NZ Aviation Obituaries and Death Notices

[shorty]

GP CAPT (RTD) Renato Alberto DELORENZO F80413 GD RNZAF 10 January 1961 to 17 August 1995.

Passed away Saturday in Nelson. A funeral service will be held at 1030 hours at the Gardens of the World in Clover Road and just before the bridge going into Brightwater.

No address for messages of condolences.

[Dave Homewood]

LE NOEL, Ronald Henry (Ron). (RNZAF No. 436871 WWII). On April 2nd 2016 suddenly but peacefully at Lady Elizabeth Hospital, aged 95 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Myra Nareeme. Loved father of Pierre, Annabelle, and Suzanne. Father-in-law of Jenny, Philip, and John. Grandfather of James, Miranda, Rory, Oliver, Guy, and Tom. Great grandfather of Mia, Lachlan, Eva, and John. A service to celebrate Ron's life will be held at the All Saints Chapel, Purewa Crematorium, St Johns Road, Meadowbank on Thursday April 7, at 10.30am. All communications to PO Box 106106, Auckland 1143.

[Dave Homewood]

I have had word this morning that Steve Gillingham has passed away. I believe he was an RNZAF pilot in the 1960's.

His funeral is at the Katikati RSA at 1pm next Monday.

I found this page with photos of both Steve and Renato De Lorenzo who died this week too!
photonews.org.nz/nelson/issue/NPN105_19690726/t1-body-d62.html

[tbf25o4]

Steve Gillingham was a Venom, Vampire and Canberra pilot in the late 1950s - 1960s. "Del" De Lorenzo flew transports and was at PTS/CFS at Wigram in the mid 1970s

[shorty]

W/O (RTD) Peter Robert Bates P79823 MSM Master Aeronautical Metalworker 10 July 1959 - 17 December 1989.



It is with sadness that I inform you of the passing of Pete Bates last night Wednesday 6th April.

His funeral will be held on Saturday 9th April at 11.00 am at St Michaels Catholic Church in Rotorua.



Messages of condolence can be forwarded to Kathy, 2 Hulme Place, Rotorua.

[errolmartyn]

Apr 7, 2016 13:46:53 GMT 12 shorty said:

W/O (RTD) Peter Robert Bates P79823 MSM Master Aeronautical Metalworker 10 July 1959 - 17 December 1989.

It is with sadness that I inform you of the passing of Pete Bates last night Wednesday 6th April.

His funeral will be held on Saturday 9th April at 11.00 am at St Michaels Catholic Church in Rotorua.

Messages of condolence can be forwarded to Kathy, 2 Hulme Place, Rotorua.

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

BATES, Warrant Officer Peter Robert, (MSM).
P79823; Born Auckland, 31 Mar 1942; RNZAF 10 Jul 1959 to 17 Dec 1989; Master Aeronautical Metal Worker.
Citation New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (1 Apr 1986): Warrant Officer Bates enlisted in the RNZAF Boy Entrant Scheme as an engine mechanic under training in July 1959. He remustered to the metalworking trade in December 1961 and completed his advanced trade training in December 1965. He spent the major portion of his early career as a tradesman and junior NCO at RNZAF Base Ohakea. On promotion to Sergeant in December 1969 he was posted to No 4 TTS as a Basic Engineering Instructor. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant and posted to No 1 TTS as the Senior Metal-work Instructor in February 1975. On his promotion to W/O in May 1977 he was posted to his present position as Flight Commander Metal and Woodworking Flight at No 1 Repair Depot where he is responsible for all aspects of man management, administration and trade practice. Since his promotion to W/O he has also been the Co-opted Trade Standards Board Examiner for his trade. Throughout his service career he has displayed a superior ability as a tradesman, man manager and administrator. W/O Bates has not only discharged his primary duties in an outstanding manner, but he has also always shown a willingness to accept any other duty or task asked of him. Specifically he has undertaken the following additional tasks over the past 18 months and executed them with a high degree of merit: Woodbourne Open Day 1983: W/O Bates was appointed Co-ordinator of ground displays for Woodbourne ‘83. This task encompassed the co-ordination of all RNZAF, civilian and government department displays and the static aircraft displays for the Air Show. He carried out this task with an enthusiasm and dedication which served as an inspiration to and motivated the diverse Service and civilian agencies involved. As a direct result of his efforts the Open Day achieved a standard commensurate with any International Air Show. W/O Bates actively sought additional responsibilities associated with Woodbourne ‘83 and acted as the Deputy to the Air Show organiser. During Woodbourne ‘83 W/O Bates worked long hours, maintained a composed manner and always showed a willingness to respond to and assist in any area which required his personal attention. The smooth running success of the undertaking was largely due to the organising ability and dedication displayed by W/O Bates. Nelson Air Show 1984: In April 1984 W/O Bates was appointed the co-ordinator of the RNZAF static display associated with the Air Show organised at Nelson Airport by the Nelson Friends of the RNZAF. Once again he acted as the deputy to the RNZAF Liaison Officer for the show and carried out these additional duties willingly and with great merit and dedication. RNZAF Museum Spitfire Project: In early May 1984 W/O Bates was appointed project officer for Project Spitfire (a project to build a full scale replica Spitfire) when the original officer was posted. Once again he demonstrated his enthusiasm and talent for organisation resulting in the timely completion of the replica and the achievement of an excellent standard of presentation. Two further replicas have now been constructed and their success has been due in great part to the energies and guidance of W/O Bates. W/O Bates has been outstanding in his primary duties and has made a significant contribution to his trade. He has also served in many ways outside the range of normal responsibilities and has demonstrated a rare dedication to the Service.

Errol

[Dave Homewood]

W/O (RTD) Kevin Charles (Hongi) Faulkner T78171 Arm Fit RNZAF 19 January 1956 to 18 December 1992 passed away sat 2 April 16. He is going to be cremated. Hongi's funeral will take place at the great southern memorial park cemetery and crematorium on Mount Cotton road Mount cotton. On Wednesday 6 April 16 @ 10AM. There will be a New Zealand service for him this Saturday and will be held in the Henderson RSA at 1300 hours. RIP Sir, you were a great man.

[Dave Homewood]

More on F/S (RTD) Leslie Brian Jowers (Les) N81064 PLNWRT and SLIB RNZAF 8 Jan 63 to 16 Jun 83 and 13 Oct 86 to 18 Aug 94.
Cherished husband of Tui and most dearly loved father of Andrea, Megan and Gregory wish to advise that Les passed away peacefully with family by his side, at Wellington Hospital on Tuesday March 29. At Les' request, a private service has been held. Messages most welcome to Tui C/- 21 Fell Street Seddon.


BRODIE, Hugh Osborne. 4310780, RNZAF, WW2, LAC 13.10.1925 - 03.04.2016 Passed away peacefully in his 91st year. Loving husband of the late Joyce. Loved father of Grant and father-in-law of Fiona. Adored granddad of Hayden and Hannah. Special thanks to the caring staff at Mary Doyle. In respect of family request, a private cremation has taken place. Messages to PO Box 8974, Havelock North 4157.


More on GILLINGHAM, Stephen England Service No B784848 Wing Commander (Retd). Passed away peacefully on 5th April 2016 at Waipuna Hospice after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Aged 79 years. Loved husband of Marlene for 49 years. Loved father and father in law of David and Rena, Mary and Dean, Anna and Greg, Tim and Karen. Loved grandad of Stephen, Matthew, Jordan, Cameron, Hugh, Isabel, Maude, Jethro, Rico, Milan, Harry, and Olive. A service for Steve will be held at Katikati RSA, corner Main Road and Henry Road, Katikati, on Monday 11th April at 1pm followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Waipuna Hospice and can be left at the service.

[errolmartyn]

Apr 7, 2016 18:01:44 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

W/O (RTD) Kevin Charles (Hongi) Faulkner T78171 Arm Fit RNZAF 19 January 1956 to 18 December 1992 passed away sat 2 April 16. He is going to be cremated. Hongi's funeral will take place at the great southern memorial park cemetery and crematorium on Mount Cotton road Mount cotton. On Wednesday 6 April 16 @ 10AM. There will be a New Zealand service for him this Saturday and will be held in the Henderson RSA at 1300 hours. RIP Sir, you were a great man.

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

FAULKNER, Warrant Officer Kevin Charles, MBE, (MSM).
T78171; Born Putaruru, 6 Jun 1939; RNZAF 19 Jan 1956 to 18 Dec 1992; Armament Fitter, then Air Ordnanceman.
Chief of Air Staff Commendation (1973): For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty.
Citation Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (NY1989): Warrant Officer Faulkner enlisted in the RNZAF in 1956 for a career in the Armament trade. In four years he was able, ahead of many of his contemporaries, to complete his training as an Armament Fitter, and later in 1966 he was selected with other personnel of his trade, to become one of the first airmen seconded to aircrew, becoming an Air Ordnanceman on the introduction of the Orion into the RNZAF. It was during this tour that he developed through his own efforts the specialisation and skills particular to the RNZAF Air Ordnanceman and set the standards for others to follow. Since 1981 Warrant Officer Faulkner has been the RNZAF’s Trade Test Examiner for the Armament trade devoting many hours of extra work to the maintenance of armament standards. He is the only current qualified Improvised Explosive Device team leader at RNZAF Auckland, an appointment he holds with a high degree of skill and professionalism. He has acquired an extremely wide knowledge of armament systems and explosive storage requirements which he is exceptionally adept at imparting to subordinates. Warrant Officer Faulkner has undoubtedly advanced the cause of safety within the armament trade substantially. Warrant Officer Faulkner’s sense of responsibility for his subordinates’ welfare and his strong sense of duty have involved him in many secondary duties which have required much of his personal and family time. For four years he was Community Liaison Officer at RNZAF Auckland where he displayed a sustained commitment for the well being of the Base community organisations for dependants. Warrant Officer Faulkner has for the past ten years given voluntary service as an Assistant Warden for the Justice Department involved with the Adult Periodic Detention Centre and risen to the appointment of Senior Assistant Warden. W/O Faulkner’s dedicated professionalism and outstanding sense of duty both to the RNZAF and to the community has been outstanding.
Citation New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (15 Jul 1992): W/O Faulkner enlisted in the RNZAF as a Boy Entrant in 1956. He initially trained as an Armament Mechanic and following a period in Singapore during the Malaya Confrontation graduated as an Armament Fitter in 1961. He has served at RNZAF Bases Wigram, Ohakea & Auckland, and RAF Tengah, Singapore. He attained the rank of W/O in August 1978 and has spent the last two and a half years, of his 37 years service, as the No 1 TTS Unit Warrant Officer. During his long and illustrious career W/O Faulkner has held a wide range of appointments within the armament trade, always attaining the highest levels of excellence. He served on Nos 14, 75 & 5 Sqns, and has worked on Sunderland flying boats, Bristol Freighters, Devons, Hastings, Hercules and Orion aircraft. In 1966 W/O Faulkner completed Air Ordnanceman training in the United States of America and he was among the first to be awarded an Air Ordnanceman brevet. He completed two tours with No 5 Sqn, accumulating over 4,000 flying hours and was the first Master Air Ordnanceman in the RNZAF. W/O Faulkner’s endeavours have not been confined to the immediate work area. In 1987/88 he was appointed the Queen’s Colour Warrant Officer. He has spent 29 consecutive years on the Harrier Club Committee, the last 11 years as Officer in Charge. In 1984 as the Mess Liaison Officer he was responsible for setting up the RSA Home Trust as the Mess Charity, and in 1991 was appointed a trustee on the Executive. Throughout his career W/O Faulkner has taken a keen interest in sport. In his formative years in the RNZAF he represented the RNZAF in athletics and rugby and represented Bases in harriers, cricket and softball. Until recently he was a New Zealand graded rugby referee and was involved in coaching junior grades. He has competed with distinction in nine inter-service marathons and he still competes as a veteran. Of note is a triple jump record he set while he was at Recruit School which has been the only record unsurpassed in 34 years. Parallel to his sporting activities he has served the community in Scouts and civilian committees, and has just completed 12 months as President of the Waitemata Lions Club. W/O Faulkner’s exemplary service was recognised in 1973 when he received a Chief of Air Staff’s Commendation, and in 1989 when he was awarded a MBE.

Errol

[Dave Homewood]

Via Norm Empson...

CPL (RTD) Steven Bruce Cuming G84301 SSUPLR RNZAF 10 June 1969 to 9 June 1977 and NZDF Civilian 24 January 1978 to 6 April 2016.

Message below

Many will have already learned that Mr Steve Cuming, Foreign Military Sales Coordinator in DLC, passed away at 0530 on Wednesday 06 April 2016. In accordance with Steve’s and the Family’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Instead, Steve will be cremated and at some time in the future his ashes will be scattered from Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay.

In recognition of Steve’s military service and wider Military family, COMLOG will host a Remembrance Morning Tea in Freyberg House, Room 1.47, at 1000 on Tuesday 12 April 2016. All who knew Steve or would like to participate in this Remembrance Morning Tea are invited.

The simple format will be a short statement of remembrance by the Principal Defence Chaplain, and a few words from CDRE David Proctor, COMLOG.

For catering purposes an indication of likely attendance would be useful to Mrs Fran Beckman. [e-mail]


Colonel Pete Hanrahan
CHIEF OF STAFF, Defence Logistic Command
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE

[oj]

When de Lorenzo and Hosie were on Canberra's at Ohakea we called them Mexican Airlines.

[pjw4118]

Parry Gordon NZ432010 on 26 February , ex 75 Squadron


Flower Bill NZ427548 pilot 10 squadron , in Hamilton on April 9

[Dave Homewood]

Oh, it's sad to hear Bill has died. A good man, and he had a good innings. He was a Halifax pilot.

FERGUSON, Donald James (Don). (Reg. No. 443940 RNZAF LAC). On 9 April 2016, aged 90 years, peacefully at Tauranga Hospital, surrounded by family. Dearly loved husband of Coral, father and father-in-law of Marion and Rod, Donal, Gael, Hugh and Jane, Debra and Paul. Grandfather of Emily, Bayard, Grace and Magenta, Farfar of Sarah, Maja and Emily (Denmark). A service for Don will be held at Woodhill, 167 Grange Rd, Tauranga, on Wednesday 13 April at 2pm, followed by private cremation. Communication to the Ferguson Family c/o P.O. Box 3136 Greerton Tauranga.

LAURIE, Desmond Whitehurst (Des) RNZAF Service No:422971, W.O. Pilot, 17 Spitfire Squadron, Burma. Peacefully at home on April 9, 2016 in his 97th year. Loved husband of the late Mig. Treasured father and father in law of Katherine, Margaret and Steve, Heather and Mark, and Barbara. Proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. A celebration of Des's life will be held at the Pyes Pa Crematorium Chapel, 403 Pyes Pa Road, Tauranga on Wednesday 13th April at 1pm followed by cremation. Messages to the Laurie family C/- PO Box 650, Tauranga 3140.

NEAVE, Michael John: Reg 2253323 (RNZAF) On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, peacefully at Ilam Lifecare, Christchurch, in his 89th year. Dearly loved husband and soulmate of Shirley for 64 wonderful years, treasured father and father-in-law of Karen and Gordon Hartley, devoted and loved grandad of Steven and Jemma, Emma and Fidel, and great-grandad of wee Georgia. Always in our hearts, never forgotten. Special thanks to all the staff at Ilam Lifecare Hospital, for their love and care. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated and can be made online to www.alzheimers.co.nz Messages to the Neave family can be addressed to c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. At Michael's request a private family service has been held.

[errolmartyn]

Apr 11, 2016 10:08:15 GMT 12 pjw4118 said:

Parry Gordon NZ432010 on 26 February , ex 75 Squadron

I think the number is actually NZ432060 which was allotted to Austen Hern Parry.

An A. G. Parry was NZ4312400. Presumably this is the same as your Gordon Parry?

NZ432010 was Ian Bradstreet.

Errol

[errolmartyn]

Apr 11, 2016 10:08:15 GMT 12 pjw4118 said:

Flower Bill NZ427548 pilot 10 squadron , in Hamilton on April 9

NZ427548 William Gregg Flower.

Errol

[Dave Homewood]

Bill Flower will be sorely missed by the Waikato in terms of his amazing contribution over the decades to education and industry, he literally injected millions of dollars into various scholarships and grants and buildings, etc. An amazing man.

[Dave Homewood]

BLACKIE, Peter Leslie. (Service No.J86074 RNZAF) Peacefully in Tauranga on Sunday 10th April 2016 aged 81 years. Dearly loved husband of Phyllis. Dearly loved dad of Christina (deceased), and Kathryn. Loved grandad of Logan, and Coralee; and loved great grandad of Lucas, Isaac, and Charlotte. Also much loved stepfather to Ralph, Tony, Sandra, and Dianne and their families. A service celebrating Peter's life will be held at Mount Harbour Chapel 416 Maunganui Road Mount Maunganui, on Wednesday 13th April at 10am followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimers Society PO Box 15553 Tauranga 3144, would be appreciated and may be left at the venue. Messages to the Blackie family C/- PO Box 650 Tauranga 3140.

[Dave Homewood]

SGT (RTD) John Jnr (Rat) Gratton S90245 ACFTTECH RNZAF 25 March 1981to 24 march 2001 passed away 11 April age 52. Dearly loved son of Ngaere and John Gratton. Loved father of Andrew and Nicole. Loving brother of Bruce and Katrena. A celebration of John's life will be held at The Funeral Home, 545 Queen Street East, Levin on Friday, 15 April 2016 at 11.00am. Private cremation to follow at The Avenue Crematorium, Levin. In memory of John's life, donations to St John would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Sincere thanks to all staff of Horowhenua Masonic Rest Home for their dedication.

[Dave Homewood]

So sad to see that we've lost one of our Wings Over New Zealand Show interviewees, Lindsay Budge, who was a tail gunner in Bomber Command B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, used in special operations for electronics counter-measures.

BUDGE, Lindsay Albert Rgtl. No. 429140, Bomber Command, 161 and 214 Squadrons, KEV. On 11th April 2016, at Bob Owens Retirement Village, Bethlehem, Tauranga, aged 96 years, surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved husband of Thelma Watkin Budge for over 70 years. Loved father of Glenis and Trevor Armstrong (Hamilton), Linley and Bruce Brownless (Whakatane), Bruce and the late Diane (Pukekohe), John and Michelle (Auckland), Marie Sanders (Tauranga), loved grandfather and great-grandfather. A service to be held at Grahams Funeral Home Chapel, West Street, Tuakau on Monday 18th April at 1:30pm. Private cremation to follow.
Here is the interview I did with him back in October 2015. RIP Sir!

www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2016/01/episode-97-lindsay-budge-b-17-gunner/

[Dave Homewood]

BOUNDY, Raymond Douglas (Ray): Pilot WW11, RNZAF 435938 FS. On April 5, 2016, after a short illness at Ward 24 Christchurch Hospital. Formerly of Christchurch, lately Kaikoura. Most very deeply loved, revered husband and bestest soulmate of Nancy (nee Herbert) for 51 plus wonderful years. Always my flyboy and motorcycle racer, cherished forever. A dearly loved father of our only daughter Anita and husband Ian Paterson (Auckland). My sincere thanks to all of the staff of Ward 24 and for the support received, I am very grateful. At Ray's request a private cremation has been held.

WHEELER, Sandra Joy (nee Meads). F/S RNZAF V134593. Passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on 14th April 2016 aged 54 years, after a stoic and courageous journey. Treasured wife and best friend of Rex. Greatly loved mother of Jenna and Grant, Sammi, and Read. Cherished Grandma of Emma, Charlotte and Isabel. Loved daughter of Henry and Merle Meads, sister of Beverly and the late Kevin. Messages can be sent to 33 Denbigh Street, Feilding 4702. In lieu of flowers the family kindly ask that donations be made to the Arohanui Hospice, P O Box 5349, Pal Nth or St John Ambulance, P O Box 355, Feilding. We would like to thank the staff of Arohanui Hospice, Ranfurly Manor, cancer nurses and the oncology team at PN Hospital for the care and respect they have given to Sandy during this time. A celebration of Sandra's life will be held at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Camden Street, Feilding on Tuesday April 19th 2016 at 1pm. F.D.A.N.Z

TAYLOR, James Frederick: RNZAF CE NZ422134 Passed away peacefully in Brisbane on 10 April 2016 aged 92. Loved father and father-in-law of Stephen and Liz, Colin and Eloise, Suzanne and Colin Liddell, Lorraine and Harry Hill, Annette and Rex Inglis. Cherished grandfather of Darryl, Vicki and Evette, Matthew (deceased), Ben, Rebecca and Lachlan, Craig, Debbie and Mandy, Evonne and Richard, and James. Communications to 137C Ellicott Road, Hamilton 3200.

NAULLS, Robert Douglas (Doug): S/N 75862 RNZAF WGCDR. Passed away peacefully in Taupo on 13 April 2016, in his 82nd year. Much loved husband of Val. Much loved father and father-in-law of Stephen and Natalie, Christopher and Vicki, Richard and Wendy, Melanie and Gillian. Much loved Pop of Rachel, Sarah, Robert and James and family friend, Glenda. A service to celebrate Doug's life will be held at the Founders Lounge Chapel on Thursday, 21 April 2016 at 11.00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blind Foundation, PO Box 99941 Newmarket 1149 would be appreciated, or may be left at the service. All communications to the Naulls Family, C/- P.O.Box 940 Taupo. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd FDANZ