kathryn moved to the Hawkes Bay.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 5, 2015 11:11:35 GMT 12
HARKNESS, Douglas David (Doug) Regt. No 4215679, RNZAF, LAC, WW1I: Of Palmerston North peacefully at Metlifecare, with his family by his side. In his 92nd year. Dearly loved husband of the late Joan. Much loved father of Joanne Reichenbach. Cherished Grandad to Michael; and Nicola. "Treasured Memories, Forever In Our Hearts". Special thanks to Debbie and her team at Metlifecare, for their extra special love and support of Doug.Messages to Harkness family c/- P.O.Box 5191, Palmerston North 4441. A Graveside Service for Doug will be held at the Kelvin Grove Lawn Cemetery, James Line, Palmerston North on Monday 7th September, 2015 at 1pm.
LANG, Elliott Thomas: Service No NZ432743 RNZAF, WWII: Passed away peacefully on 3 September 2015, age 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Helen and father to Bruce and Cath. Father-in-law to Darien and Jono and grandfather (to the late Matt), Sarah, Ashley & Spencer. Stepfather to Bryan and Christine and stepfather-in-law to Sheila & Derek. In accordance with Elliott's wishes a private service will be held.
MITCHELL, Vernon Ernest: RNZAF 413770. WW 2. On September 4, 2015, peacefully at WindsorCare, aged 93 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Barbara. Loved father and father-in-law of Peter and Ximena, and Mary and Raymond Taffs. A much loved Grandad of Jane and Jarrad, James, Tessa and David; Chris and Emily, Gerald and Tracey, and Olivia, great-grandad of Conrad. Loved brother of Dulcie Rogerson, and the late Gordon Mitchell. A much loved Uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Messages to the Mitchell family, c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. Special thanks to the wonderful staff of WindsorCare. A Catholic Funeral Mass for Vernon will be celebrated at St Johns Hall, 727 Ferry Road, Woolston, on Wednesday, September 9, at 1.00pm, followed by burial at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery.
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 5, 2015 11:52:52 GMT 12
LANG, Elliott Thomas: Service No NZ432743 RNZAF, WWII: Passed away peacefully on 3 September 2015, age 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Helen and father to Bruce and Cath. Father-in-law to Darien and Jono and grandfather (to the late Matt), Sarah, Ashley & Spencer. Stepfather to Bryan and Christine and stepfather-in-law to Sheila & Derek. In accordance with Elliott's wishes a private service will be held. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : LANG, Flying Officer Elliott Thomas, mid. NZ432743; Born Featherston, 27 Jan 1924; RNZAF 27 Feb 1943 to 21 Sep 1945; Pilot. Citation Mention in Despatches(22 Mar 1946): In recognition of gallant services rendered during the war. Flew three tours with 16 Sqn RNZAF (Corsair) in the S & SWPAs. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2015 0:24:23 GMT 12
BLAMPIED, Harold Hamon (Hal) D.F.C. Flight Lieutenant RNZAF NZ 13320, Lieutenant NZ Artillery NZ 1718. On Friday 4th September, 2015, after 95 years of life well and truly lived, Hal peacefully left this world to join his beloved Joan. Greatly loved and respected Father and Father-in-Law of Jenny and Mike Joyce, Martin and Bev Blampied and Anne and Roland Plank. Treasured Granddad of Nicky, Kristin, Mark, Matt, Hamish, Stephanie and Karl, and a special presence in the lives of his 9 Great Grandchildren. An Inspirational Man who lived life to the full. A Bayswater Boy with great associations to the North Shore. We will love you and miss you forever. A Service to celebrate Hal's life will be held at St Luke's Presbyterian Church, 130 Remuera Rd at 2.00pm on Thursday 10th September. Heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to the ultimate loving and caring staff at Fairview Care Albany. In Lieu of Flowers, donations to The Parkinson's Society, P.O.Box 16238, Sandringham, Auckland would be greatly appreciated.
DAVIS, Douglas on 3rd September 2015, quietly in his sleep at age 89. Born 4th February 1926 in France, son of Frederick and Julie Davis. Formerly RAF Corporal 1713935, RNZAF Flight Sergeant 73074 and Auckland City Council Workshops Planning Officer. Joy's husband, soul mate and lifelong friend. Dearly loved and missed by sons Tom, William, Jim and Fred, by extended family and friends, and by the wonderful team at Rosedale Village. Doug will forever live in our hearts and minds. A celebration of Doug's life will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Wednesday 9th September at 10.00am.
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 7, 2015 9:08:57 GMT 12
BLAMPIED, Harold Hamon (Hal) D.F.C. Flight Lieutenant RNZAF NZ 13320, Lieutenant NZ Artillery NZ 1718. On Friday 4th September, 2015, after 95 years of life well and truly lived, Hal peacefully left this world to join his beloved Joan. Greatly loved and respected Father and Father-in-Law of Jenny and Mike Joyce, Martin and Bev Blampied and Anne and Roland Plank. Treasured Granddad of Nicky, Kristin, Mark, Matt, Hamish, Stephanie and Karl, and a special presence in the lives of his 9 Great Grandchildren. An Inspirational Man who lived life to the full. A Bayswater Boy with great associations to the North Shore. We will love you and miss you forever. A Service to celebrate Hal's life will be held at St Luke's Presbyterian Church, 130 Remuera Rd at 2.00pm on Thursday 10th September. Heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to the ultimate loving and caring staff at Fairview Care Albany. In Lieu of Flowers, donations to The Parkinson's Society, P.O.Box 16238, Sandringham, Auckland would be greatly appreciated. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: BLAMPIED, Flight Lieutenant Harold Hamon, DFC. NZ1718 & 133201; Born Bayswater, Auckland, 12 Sep 1920; NZ Army (9th Hvy Bty NZA) 4 Sep 1939 to 14 Sep 1942; RNZAF 15 Sep 1942 to 24 Feb 1946, Res. to 12 Sep 1975; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (Imm) (24 Apr 1945): [489 Sqn RNZAF (Beaufighter)] During his tour of operational duty this officer has taken part in a number of attacks on enemy shipping. In these operations he has shown unfailing devotion to duty, coupled with high qualities of skill and bravery. On one occasion in March, 1945, Flying Officer Blampied took part in an attack on shipping in Egersund harbour. Whilst pressing home his attack, Flying Officer Blampied’s aircraft was hit. The starboard engine caught fire. Although he feathered the propeller and put the engine out of action, the fire persisted. Despite this, Flying Officer Blampied set course for home. Some minutes later the fire died away and this resolute pilot went on to complete the return flight safely. His skill and determination on this occasion were in keeping with that which he has shown throughout his tour.
Flt Lt Blampied served in the NZ Army becoming a Lt and 2 i/c of a Coastal Artillery Battery in the Bay of Islands. He was commissioned in the RNZAF as a Plt Off (ASD) initially for the training of Aerodrome Defence Unit personnel, before transferring to aircrew. Following initial flying training in NZ he trained at RAF Medicine Hat, Canada, on a special international aircrew course comprising members from Belgium, British Army, Czechoslovakia, Free French, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland. His operational career was with 489 Sqn RNZAF (Beaufighter) with targets primarily off the Dutch and Norwegian coasts. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 8, 2015 11:14:14 GMT 12
Dee Boneham has kindly sent this one from an Australian website:
GORDON (Leslie): Passed away at home AFME Bull Creek 4.9.2015. Past President RAAFA, Rear Gunner, RNZAF 75 Squadron. Loving husband of Molly, father of Ann Olson, Barbara Dundas, Allyson Stewart (dec) and families. Deeply missed. No flowers by request. Donations to RAAFA Museum, Bull Creek.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 8, 2015 14:47:41 GMT 12
STEPHENSON, Kenneth (Ken) - Reg No. NZ411235, Flt Lieut, RNZAF, WWII 1939-1945. Peacefully at Lansdowne Park on Saturday 5th September 2015 aged 95. Dearly loved husband of the late Doreen. Loved father and father-in-law of Gary and Lynda; Alan; and Linda and Brian Tatton. Loved Grandad of Julia, Kimberley; Grant, Jo and Richard. The family would like to thank the staff at Lansdowne Park for their wonderful care of Ken. A service for Ken will be held at Rosewood, 415 Queen Street, Masterton on Tuesday 8th September at 2.00pm, followed by a private cremation. Messages to the Stephenson family c/- P O Box 2055 Masterton.
RYDER, Robert McChesney WWII NZDF Signals Regt 443362 (41-43). RNZAF Regt 432788 (43-48). Peacefully on Monday the 7th of September 2015 in his Papakura home. Much loved husband of the late Dorothy. Loving mother and mother-in-law of John, and Anne and Joe. Adoring grand and great grandfather to Vanessa, Sam, Asha, Summer,Tahlei, Violet, Kimberley and Isaac. A service to honour Roberts life will be held in the Papakura RSA, Elliot Street on Friday the 11th of September at 10am. All communications to agray@fountainsfunerals.co.nz
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 10, 2015 15:48:40 GMT 12
McEWEN, Lawrence Harold (NZ414995, Flying Officer, RNZAF, WWII). On 8th September 2015, peacefully at his home and surrounded by his loving family; in his 94th year. Loving companion of Willemina (Willy). Husband of the late Doreen. Father of Richard; Jennifer (deceased) and David; and David and Maree. Cherished Grandad of Tracy, Justin, Kerri-Anne; Nadia, Mathew; and Louise, and a loving great grandfather. Great friend of Anton, Marion and families. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Waikato would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A service for Lawrence will be held in the Netherville Hall, 4 Admiral Crescent, Flagstaff, Hamilton on Saturday 12th September 2015 at 11.00am. Followed by private cremation. All communications to the "McEwen Family", 717 Grey Street, Claudelands, Hamilton 3216.
BUCKLAR, Steve. Reg No. 1814610 Flt Sgt, RAF WWII. Peacefully at Wairarapa Hospital on 8 September, 2015, aged 90. Dearly loved husband of Irene for 53 years. Loved Dad of Ross and Christine, and Jason and Ashley. Cherished Grandad of John, Amy; Jessie, and Jade. Special brother-in-law of Daphne and John (England). In lieu of flowers, donations to St John (Masterton Branch) P O Box 515 Masterton would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A celebration of Steve's life will be held at Rosewood, 415 Queen Street, Masterton on Saturday 12 September at 1.30pm followed by private cremation. Messages to the Bucklar family c/- P O Box 2055 Masterton. Masterton FDANZ rosewoodfuneralhome.co.nz
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 11, 2015 23:34:26 GMT 12
VARLEY, Stewart William. (Reg No RNZAF 4210016 - NA 11322) On September 8, 2015 at Christchurch Hospital. Aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Beverley and the late Marion. Loved brother in law of Margaret and Ted West, Ken and Faye, and the late Shirley. Loved brother and brother in law of the late Rob and Athol, the late Len, the late June and Mervyn Coutts, Maureen and the late Lindsay Townson, and loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Messages to the Varley Family, P O Box 472, Ashburton 7740. Donations to the Ashburton SPCA would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A service to celebrate Stewart's life will be held our Chapel Cnr East and Cox Streets, Ashburton on Monday September 14, commencing at 1.00pm. Followed by private cremation at the Ashburton Crematorium. Paterson's Funeral Services FDANZ Ashburton Ph: 03-307-7433
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 14, 2015 13:39:37 GMT 12
Sad news, we have lost Ben Heffer. Ben was a Fleet Air Arm Corsair pilot. Some of you will have met him at our 2011 Cambridge WONZ Forum Meet. A great chap, and also one of the New Zealanders who succeeded in shooting down a Japanese Zero in his Corsair. He wrote a great autobiography called 'Cow Bells to Bell Bottoms'. RIP Ben.
HEFFER, Francis Bentick (Ben) Lt (A) D.S.C R.N.Z.N.V.R The control tower of earth's aerodrome gave permission for Ben to taxi slowly down the runway and embark on his final solo flight to soar the heavens on Monday 7 September 2015 The ETA at his destination is known only unto God A fight well fought Ben. A life well served. The final log entered. Remembered by Maggie
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 14, 2015 13:49:39 GMT 12
HEFFER, Francis Bentinck (Ben) Lt (A) D.S.C. RNZNVR Service No NZD3996. On Monday 7th September 2015 at Mount Maunganui, in his 96th year. Dearly loved husband and soul mate of Val and the late Jean. Loved father of Sandra and Bruce Greenfield (Auckland), Judy and Alan Walker (Australia), Graeme (Tauranga), Debbie and Don Hoult (Tauranga), Tenby and Sharon Powell, (Auckland). Adored Pop of Stephen and Matthew; Suzanne; Michael and Sam; Victoria, Emma, Thomas, Olivia; George and Charlotte, and his seven great children. "The Luckiest Fella In The World" Val and family wish to thank all the staff at Malyon House for their devoted care of Ben. A service to celebrate Ben's life will be held at Classic Flyers, 8 Jean Batten Drive Mount Maunganui, on Monday 14th September at 1.00pm, followed by private cremation. Communication to the Heffer Family, c/o P.O. Box 3136 Greerton, Tauranga 3142.
PAULSEN, Mervyn John. RNZAF Service No. 439230 Passed away peacefully on September 5, 2015, in his 91st year. Loved husband of the late Nola. Loved father and father-in-law of Carolyn and Mark, Don and Lesley, and Gill. Loved grandfather of Samara, Craig, Elena, Tara, and Luke. Great grandfather of Kahlyn, Soren, and Connor. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Elmwood Hospital for their wonderful care of Mervyn in his last months. A private service for Mervyn has been held in accordance with his wishes. Messages to the 'Paulsen Family', C/o PO Box 7001, Taradale, Napier 4141.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 14, 2015 14:34:33 GMT 12
I just got this message from Ray Deerness:
Robert W. Kerr Bob Kerr passed away on Saturday morning, 12/09/15. Bob had been a member of Air Britain since the 1960's and he was the expert of the New Zealand Aircraft Register. At an early stage he converted the cards to the computer and with his accumulated records of Air Britain magazines, printed aircraft registers, microfilm and downloading any available register on a regular basis, Bob had the ability to have a "complete" pre history of an aircraft soon after it was registered in New Zealand. He was a great friend to many New Zealand and Australian enthusiasts and will be sadly missed.
Ray Deerness
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 14, 2015 16:33:15 GMT 12
I just got this message from Ray Deerness: Robert W. Kerr Bob Kerr passed away on Saturday morning, 12/09/15. Bob had been a member of Air Britain since the 1960's and he was the expert of the New Zealand Aircraft Register. At an early stage he converted the cards to the computer and with his accumulated records of Air Britain magazines, printed aircraft registers, microfilm and downloading any available register on a regular basis, Bob had the ability to have a "complete" pre history of an aircraft soon after it was registered in New Zealand. He was a great friend to many New Zealand and Australian enthusiasts and will be sadly missed. Ray Deerness Bob was one of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand's earliest members, joining in its founding year, 1958, to become member No.29. Apart from his Register work, Bob also had an intense interest in very early aviation in New Zealand and internationally. He was one of only a tiny handful of well-informed New Zealanders on this subject. This knowledge proved invaluable when the two of us co-operated on researching the history of Richard Pearse’s first aeroplane and the controversial claims made for him and his flight attempts. Bob, an ex-policeman would always let the evidence speak for itself and stood firm on this regardless of statements contrary to the facts made by many misguided ‘he-flew-first believers’, some of whom could only resort to name-calling, so desperately weak were their arguments. When compiling the Pearse chapter for the first volume of my A Passion For Flight trilogy, it was with Bob’s help that we uncovered significant contemporary eye-witness material that had been long-overlooked by others. A long-standing and significant contributor to the recording of New Zealand aviation history, Bob's passing leaves a gap that will be diffcult to fill. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 15, 2015 18:48:57 GMT 12
BONGENAAR, Richard Marius (Dick): M.S.t.J Regt No. 74899 (RNZAF)/213957 (NZ Army Territorial Force) of Palmerston North. On Sunday, September 13, 2015, peacefully at Woodfall Rest Home, Feilding. Aged 85 years. Loving husband of the late Bernice. Adored Dad of Glenda (Australia), and John and Bronwyn (Feilding). Donations in lieu of flowers to Guide Dog Services, Private Bag 94002, Manakau, Auckland 2241 or may be left in the chapel foyer. Messages to the Bogenaar family c/- PO Box 5191 Palmerston North 4441. A service for Dick will be held at the Terracehaven Chapel, 697 Main Street Palmerston North on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 11.00am. To be followed by a private family interment at Gisborne Cemetery.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 16, 2015 22:06:58 GMT 12
Jenny Scott just posted this to the Wings Over New Zealand Show Facebook page:
"Received sad news today that my friend Arthur Manz, ex RNZAF No. 6 and No. 5 Squadrons PBY captain passed away peacefully 15 September 2015."
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 17, 2015 11:14:45 GMT 12
SAUNDERS, Alister Keith (Kiwi) ex RNZAF 403992. Passed away peacefully Age 98, on the Gold Coast, surrounded by his loving family. Reunited once again with Beckie, the love of his life.
INGHAM, Olive Unity Ruth (nee Shears) WWII WAAF 5235 Born 07-02-1924. Left us on 13th September peacefully in the arms of family to be with Clarrie on their 63rd wedding anniversary. Cherished wife of Clarrie, loving sister to Joan, Bill, and Ann. Loved mother of Steven, Julie, Linda, and Glenys. Adored Grandma of Aaron, Shari, Shelley, Vanessa xoxo. Funeral 2pm Saturday Remuera Baptist Church, 641 Remuera Rd for friends and family,Cheerio for now
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