Jack Passings – December 2025
⚓️CHILMAN, Richard Maxwell (Max). RNZN 15488
Max passed away peacefully on 25th December 2025, aged 86 years. Devoted husband and best friend of Kay. Much loved father and father-in-law of Richard and Karen, Michelle and Michael, Layne and Glenda. A loved Poppa to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our very grateful thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers of the Harbour Hospice Hibiscus for their devoted help. A Memorial Service for Max will be held at the Hibiscus Coast RSA, Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay on Saturday 17th January 2026 at 1.00pm. For further information please contact Kay on 021-1760362.
⚓️CLARKE, George Vincent (Hori)
Te Whitianga mai: 02/09/1957 – Te Tōnga o te Rā: 16/12/2025Ngāti Porou – Te Arawa (Tūhourangi / Ngāti Whakaue)E mapu kau ana te ngākau i te rironga atu o tō mātou taonga, tō mātou rangatira, kua hūnuku atu ki tua o Paerau.
Hori served Aotearoa with distinction in the Royal New Zealand Navy (1974–1993), holding the rank of Petty Officer, Radar Plotter First Class. He served as a ship diving supervisor and helicopter crewman, travelling the world aboard HMNZS Canterbury, Otago, Wellington, Tui, and his beloved Waikato.
He went on to proudly serve his community for 25.5 years with the New Zealand Fire Service, where he continued to embody courage, commitment, and service.
Hori will return to the papa kāinga at 10 Huia Street, the place he grew up and returned to in his final years.
Tangihanga Arrangements
Day One – Wednesday (17/12/25): Whānau only
Day Two – Thursday (18/12/25): Open to manuhiri. Poroporoāki 7pm
Day Three – Friday (19/12/25):
Final Service
Saint Faith’s Church, Ōhinemutu
Time: TBC
⚓️GIBBONS, Charles ‘Charlie’ ABSea FC2 W18949 RNZN 1967-1972
It is with immense sadness that my brother Charles Gibbons passed away today 4th December. He was the reason I joined the RNZN in 1973 and travelled my journey, retiring after over 20 years of service in the rank of CPOS. My brother, my mentor. Until we meet again, shipmate.
⚓️KELLY, Sean Tane. RNZN P991819
On 8 December 2025 Sean passed away at Mount Maunganui. Loved son of Marion and Grant. Treasured Dad to Finn and Aine, and stepchildren Cade and Diaz. Loved brother of Dean (dec’d) and stepbrothers Tangaroa and Maruata. A Memorial Service to celebrate Sean’s 52 lifelong years, will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday 17 December 2025, at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club Inc, 90 Keith Allen Drive, Tauranga. Tributes for Sean’s family may be left at www.legacyfunerals. co.nz/s/kelly Communications to the Sean Kelly Family, c/- Legacy Funerals, PO Box 3136 Tauranga 3142.
⚓️KNOWLES, Dex George MNZM Reg. No 677241
Peacefully at Wairarapa Village CTB on 2nd December 2025, aged 87. Much loved husband for 62 years of the late Pam. Treasured Dad and father-in-law of Julie and Steve, John and Clare, Lynne and Mark, Lee and Terry. Loved Grandad of Meg; Olivia and Edward; and James and Sophie. Brother of Mil, Wal, Joan, Peg (all deceased) and Kath. A celebration of Dex’s life will be held in The Village Chapel, 4-6 High Street, Kuripuni, Masterton, on Monday 8th December, at 11am.
⚓️ ROBERTSON,Lloyd, NZ 15239, Stores Petty Officer,
Crossed the Bar this afternoon at the Timaru Hospice with his family at his side. Lloyd had a short battle this time round but remained cheerful throughout, never losing his cheeky grin. Lloyd had wished to be cremated privately, and his ashes will be scattered in Cook Strait from an Inter – island ferry, his last job for 23 years prior to retirement. Lloyd joined the R.N.Z.N as a Seaman Boy with the 33rd Intake and resigned in 1963. Lloyd is a former committee member and Past President of the South Canterbury Branch of the Royal New Zealand Naval association from 2011 to 2014. Lloyd will be remembered as a generous Rum Bosun and a happy soul by his shipmates. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Lorraine and Lloyd’s extended family on his passing.
Fair winds and following seas, thank you for your service, Lloyd.
⚓️SMALLRIDGE Roderick James (Rocky) ABSEA N19585 Joined 1/69
On December 3, 2025, at 2:22pm Rocky Smallridge passed peacefully surrounded in love, with close family and friends. As per Rocky’s request, Tracey, Saturn, and Ben now invite those far and wide to join us for a celebration of life and in honour of the great man he was. Light refreshments will be provided; there will be no judgement on those who arrive with a hip flask of rum in your pocket. Rocky’s Celebration of life will be held at Aoraki Funeral Services, 160 Mountain View Road, Timaru on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2.00pm.
⚓️ TUI, Rangi. RNZN 623475.
Died in Brisbane on 15 December 2025. Just 11 days short of his 91st birthday. A private funeral will be held. RIP
STOBIE, Robert Graham (B23967, ABSea Gunner, RNZN) 10 December 1964 – 29 November 2025, passed suddenly at Auckland Hospital, aged 60 years. Dearly loved husband of Corrie. Loved father of Annabelle and Madeleine.
Fair winds and following seas, we have the watch.
A service will be held at the chapel of Morris & Morris Funerals, 17 Western Hills Drive, Whau Valley Whangarei, on Wednesday 10th December 2025 at 10:30am, followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Private Bag 905, Trentham, 5018. Messages to the Stobie Family c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei 0145.
⚓️TAPPER, Richard John (Dick) NZ16431 – RNZN 1958-1966 Malaya and Borneo. Cpl – Service No: 23853536 British Army Parachute Regiment – Cypris Passed away peacefully in Katikati on Friday the 5th of December 2025; aged 84 years. Dearly loved best friend and partner of Bev Everett. Father, father-in-law and stepfather to Paul and Nadine, Campbell and Lisa, and Geraldine and Francis; and grandfather to his grandchildren. A Service for Dick will be held at the Mt Maunganui RSA, 544 Maunganui Road on Thursday the 11th of December at 10:00am, followed by private cremation. All communication to the Tapper Family, C/- Elliotts Funerals, 25 Ninth Ave, Tauranga.
⚓️TAPSELL, Clem CTB Joined 1/60 as REC(L) NZ16802
He aitua, kua hinga te totara haemata I te wao nui a Tane, e te rangatira haere atu rā atu ki ngā ringaringa o ngā tipuna.Kua tae te kapua nui ki runga o Maketu i te rironga o Clem Tapsell, tama a Winiata raua ko Raukakawa Tapihana. Te papa o Winiata (dec), Clemmy, Tabatha me ona mokopuna katoa.Beloved brother of Homman, Petera, Fae and Robyn.No reira e te tuakana, haere ki runga i o maunga whakahi, i o wai tuku maha. E oki, moe mai ra.I whanau mai i te 9 April 1941, i to te ra ki runga ki i a ia i te 6 December 2025.
Clem will arrive at Whakaue Kaipapa marae (Maketu) at 1.00pm today (Sunday 7 Dec) at 1.00pm.Ra nehu: 11am on Tuesday 9 December 2025.
⚓️THOMPSON, Leslie Mervyn. NZ17427 ABSEA Royalist Santon Joined 1/62
Passed away peacefully after a short illness on 22 December 2025, aged 79. Dearly loved husband of Heather. Loved father of Angela and Tracey and loved by Grant Hammond (deceased). Love Grandad of Kat. Forever in our hearts. With special thanks to Harbour Hospice Red Beach for their love and care of Dad, and of us, in this difficult time. A private cremation will be held, to be followed by a memorial service in January. Details to follow. To leave a tribute please visit: https:/ /www.besoulfunerals.co.nz/ obituaries/leslie-mervyn- thompson/
