Jack Passings – March 2023

SEYMOUR, Bruce Oswald (Seymour-East). RNZN 14134 Korean War Veteran; May 1954 – December 1955 On 29th March 2023 at Jane Mander Retirement Village; in his 89th year. Much loved husband and soul mate of Noeline (Lizzie) for 63 years. Cherished father and father-in-law of Phillipa and Nigel, Mark and Leona. Adored and fun-loving “Bruce” of Rory, Nicole and Tallulah, Kyle, Alice and Kai, Briar, Nick and Oxley, Mickey, Leyhanna and Marni, Eden, Kobe, Peyton. Special friend of Joanne. Thank you to the Jane Mander Secure Unit for their loving care of Bruce over the last 18 months. A service for Bruce will be held in the chapel of Newberry’s Funeral Home, 2 Moody Avenue, Whau Valley, Whangarei, on Tuesday 4th April 2023 at 11 am, to be followed by burial at the Maunu Park R.S.A. Section, Cemetery Road, Maunu, Whangarei. All communications to the Seymour Family, C/- PO Box 5116, Whangarei 0140.

HODGES William (Bill) David Ex WOMAA – DoB 3/12/1942 Joined Sept 1959 NZQ16666 JOINED AS ME then to MAA. Left Navy 1986 worked in the Dockyard 3yrs then rejoined until leaving a 2nd time 1993. Wife of 59yrs Barabara whom he met in Singapore 21st March 1964. Barbara was a serving British WAC at the time. Married August 1964. 2 children Mark & Tanya. Bill is having private cremation straight from hospital & ashes returned to his wife. A very private man who wanted no bells & whistles. Super friend I was lucky to know & serve with. RIP Bill

PHILIP, Wayne Alexander, Y18123, WOEL, Sadly Wayne passed away peacefully at Burlington Village, Christchurch, on March 28, 2023, aged 76 years. Much loved father of Colin, and Grant, and father-in-law of Alison, and Leeanne; loved Grandad of Reuben, and Maia, and respected ex-husband of Jill. In lieu of flowers donations to Motor Neurone Disease Association NZ, would be appreciated and can be made at the service. Messages to the Philip family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held in the Harewood Crematorium Chapel, Wilkinsons Road, Harewood, on Tuesday, April 4 at 1.30pm.

COX, Allan Ross. RNZN 16419 Joined as ORD 9/58 Passed away peacefully at Whangarei Hospital on the 25th of March 2023 aged 82 years. Much loved Father of Darren and Michael, Step Father to Marion and Andrew, Father in Law of Rachel and Michelle, and Adored Grandad of Dylan, Adelia, Cody and AJ. A service will be held for Allan at Newberrys Funeral Home 2 Moody Avenue Whangarei, on Thursday the 30th of March 2023 at 12.30 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Ngunguru Volunteer Fire Service would be greatly appreciated.

ROSE Ian Charles Patrick LM(E) NZ16978 Sunrise 14.03.1944 – Sunset 26.03.2023 Husband and best mate of Mary for 57 years. Dad of Kathy and Jeff Parlane, Deby and Darrell Henwood, and Ian Paul Rose. Loved Poppa to his 9 grandkids and great-Poppa to his 12 + 2 great-grandies. Messages to: c/- The Rose family, PO Box 6035, Ashburton 7742. As per Ian’s wishes, a small gathering was held at his home. Long is the sailor home from the sea.

YERKOVICH VENUS SONJIA NZ28551 26.10.49 – 22.3.23 – Venus was a Signals Wren and joined the RNZN in 1968. She was married to Dan Warrington who was also a Yeoman in the RNZN. It is with the deepest sadness that we, Clarice, Sonjia and Daniel share the passing of our much-loved mother. Mum’s last 6 months were a battle, but in the end, she passed peacefully surrounded by Whanau. Loved by all her Whanau we thank Dean, Katie, Daniel, Tony, Jess, Tama, Jo and James for their unwavering support. When someone you love becomes a memory their memory becomes a treasure. Mum was not into fuss so our Whanau have planned a private memorial. Mum will be at Morris and Morris, 199 Kano Road, Whangarei. Phone 09 437 5799 from tomorrow (23/3/23)

BARHAM, John (Johnny). RNZN 5275 RADAR. Loved husband of the late Maureen. Treasured father of Buzz, Christopher, Mark, Brendon (deceased), Paul, and Wayne (deceased). Pop loved his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Johnny will be held in the Beth Shan Chapel, 157 Georges Drive, Napier on Saturday, 18 March at 10.00am, followed by burial at the Taradale Cemetery. The celebration of his life will continue at the Ex-Navalmens Clubrooms, 10 Ford Rd Onekawa. Messages to the Barham Family, c/- PO Box 439, Napier 4140.

HUFFADINE Gary (Huff) CPOCK CTB last Thursday (9 Mar 23) in Townsville? Service details not known as yet. Service Numbre 17715 and joined in Jan 1963

GEMMELL Craig Mitchell L24942 LCK Peacefully passed over just after midnight on Tuesday the 14/03/2023 surrounded by his loving whanau.
Eldest son of the late Angus and Wendy.  Beloved husband of Tash.  Loving Dad of Ruby and Luca.  Awesome step-dad of Tom and Madeline.  Wonderful brother of Jenny, Shell and Rob.  Fantastic uncle, nephew and friend of many.Craig will lie at 25 Lucknow Street Wairoa from Wednesday arvo and all day Thursday, then he will be taken to Gisborne, by his family, in his  trusty Troupee for a private cremation on Friday 17/03/2023.
A memorial service will be held for Craig to celebrate his wonderful life – date to be advised.

RUTHERFORD, Roderick (Rod) Morton, AMM Q23681. Crossed the Bar last night after a long battle with Cancer. DOB 18 Jan 1963. Service – 28 May 1980 to 14 April 1985. Rod has requested not to have a funeral. Our thoughts are with his Family.

BRAY, Stephen Joseph: Ko Waitaha na Tangata; Ko Kawe ki te ngakau. On March 4, 2023 peacefully at Palmerston North Hospital surrounded by his friends and family. Loved dad of David, Hannah, Vicky, Steven, Heavenlee and the late Debbie. Proud grandfather of all his mokopuna. A service for Stephen will be held at William Cotton & Sons Funeral Chapel, 29 Beattie Street, Feilding on Wednesday March 8, 2023 at 11.00am.”Pride of the south for 77 years”

MCKENZIE, David John (DJ). (Rtd) NZ18312 CMEA1. Joined 1/65 Passed away peacefully on Sunday 5 March 2023. Beloved husband of Liz, dearest dad of Iain and Barry. Cherished father-in-law of Char, and treasured grandad of Caleb, Lachie and Caitlin. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dils Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, on Saturday 11 March at 2.30pm. In lieu of floral tributes please donate to the New Zealand Cancer Society.