⚓️ANGEL, Leon Gary RNZN. 9th of July 1943 – 15 July 2026. Passed away peacefully at home, dearly loved husband of Mary, much loved father of Jackie, Sean and Justin. Proud grandfather to five, and also special little brother of Beverley. Leon will be sadly missed, fondly remembered and forever loved by his family. As per Leon’s wishes, a private cremation has been held. Rest in peace.
⚓️CALDER, Christopher Keith (Chris). (Service No. V18580, RNZN). 11th December 1948 – 24th July 2026. Beloved husband of Jessimae, devoted father of four, respected father-in-law, treasured Grandad, brother, son and friend. A proud Royal New Zealand Navy veteran whose greatest achievement was the family he loved so deeply. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched. Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered. Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Chris’ life in the Grahamstown Chapel, 102 Kirkwood Street, Thames, on Wednesday 29th July 2026, at 1pm, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or making a donation to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand in memory of Chris.
⚓️CARTER, John Leonard CPO NZ15657 RNZN Ex RN Joined 1/56 Passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2026, aged 91 years, surrounded by family. Dearly loved husband of the late Jean, deeply loved father and father-in-law to Alison and Craig, Belinda and Ed, the late Paul Bellingham, and treasured grandfather to Carl (Gold Coast). A valued Member of the NZ AntiquesArms Assoc., highly respected for his wealth of knowledge. John had a great love for fishing, hunting, and collecting naval militaria. Brave and stoic until the end. A celebration of John’s life will be held at 3.30pm on Thursday, August 6, at the Port Hills Uniting Parish, 4 Augusta St, Redcliff.
⚓️DITCHBURN, Haydon John. Service No. X17823, Store Chief Petty Officer, RNZN, Indonesia Peacefully on 29th July 2026 at Rotorua Hospital. Aged 79 years. Much loved father and father- in-law of Ross and Suzy, Karen and John. Adored grandad to Billy and Lucy.A special brother to Harris, Keir and Arthur. A longtime friend to Carole. A service for Haydon will be held at the Mangakino Club, 46 Wairenga Road, Mangakino on Thursday 6th August at 1:00 PM followed by burial at The Mangakino Cemetery. South Waikato Services Ltd, FDANZ P O Box 459, Tokoroa 3444
⚓️ORCHARD, Earl M. (EMO) NZ17204 ME1 Joined 61 Earl passed away last night 11-7-26 in his 81st year, after a hard long fought battle Loved husband and soul mate of Diane for 57 years. He was 1 of the original crew for HMNZS Waikato. Loved Dad to Kevin. Aaron & Melaine. Donna & Jimmy and a loved pop. A Private family cremation to be held.
⚓️WALL Doug (Bulkhead, Ziffel) crossed the bar in Australia on 12th July 2026. In line with Doug’s wishes his wife Dee and his son will be returning to NZ in the near future to scatter his ashes at sea. RIP shipmate.
