Jack Passings – March 2026
⚓️Gary Clarkson CPO PRI
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a much-loved and respected husband and father. Ian passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 2, 2026, aged 87, surrounded by family. Dearly loved husband of 65 years to Irene and father to Garry and Jo, John, Sharon and Phil, Robin, Raewyn and Craig, Lisa, Michelle, Michael and Tracey, and Debbie and Simon. Loving “Dear” to Danielle and grandad to Tyla and Luke, Sophie, Chloe and Ava; and Lillyana. Much loved son of the late Robert and Blanche Clarkson and brother of Robert; Stewart and Elizabeth, Irene and Phillip, and Peter and Lynne. Respected son-in-law and brother-in-law of the Lefeber family and uncle to his nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Dr. Vara and the team at Temuka Healthcare, Tash and staff at Temuka Pharmacy, and Presbyterian Support/RDNS who have supported us over the last 14 years.
Now running free
At Ian’s request, a private service has taken place.
⚓️HAWES Rex POME ex CMEM(L) RN, and POME RNZN, B19574 Joined 1/69 aged 74 years
We mourn the passing of our Rex. Rex passed away at Palmerston North Hospital on the 1st of March 2026, surrounded by his loved ones and at peace in the end following a long battle. This former sailor, expert boilerman, mentor, son, brother, partner, husband, uncle and grandfather was loved and respected by all who knew him. We offer special thanks to the communities who wrapped their arms around him in his later years and to the wonderful people of Eketahuna where he made his final home. It was Rex’s final wish that there be no funeral or ‘fuss’ at the end. We suggest to all that you raise a glass to this old sailor on ANZAC day and remember him then and beyond.
⚓️MATHESON, Graeme Thomas Neill RNZN NZ13637 LM(E) Joined 1/51
Passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Ballarat Care Home, Rangiora, aged 92. Much loved husband of the late Maureen and loved father of John, Fiona and the late Zale, father-in-law to Young Sook, Garry and Michael; “Grandpop” to Harry, William, Tom, Hariet, Ellen, and George, and great-grandpop to his 7 great-grandchildren and dear friend to Mary. Heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ballarat Care Home for their special care and compassion.
At Rest
A private cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Graeme’s life will be held at a later date early May, in Rangiora.
⚓️McDonald, Ronald James (Jimmy). RNZN Med CPO J18960
…. and Air New Zealand Emergency Procedures Instructor. Passed away quietly at home on the 31st of March. Loved son of *Ronnie and *Loma McDonald, beloved husband to Anne, loving Father to Kirstin and Michael and Father-in-law to Misty and Katrina, dearly loved brother to Julie and Chris and Uncle to Ronnie and Amanda and Jarrod and Amelia (England), Great Uncle to Maggie and Edie and adored Uncle to Harvey and Mathilda who gave him great joy. Well known member of the Thames RSA and volunteer with the St Johns Ambulance shuttle service. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he bettered by being a part of them. In keeping with his wishes no funeral will be held, but a celebration of his life and stories will be held at the Thames Bowling Club on Thursday the 16th of April at 5:30 PM.
⚓️MILES, David Brian. (Dave) RNZN P.O. Seaman. S/No J20938 – Joined 1/73
Passed unexpectedly at Rotorua Hospital with family by his side. Cherished husband of Sharon for 42 years. Father to Johnathan and Rochelle. Father- in-law to Nicole and James. Grandad to Nate, Alice, Jordie, Matilda and Jack. Brother to Wendy and Lynnette and beloved son to Cyril (deceased) and Audrey (deceased). A service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at Collingwood Funeral Home Chapel, 1358 Eruera Street, Rotorua on Friday 6th March at 2pm followed by a burial at Kauae Cemetery.
⚓️MOORE, Gregory John RNZN
Passed away suddenly in Queenstown on 25/3/2026 He was formerly of the RNZN skydiving club. That’s all the information I have and the permission of his mother to publish this. No funeral, he has been cremated
⚓️OWEN, Ronald Arthur Francis MBE. (RAF) RNZN Q13952 WOS. Joined 1951.
Passed away on the 4th of March 2026, after a short illness at Kumeu Village Rest Home in his 90th year. Left behind his wife Jean in their 70th year of marriage. Much loved father to Kim and Tracey, Father-in-law to Stephen and Wayne, Grandfather to Blake, Kelly, Mac and Mitchell. Great Grandfather to Eli and Zara. He will be sadly missed. A private family service will be held. Friends are welcome to celebrate Ron’s life at Tracey and Wayne’s afterwards from 3:30pm on 9 March 2026.
⚓️PETERS, William Kapanga. Serv No. R22325, Leading Seaman, RNZN.
At Thames Hospital on 9th March 2026; aged 66 years. Loved partner of Sabrina. Cherished father of Tapita, Tureiti, Keriata, Rahera, Heraputea, Karaka and Kahui. Adored Poppa of Mia, Keriata, Charlie, Tiki, Manaaki, Wiremu, Mana Bubba, Tobias, Tiana, Bonniepai, Lukaia, Lilly Jane and Tapita (Little Girl). A service for William will be held at Te Pai o Hauraki Marae, 3 Papaturoa Avenue, Paeroa on Friday 13th March at 10am, followed by burial at Komata Urupa.
⚓️RICHMOND, George William. 15595 RNZN
Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital on 16th March 2026, aged 87 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Margaret. Father of Tania, Lance and the late Kim William. Treasured Pa to all his moko and mokomoko. ‘Forever in our hearts, lest we forget’ A Service for George will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu on Wednesday, 18th March at 1:00 pm followed by private cremation. All communications to the Richmond family, P O Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services FDANZ