General Updates

Jack Passings – October 2021

COMMONS, Elisabeth Susan (nee Morris). Former Director, WRNZNS. 1129 1/Officer RNZN 58-70. On 21 October 2021 at Woking, UK, aged 84 years. Dearly loved mother of Anne and Jane. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral and Sue’s ashes will be scattered on the Isle of Wight at a later date.

DAY, Malcolm W. LSA, K18179 Joined 63 Crossed the Bar on 25 Oct 21, in Wainuiomata. Funeral details to follow.

HARTON Neil – crossed the bar at the age of 104. More to follow

BUTLER Glenn – CPOSA, 20124, Joined 71 – Worked for a number of years as a security guard on the Main Gate – CTB yesterday 26 Oct 21, DOB 10 APR 54 – More details to follow

WOOD, Dennis George. Warrant Officer Shipwright RNZN Service No. K14637. RNZN Jan 1953 – May 1974 Malayan Emergency /Indonesian Confrontation. Passed away on 19 October 2021 peacefully at home after a short illness, surrounded by family, aged 84 years. Dearly loved husband and lifelong companion of Vera for 64 years. Precious father and father in law of Ken, Ruth, Jackie and John, Sharon, and Lynnice. Adored grandfather of seven grandchildren and their partners, and proud great grandfather of wee Harlow. Eldest son of the late Doris and older brother to Christine, and Bill and Cathy (Australia). Thanks for the support of North Shore Hospital Wards 2 and 15, North Shore Hospice, his caregivers and Dr Luke. A very special thanks to Sharon for her support of mum, and Kara (granddaughter and personal nurse) for her excellent care of both Dennis and the family. Due to current restrictions, a private cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

WESTPHALL, John Andrew (John). OBE, Captain, RNZN (Rtd) K14982. Joined 1954 as ART APP. Born April 01, 1938. Passed away peacefully on 22 October 2021 at Ryman Village Devonport. Dearly loved husband of Sandra, a cherished and respected father and father-in-law of Iain and Lee, Mark and Jane, Grandad of Lucy, Max, Luke, Fraser, Elsie and Hugo. Thanks to the lovely staff at Ryman Village Devonport.

KINGI Charles Hamilton (Milton) Weapons Mechanic (Ret) RNZN Service No. 17136 03/05/1946 – 18/10/2021Ka tanuku, ka tanuku! Ka tanuku koa te tihi o Matawhau me Ngongotahā, ka tanuku! He uira ka kanapu i te rangi, He whakapukenga ngaru ki Te Rotoiti me Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahu, me he wai i aku kamo, kāhore ia nei te tohu o te mate!Son of the late John Major Fox and Peggy Kingi (nee Woods), brother of Elaine (Tiki) Thomas. A loved brother, cousin, uncle, koro and friend to all that knew him. After a short battle with cancer, Milton passed away peacefully at Rotorua Hospital. Raised in Ōkere Falls, Milton attended Whangamarino School and then Rotorua Boys High. He signed up to join the Royal New Zealand Navy at the age of 15 and after 7 yrs of service, he returned home to work as a surveyor for the Ministry of Works. His “retirement” days saw Milton walking or cycling around Rotorua streets for up to 4hrs a day collecting rubbish or removing tagging to keep the city he loves clean. Milton will be at Osbornes Funeral Home until his final karakia at 2 pm Thursday 21 October 2021 then onto Ngāti Hinerangi urupā for burial.

POPATA Samuel NZ16711 WOCEA All, I regret to inform you that WOCEA Samuel Popata (S/N 16711) crossed the bar yesterday (17 Oct). Sam/Pop will be arriving at home – 14 Eastview Crescent, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa at around midday today (19 Oct). Tomorrow (Wed 20) at 1030 he will make his way to the family bach at 9 Driftwood Lane, Hihi. Sam will then be taken to the Oturu Urupa at 223 Oturu Road, Kaitaia where we will lay him to rest at 11 am on Thursday 21 Oct. The family have said that all are welcome however they have asked everyone to please wear masks, social distance and use the QR codes that will be provided. Fair winds and calm seas

ANDREWS, Leonard Gordon (Revs) (Lenny). On October 17, 2013. RNZN 14884 Leonard Gordon Andrews. “Always on our minds” Your loving wife Yvonne, the best father to Marie and Denise, absolutely adored best Pa to Kane, Adam, Anna, Chloe, and families, xxxx

HAMILTON, Allan W (Ham). CPOMEM RNZN V18534 Ex Canterbury, Mururoa.Crossed the Bar surrounded by his Family in Motueka. Passed away on October 13, 2021. A Mighty Totara has fallen, a loving family man and friend to many. He crossed the bar with rum on his lips and a kiss from his sweetheart. Surrounded in love with his family, wife Daph, three daughters, sons in law and grandchildren. After a long illness with cancer. Forever remembered with laughter and love Allan, Shirley and Russell Julian.

WHITMORE, Richard Graeme: VRD and Clasp. Service Medal. Commander RNZNVR (Retired). On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, peacefully at Ashley Suites, Russley Village, in his 88th year. Dearly loved and loving husband of Lesley for 61 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of Laura and the late Wayne, Julie and Brett, and Jason. Loved and caring poppa of Richard, Demi, Flynn, and Lily. A true gentleman. Well-loved. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Graeme Whitmore, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. A celebration of Graeme’s life will be held in our Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside on Monday, October 18, at 10.00 am, with private cremation to follow.