Jack Passings – January 2026
⚓️BAIGENT, Jack Hern. RNZN, BEM, MBE.
Sadly, passed away on 18th January 2026, aged 90 years. Loved brother of Jill, the late Marilyn and the late Ian, brother-in-law and friend of Robert. Jack has now sailed off on his final voyage and will rest with his brother Ian in Lepperton. Communications to: jillb@xtra.co.nz
⚓️CLARKE, Stephen John. F21602 LCHEF Joined 75
8 January 1957 – 22 January 2026 Steve died peacefully and very nearly at home on the 22 January. Darling husband of Lou. Loved brother to Lynn (deceased), Meryl (deceased), and Aubrey. Treasured Uncle to Paula, Matt, Garth and Celeste. Cherished Godfather to Joe and Harriet, honorary godfather to Lucas. “Tight Lines sweetheart” Steve’s farewell will take place on Monday 2nd March 2.30p. m.at the Omokoroa Boat Club. Messages of condolences and photos can be emailed to maeleftai@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waipuna Hospice.
⚓️ELLIS, Kerry Reg. No. L19399 – Royal New Zealand Navy. Chief Petty Officer (Master at Arms)
Passed away peacefully at home after a long illness. Devoted and loving husband to Pat for 53 years. Much-loved father and father-in-law to Carmen & Mark, and Pete & Rebecca. Cherished Grandad to Nina, Jonty, Carly, Cooper, Charlie, Frankie, and Maisie, and Great-Grandad to Koby. A service to celebrate Kerry’s life will be held at Raleigh Street Christian Centre, Raleigh Street, Leamington, Cambridge, on Saturday, 10 January 2026 at 11.00am, followed by a private cremation. Donations to the Cambridge RSA Poppy Trust Fund would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to the Ellis family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or shared in Kerry’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz.
⚓️HUME, Howard Richard , of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the age of 90 years.
Howard was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 15, 1935, the eldest son of Henry Roy Hume and Ailsa Hume. He was raised in the North Island of New Zealand, and as an adult, he joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, where he passed through the ranks to become a Lieutenant-Commander.
He eventually left the Navy to pursue a career in marine geology and eventually a position at Petro Canada in Alberta. He was also awarded a master’s degree at Cambridge University, with the Scott Polar Institute, for his master’s thesis in 1983.
⚓️HUTCHISON, Kelvin Charles (Hutch) RNZN 15146, CPO CK Joined 2/54
Passed away suddenly after a short illness at Waikato Hospital on 24th January 2026, aged 88 years. Much loved husband of the late Lorraine Hutchison. Loved father of Steven, Odette and Michael. Loved grandfather of James, Morgan, Joanne, Tyrone, Corey, Jaqualine, Aiden, Tane, and great-mokopuna. A Service for Kelvin will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu, on Wednesday, 28th January at 1.00pm, followed by burial at the Te Awamutu Cemetery. All communications to the Hutchison family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu
⚓️MURRAY, Hilton Bernard (Jim) ABSEA NZ 13374 Korea Malaya Joined 6/50
On Monday 26th January 2026, peacefully at home, aged 91. Loved husband of Maureen for 64 years. A much-loved father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. A special smile, a special face, and in our hearts, a special place. Rest in peace. In accordance with Jim’s wishes, a private family service has been held.
Communications please to the Murray family C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane or online at [willettsfuneralservices.co.nz](http://willettsfuneralservices.co.nz/)