Jack Passings – March 2019

Lees, Michael John ( ZL1KAN, Loopy) Passed away suddenly on 31st March 2019. Beloved son of Margaret and Barry, Brother of Deborah, Susan and Karyn, brother in law, Uncle and Great Uncle and Father to Michael. Friends are invited to Mike’s home, 1 Waitetoko Road, Rd2, Turangi to celebrate Michael’s life. Please feel free to come at your leisure after 3pm on Thursday 4th April or Friday 5th April after 10 am. Michael will be leaving at 3pm on Friday 5th April for a private cremation. Communications can be made with the family via Amy on 0212011189

STEWART, Ian Robert. AB NZ11234 Born April 26, 1930. Passed away on March 30, 2019. Peacefully passed away after a short illness in Perth Western Australia. Treasured husband of Ngaire (child bride). Dearly loved the father of Wayne and Viverai, Dearly loved step-father of Shayne and Nicole and adored Pop of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sail away, Sailor.

YARWOOD, Zachary Christopher. Royal New Zealand Navy. Able Diver, Service No V1035525. Left us on March 26, 2019, at Northshore Hospital, Auckland. Aged 23 years. Beloved fiance of Emily Parr. Treasured son of Elizabeth, and Christopher. Inseparable amigo of Thomas, and Max. Loved grandson of Jasmine and Henry Kay (deceased), and the late Harry and Murial Yarwood. Loyal to all his friends, especially his closest, you know who you are. Taken too soon, always in our hearts. A celebration of Zac’s life will be held at St John’s Cathedral, Browning Street, Napier on Monday, April 1, 2019, at 12noon, followed by a private cremation. Mai katoa, aroha to all. Messages to the ‘Yarwood Family’, C/o PO Box 7001, Taradale, Napier 4141.

GIBBARD, Ian Edward RNZ Navy (Korea) No. 13494. Passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2019, aged 85. Beloved husband and best mate of Junie (June) and the late Eileen. Loved father and father-in-law of Christine and Bob Harvey, and Diane and Charlie Rees. Loved Pop of Tracy, Jennifer, Rachel, and Shayne. Loved stepdad to Kaylene (Kerri) and Barry, Daniel and Judi, Rebekah and Harry, Gaye, Andrew and Wendy. Loved and respected Grandpop Ian to all of Junie’s (June’s) families. The service to celebrate and remember Ian’s life will be held at Hope Community Church, Ranzau Road, Hope, on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at 1.30pm.

CUNNINGHAM, Paul Thomas. (Able Seaman Ex RNZN NZ17050) Born December 26, 1944. Passed away suddenly at Tauranga Hospital on March 25, 2019; aged 74.. Dearly loved husband of the Janice (deceased) and partner of Toni, father of Steven and Vicki, stepdad of Dave, Aaron, Dean and Todd and doting Poppa of Tayla, Jack, Rory, Emily, Jeremy, Calvin, Nico, Kato, and Lila. Survived by his sisters Elizabeth and Irene, brother Michael and his extended whanau. Paul was the most loving, sensitive and generous companion, brother, father, Poppa and friend. He was always a volunteer for the betterment of so many. His sudden passing has come as a shock to everyone that knew him. He will leave a gaping hole in the lives of all those who had the privilege to know this awesome, genuine Kiwi bloke. We welcome all those who knew him, who wish to pay their respects at his home prior to His funeral in the Chapel of Willetts Funeral Services Ltd, 21 King St, Whakatane at 14.00hrs (2pm), Saturday 30th March, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RSA, PO Box 257, Whakatane 3120 or left at the service. Communications to the Cunningham Family, please to C/- PO Box 2070, Whakatane.

POOLE, Edward Charles (Ted). On March 22, 2018, Born July 10, 1950. Miss your non-pc words of wisdom and your sense of humour. Will be thinking of you every time we start up the barbie while having a few cold ones. Luv Jasen and Missy xxxx

FALLOW, John Charles. NZD2989, Lieutenant, RNZNVR. Passed away peacefully at Middlemore Hospital 18 March 2019; in his 99th year. A life very well lived and the last of his generation. Dearly loved husband of the late Ailsa and the late Jean. Loved father and father-in-law of Darryl and Helen, Gregory and Robyn, Stephen and Tricia, Paul and the late Janet, Burns and Lisa, much loved Poppa of his 9 grandchildren and Big Poppa of his 5 great-grandchildren. “Sadly missed.” A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at St Columba Presbyterian Church, 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany, Auckland, at 2pm Friday 22nd March 2019. Grateful thanks to staff and villagers at Bruce McLaren Retirement Village. No flower but donations to The Stroke Foundation NZ would be appreciated. Messages to greg.fallow@orcon.net.nz 35 Wellington Street, Howick Ph 534 7300

GRAY Alister Derek (Wizzy) J18385 Able Seaman RNZN. In his 70th year. (Peacefully) after a long and courageous battle on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at home, Mataura. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Sue. Much loved Dad and father-in-law of Kaylee and Jock McNally (Oturehua), Paul and Beth (Gore). Dearly loved Grandad of Logan, Ben, Mitchell, and Claudia; Oliver, Lachlan, and Georgina. ‘Rest in Peace’ ‘We loved and admired your strength of character’ Requiem Mass for Alister will be celebrated in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Ardwick Street, Gore, on Tuesday, March 26, at 11.00am, then leaving for the Mataura Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be left at the service for the Gore Hospital Family Room. Rosary will be recited in the Church on Monday evening at 6.00pm. Messages to 5 Argyle Street, Mataura 9712.

GILBERTSON, Gordon Bruce. Royal New Zealand Navy, Service Number: 9116. Born 14th February 1928. Died peacefully on 13th March 2019 at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Te Atatu Peninsula, aged 91. Beloved husband of Beryl. Father of Carol, Peter and Debbie. Pop of Eliza, Josh, Monique, Jade, Zane, Ben, Sam, Emma and Luke. He will forever be in our hearts. Private cremation has been held according to his wishes. A remembrance will be held at a future date.

WILKINSON, George Francis. RNZN 13116 K Force. Peacefully passed away at The Gardens Rotorua in his 86th year. Beloved husband and partner of Joy for the last 58 years. Dearly loved father, father in law and grandfather to Michelle, Simon, Amelia and Eva in Auckland and Cheryl, Charlotte, John and Catherine in San Diego. Many thanks to Dr Alastair McLean and the staff at The Gardens for all the care and support you have provided George. A Private Service has been held. All communications to The Wilkinson Family, C/- PO Box 461, Rotorua 3040. Rest in peace sweet George, Dad, Poppy, Pappie

STRATFORD, Murray Neil (RNZN 17032) 16.10.1941 – 9.3.2019 Murray passed away peacefully at Ashburton Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Much loved husband and friend of Anne for 53 years. Loving and proud Dad of his two daughters Lee and Marie. Loved cousin, brother-in-law, and uncle. Special Godfather to Kimberley. Murray was a dear and loyal friend to many and will be missed. Thank you to the Ward One angels for their care. Messages to the Stratford family, c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service to celebrate Murray’s life will be held at Our Chapel, cnr East & Cox Streets, Ashburton, on Tuesday, March 12, commencing at 2.00pm, followed by private cremation at the Ashburton Crematorium.

MILLAR, Gary Lynn (Retired). Lieutenant Royal New Zealand Navy, Service number A16928 Passed away on 1 March 2019, aged 74. Loved husband of Carol. Loved and cherished Dad of Karen and Paul. Adored Grandin of Indie. A service for Gary will be held at the Naval Memorial Chapel of St. Christopher, Devonport Naval Base, Queens Parade, Devenport on Saturday 9 March at 10.00 am.