Paul Claridge - Ace helicopter pilot for Southland Helicopters passed away just recently at a way too young age and leaves behind a partner in Cara and young family. Southland Helicopters posted, with over 10,000 flying hours under his belt, he was an exceptionally skilled and respected pilot, whose experience, knowledge and passion for flying were second to none. They went on to say that Paul's contribution to Southland Helicopters and the wider agricultural and aviation communities over the years has been enormous. Not only was Paul a chopper pilot, he was also a highly respected coach, team player, friend within the Gore Ice Hockey community.
Paul Ernest Gay QSM - Educator, Nature Studies Specialist, Developer of Deep Cove Hostel. Paul Ernest Gay was a New Zealand educator and nature studies specialist from Invercargill whose quiet persistence helped give generations of Southland school children a first, unforgettable encounter with the wilderness of Fiordland. For more than four decades he led the Deep Cove Hostel, the outdoor education centre at the head of Doubtful Sound. In the 2019 New Year Honours he was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to outdoor education.
Murray Wilson - Owner - Director Southland Farm Machinery who passed away suddenly towards the end of September. A post on the firm's facebook page read - Murray was so much more than an Owner and Director to those of us who knew him, He was a genuine, kind and generous person who cared deeply about the people around him. He was loved and respected by our team and by mant throughout the wider community. His passing has left a great sense of loss within our business and beyond. We will miss his presence, his friendship, his guidance and, most of all the person he was.
Mark Sanson - Owner of Waiponamu and Waimea Contracting died suddenly late last month. A tribute on his business's facebook page read - the business he bui;t from the ground up is a huge part of Mark's legacy, and the impact he hd on the local community will be remembered for many years to come.
Joseph (Jeonggeu) Hong, the manager and host at Invercargill's only Korean food restaurant Korean Bob, formerly the Canton Restaurant. On the restaurant's facebook page said Joseph will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues at SIT and customers of Korean Bob. It went on to say Joseph's warmth, kindness and cheerful smile touched many lives and will be remembered forever
Pam Ross Cycling identity, a touching tribute from Cycling Southland over the passing of Pam Ross. Cycling Southland was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pam Ross, a long-term supporter of our organisation. From cheering from the sidelines to providing practical support for Bruce in his many roles within Cycling Southland, Pam played an important part in our cycling community over many years. Pam made a wonderful contribution to the Tour of Southland, particularly through her long-standing role as Accommodation Officer. It was a role that required a significant amount of organisation behind the scenes, and Pam carried it out with great commitment. Many will also remember Pam at stage finishes, making sure riders and team managers were in the right place for presentations — something that was not always an easy task to manage.
Pam and Bruce also opened their home to many riders and officials over the years, providing the kind of hospitality and support that was extremely appreciated, with many still remaining in contact over the years. More than anything, Pam was a tremendous support to Bruce and to the wider Cycling Southland family. Her contribution was often behind the scenes, but it was greatly valued and appreciated by so many. Pam will be fondly remembered for the part she played in our cycling community and for the commitment, hospitality and support she gave over many years. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Bruce and all of Pam’s family at this sad time and with the 70th Tour of Southland about to start.
Keith Ferguson - long time teacher at Southland Girls High School.
On his tribute page - Keith loved learning, growing his forest park, and his family. He will be remembered for his kind and thoughtful nature.
Norman Beer - Longtime service technician at TR Taylor and even before that at Milller's Store on Crinan St. After retirement from TR Taylor Norm started volunteering at Transport World. In fact, Norman had been volunteering at Transport World since 2011, when the museum was still open by appointment only. According to Transport World, Norm was recognised during National Volunteer Seek as an unsung hero in 2020 and was again recognised in 2024 as one of TR's dedicated volunteers. When Norm passed away in September, Transport World called him a valued volunteer whose presence visitors would remember. As an aside, did you know that Transport World celebrated its 10th anniversary this year?
Keith Harrington - former Invercargill City librarian passed away in July. Facebook post documents that Mr Harrington worked for the city council, and the library for close to 30 years from 1980 to 2009 dedicating almost 30 years to our library and community. During his time as City Librarian, Keith played an instrumental role in the development and opening of the Invercargill Public Library on Dee Street, also known as the Eve Poole Memorial Library. His work helped shape the library into the place our community knows and values today. Keith’s contribution will remain an important part of our library’s history and his legacy will continue through the building, services and community connections he helped create. One contributor on his tribute page said Keith Harrington was passionate about free access to public libraries for all.
Marching Southland has lost a couple of stalwarts this year.
Firstly, Peter Little passed away earlier this year. In a facebook tribute from Marching Southland states that Peter's involvement goes way back to 1964, after his daughters became involved. Before long, all four of his daughters were marching, and Peter became deeply involved in the sport himself. By the late 1970s, Peter was President of the Southland Marching Centre. He was a highly respected judge, judging at both South Island and National level, and was well known in his day as a top display judge. He also served as a Board Member of the New Zealand Marching Association and was a manager of the Rosedale Kilties teams. Peter was honoured as a Life Member of Marching Southland, as well as being made a Life Member of Marching New Zealand in 1991, recognising his significant contribution to the sport.
Dawn Murphy another stalwart passed away recently.
A facebook post stated that Dawn Murphy was founder of Glendawn Marching Also a beloved coach, teammate, friend, idol, respected volunteer, and proud Marching Southland alumn. Dawn was also the coach of the Southern Gold Leisure Marching Team and a devoted volunteer within Marching Southland. She was known for her bright, beautiful smile, her unwavering dedication, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. Dawn touched the lives of so many through her love of marching. Her passion, commitment, kindness, and infectious smile will be remembered by generations of marchers, coaches, volunteers, and friends.
Robin "Bobs" Jackson QSM passed away recently aged 86.
"Bobs" as she was known to many was prominent in swimming and golf. She was recognised with a QSM for her long and distinguished work with swimming in Southand over many years.
Ken Wellington, a more than well-known personality in southern brass band community passed away in April after a brief illness. The Ascot Hotel Brass posted this poignant tribute - Ken was a much-loved bandsperson, mentor, teacher, family member and friend. After moving to Invercargill in the 1970s, Ken became an integral part of both our society and the wider musical community. His contribution had been remarkable, serving as President of the Otago Southland Brass Band Association, a member of the Invercargill Garrison Band Society Management Committee, and performing with the Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band, as well as many other community bands and ensembles. Most recently, Ken was an active member of the Ascot Park Hotel Development Band and the Invercargill City Jazz Band. Ken’s passion, dedication, and love for music have left a lasting impact within our community. He will be deeply missed.
Ian Treweek - The Jaguar Man at Windsor Motors.
In a tribute after Ian's funeral, his family posted that - He was a man of quick wit, humour, generous, kind, and stoic in the face of adversity: one whose motto was" there's always another way round it", whose philosophy was" that (nail, piece of wood etc), might come in handy one day". Ian had the most organised, clean garage/man cave, ever, and he was a man whose abiding passions were for Jaguar cars, sport, Speights, friends and family. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Helen McKay QSM Tuatapere . Helen passed away in Marlborough in March after living in Tuatapere for many years. Helen and late husband ran the local Yesteryears museum / cafe as well as teaching Irish and highland dancing. Reports show that Helen taught dancing to upwards of three generations of local families. As a young lass and well before marrying, Helen McKay grew up in Bluff but travelled to Tuatapere to teach dancing, She was given a pivotal word of advise from then Bluff mayor Norman McGorlick. "Near enough is not good enough. "When it's good enough, it'll be near enough." Perhaps we could all imprint that in our minds. That from a Jamie Searle article in the Southland Times some years ago. Helen McKay was awarded the Queens Service medal for services to highland dancing.
Deborah Bayliss - former staff member at Southland Girls High School. (pic on SGHS fb page The school posted this touching tribute to the long-time staff member - We are saddened to hear of the passing of former SGHS staff member Deborah Bayliss. Deborah was Director of Boarding at Enwood Hostel from 2005 - 2019 and made a significant contribution to the lives of many boarders and their families during her time at SGHS. More recently, she was part of the team at Timaru Girls’ High School.Our thoughts are with Deborah’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who knew her. Deborah’s contribution to boarding education and the communities she served will be remembered with deep gratitude and respect
Barbara Lindsay Rodmell - Invercargill Repertory stalwart.
Lindsay was a long, long-time supporter of everything to do with Invercargill Repertory. Fittingly, the celebration of Lindsey's long life was held at Repertory House recently.