Jack Passings – June 2023
BOCKETT, Miles Bradney. NZ12984. RNZN. Korea. Peacefully, at Kandahar Home, Masterton, in the presence of his family, on Friday 23 June 2023; aged 92 years. Loved husband of the late Jocelyn (Jo). Loved father and father-in-law of Sarah and Paul. Cherished Grandad of Ben and Lacey and their son Johnny, and Hannah and Matt and their girls Tommi, Cleo, and Neive. Loved brothers of Doug, Gus, Ben, Jack, Edward (all deceased), and Vernon. Special thanks to the staff at Kandahar Court for the love and kindness shown to Miles. A memorial service to celebrate Miles’ life will take place at Virginia Lake, Whanganui, on Sunday 23 July 2023 at 2:00 pm with a walk around the lake. Wairarapa Funeral Services www.wairarapafunerals.co.nz FDANZ, Masterton
CONN, James Henry Ferguson (Jim). Ex RNZN. In loving memory of Jim who passed away on 14th June 2023 at Oakland in Tauranga aged 88 years. Darling husband of Bev (deceased) and dearly loved father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. “Home is the sailor, home from the sea” A private service has been held
TRUMPER Irene (nee Walker) LWTR With the greatest of sadness and on behalf of Wilson Trumper, it is announced that Irene Trumper (nee Walker) passed away suddenly in ICU at Straub Medical Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii on 13 June 2023. Irene served in the RNZNVR and the RNZN; and was a Leading Writer at the time she left the Navy in 1993. Irene has continued her links with the RNZN through her husband Commander Wilson Trumper, RNZN, the current NZDF National Liaison Officer to HQ US INDOPACOM, Hawaii. Irene will be remembered at a Celebration of Life service at the US Navy Chapel, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii commencing at 1100 Thursday 22 June (NZ Time). Irene’s family extend an invitation for friends and family to join the live stream at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88993241603… A commemoration service in Wellington is being considered, details will be advised at a later date.
SOFIELD, Margaret Priscilla. (WRNS 57734) 23.4.24 – 27.5.23. Passed away peacefully after a short illness; in her 100th year. Beloved wife of Bernie, daughter of Frank and Jessie Nash, twin sister of John and sister of Joan (all deceased). Much loved aunt, great-aunt and great-great-aunt of all her nieces and nephews. Loved and respected Godmother to David. A dear friend to Eloise and Bob, and Mary. Margaret will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. A private memorial service has been held. Thanks to the Jane Mander retirement village team for their care over many years. Messages to ‘The Sofield Family’, c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei 0145.
KNOX, Brian H. H. NZ15807 RNZN Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 13 June 2023. Soulmate of Rachel for 62 years. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Lee and Grant, Christine and Rodney, Karen, Louise, and Kiwa. Grandfather of 8, great-grandfather of 10. “A legend…dearly loved by all.” A service to celebrate Brian will be held at 1 pm on Monday 19 June 2023 at the Tauranga Sport and Fishing Club, 66 Keith Allen Drive, Tauranga. Messages may be sent to the Knox family, c/- Hope Family Funerals, 4 Keenan Road, RD 3, Tauranga 3173.
HENMAN, Gregory (Butch) ex RNZN H21489 SA joined 74 Passed this morning 14, June 2023 in Waikato Hospital (14 June 23), after a short illness. Brother and sister Brian, Garry & Sharon. RIP sailor your watch is over. Greg requested that he be cremated asap, therefore no funeral but a memorial at a later date.
CLEARY Brent J21950 peacefully passed away 9th June at his home surrounded by his girls. Brent served in RNZN 1976-1985 as a Sonarman, serving on HMNZS Taranaki 1976-1977, HMAS Swan 1977, HMNZS Monowai 1978-1980, HMNZS Otago 1980-1981, HMNZS Canterbury 1982-1984. We will be celebrating Brent’s life at Central Baptist Church, 202 Bank St, Whangarei at 12.30pm 15th June 2023. Brent will be available for viewing at Morris & Morris Funeral home from 13th June during office hours. We invite all family and friends of Brent and his family to attend.
SMITH, Ian Gullen (Smithy):12512, Lt. K.Force, RNZN. Finally at peace, on May 14, 2023, with family by his side, at Dunedin Hospital; aged 89 years. Dearly loved husband of Ailsa, for 66 years, much loved father of Tui and Ian, Verne, and Di, loved grandfather of Desiree, Joshua, Sarah, Jonathan, and Lisa, and great-grandfather of Katelyn, Timothy, Cameron, Daniel, Maia, and Rose. Thanks to the staff of Ward 8, Dunedin Hospital for their care. Private family service. In lieu of flowers donations to SPCA. Messages to Ailsa Smith, c/- Redroofs Lifecare, 15 Dunblane Street, Maori Hill, Dunedin 9010.
RUDDELL, Roderick Claude Stewart: RNZN17172 25.6.1943 – 8.6.2023 Peacefully at Dunedin Hospital. Loved husband of Robyn. Loved father of Robert*, Mark*, Nicola* and Gina. Loving Grandad and Great- Grandad. Loved brother of Cushla Revel*, Walter, Roger, and Mac Wilkinson. Loved brother-in-law and uncle. At Rod’s request, a cremation has been held. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church, Church Street, Mosgiel, on June 24, 2023, at 1.00 pm. Messages to 82 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel Dunedin. (*denotes deceased)
LOCHRIE William (Bill) Donahgy M(E) 1. H18961. Crossed the Bar Monday, 5 June 2023. Bill was the past Pres. of the New Brighton RSA and their current Patron. Bill was also a past Pres/Vice Pres., of the RNZN Assn, (The Old Rum Club in Fitzgerald Ave. )
MYERS, Colin Nelson. Service Number RNZN #7967 WW11. Passed away on the 4th of June peacefully in hospital, (98 years old). Grandson of the late Sir Arthur Myers, Loved Husband of the late Alma Marie. Loved Father and Grandfather of Chas, Marilyn, Allan, Brent and Shirley, Zarena, and Ava. A private funeral will be held at Colin’s request. Forever loved. Please go to www.jasonmorrison.co.nz/s/colin to leave a tribute
MORLEY, Bill (Leigh George) (Bill). Ex RNZN Y16720 WOGI/LTCDR Born December 23, 1943. Passed away on June 02, 2023. Morley, (Bill) Leigh George. Passed away peacefully on 2nd June 2023 after a long illness. Dearly loved husband of Rosemarie, loved father of Monique Morley and late Mark Morley. Father-in-law to Anders Mogensen. Grandfather of Sophia and Bianca Morley-Mogensen. Much loved brother of Barbara Jones and brother-in-law of late Dillwyn Jones. Uncle of Angela, Glenn Jones, and family. A service will be held at St. Christopher’s Chapel, Queens Parade, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland on Friday 9th June at 2 pm. No flowers, please.
I joined with Bill as the 47th Seaman Boys on 12 Jan 1960. In his first term he was a ‘Leading Boy’ and a ‘PO Boy’ in the second term. He certainly stood out from the rabble and I think most of us were in awe(or jealous of) his obvious capabilities when the rest of us were just kids out of school. He went on to serve twice on the Royal yacht with an MBE and BEM to boot!
In the last five years of his life I visited Rosemarie and Bill in Paremoremo many times. We had some good laughs reminiscing of old times. I think the Navy won’t see the likes of Bill again RIP.
;( I never expected to see Brent Cleary’s name here. Tamaki, 1981-1982; Brent, Margaret, Karen, Me & a host of others whose names have passed into memory, a great group of friends, like a murmuration of starlings, who created a seemingly endless summer of fun and platonic ‘mateship’.