Obituaries

[TokGal]

Indy 500 champ killed in fiery crash

Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died today in a fiery 15-car wreck at Las Vegas Motor Speedway when his car flew over another on Lap 13 and smashed into the wall just outside turn 2.

Wheldon was 33. Drivers were told of Wheldon's death in a meeting about two hours after the fiery, smoky crash that many drivers said was the worst they had ever seen.

The British driver won the Indianapolis 500 twice, including this year.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10759680

[Newtown-Fella]

Top government advisor dies in Wellington


Sir Frank Holmes, a leading New Zealand economist and government advisor for half a century, died this morning, aged 87.

A bomber pilot in the Pacific during the World War 2, Mr Holmes became a long time economics professor at Victoria University, where he remained Emeritus Professor of the Institute of Policy Studies until his death.

Mr Holmes' career saw him work advising several governments, both on domestic economic policy and foreign trade.

Economic adviser to the Royal Commission Monetary, Banking and Credit Systems in 1955, he later served as two terms on the Monetary and Economic Council, set up in 1961 by the Holyoake government.

Mr Holmes was involved in debates on New Zealand's trade policies, including agreements with Australia and concessions to New Zealand when Britain joined the European Economic Community, which became the European Union.

A founder of the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria University where he wrote a series of studies of trade relationships with senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Mr Holmes also worked extensively in the private sector, including as economics manager of Tasman Pulp and Paper Company and chairing the National Bank of New Zealand's Southpac Finance subsidiary.

Mr Holmes was knighted in 1975 for services to economics and education.

Made a justice of the peace in 1960, Mr Holmes was awarded two honorary doctorates, one in law from Otago University in 1997 and one in commerce by Victoria University in 2004.

Political commentator Colin James said while much of Mr Holmes' career saw him arguing for a less regulated economy, he was not simply a free marketeer, working closely with Labour governments and earning the respect of former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Mr James said Mr Holmes died peacefully about 2am today after a short illness.

He is survived by his son Ross, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

A service will be held in St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Wellington, on Monday 31 October at 1pm.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5836762/Top-government-advisor-dies-in-Wellington

[Newtown-Fella]

Business leader Roger Kerr dies

Business leader Roger Kerr has died overnight after a long battle with cancer.

The Business Roundtable chief executive had been gravely ill for the past couple of weeks.

He died late last night "peacefully" at home with his wife and family, Roger Partridge, chairman of the Business Roundtable, said.

"I'm upset," he said. "It's a huge loss for his family and New Zealand. He is an iconic New Zealander who has done more for this nation, than any other."

Kerr was diagnosed with melanoma three years ago and found it had spread last October.

His illness was particularly difficult for his wife, Catherine Isaac, who is running for the ACT party this election.

Kerr's doctors told him the average life expectancy for his type of aggressive cancer was six to nine months. He had been "fighting a battle" ever since, Partridge said.

Before his Business Roundtable role, Kerr was a senior figure both in the New Zealand Treasury and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He was a director of the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand, a member of the Council of Victoria University of Wellington, and a member of the Group Board of Colonial Limited in Melbourne from 1996 to 2000.

He received the 2001 NZIER Qantas Economics Award, and was awarded the Tasman Medal by the Melbourne-based Tasman Institute in 1994 in recognition of his contribution to public policy.

In 2005 he was awarded the Charles Copeman Medal by the HR Nicholls Society for distinguished service in the cause of New Zealand and Australian workplace relations. He was a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management (FNZIM) and a member of the Institute of Directors.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5875388/Business-leader-Roger-Kerr-dies

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

If Roger Kerr had managed to get his way, ALL workers (apart from himself and the rich-prick mates he represented) would have been getting paid $3.50 per hour, would have been expected to lick the bosses' arse and be grateful, and would have been sacked if they had dared to speak out against it, while naturally the good Mr Kerr (and his rich-prick mates) would have been enriching themselves at anyone else's expense.

Roger Kerr and his ilk have always worshipped self-enriching (at the expense of everyone else) GREED!!

[Newtown-Fella]

If Roger Kerr had managed to get his way, ALL workers (apart from himself and the rich-prick mates he represented) would have been getting paid $3.50 per hour, would have been expected to lick the bosses' arse and be grateful, and would have been sacked if they had dared to speak out against it, while naturally the good Mr Kerr (and his rich-prick mates) would have been enriching themselves at anyone else's expense.

Roger Kerr and his ilk have always worshipped self-enriching (at the expense of everyone else) GREED!!

rather sad when an OVERPAID Train Driver has to say negative about someone who has contributed moire to NZ business than a lowly train driver ....

its rather interesting that members of the BRT arent train drivers but then again they arent chief execs or directore of companies ....
and i guess Union Bosses arent members either ...

weird with all the power that unions think they have but really but then again oh dear how sad .... next


Business Roundtable members are chief executives or directors of major New Zealand businesses. 

http://www.nzbr.org.nz/About+Us/Membership.html

[Magoo]

About ten years ago, Christopher Doig did something no other opera singer has ever done.

During a South Australia performance of Richard Wagner's entire epic tetrology, Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle), which involved a performance of all four component operas in one go (17 hours long, the first time it had been done since Wagner was alive), Christopher Doig playing the lead role of Wotan sang for the entire 17-hour performance, unlike the other opera stars who shared the roles with their understudies. And this was after three performances of the four operas spread over four nights during the three previous consecutive weeks. After that amazing performance (which received rave reviews), Christopher Doig retired as an opera singer while he was absolutely at the top of his game and came back to NZ and took on sports administrator roles in both cricket and rugby.

There was an interview on Concert this morning with Sir Donald McIntyre ( Munich) who was a great personal friend of Christopher Doig which was worth listening to.

[Alicat]

About ten years ago, Christopher Doig did something no other opera singer has ever done.

During a South Australia performance of Richard Wagner's entire epic tetrology, Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle), which involved a performance of all four component operas in one go (17 hours long, the first time it had been done since Wagner was alive), Christopher Doig playing the lead role of Wotan sang for the entire 17-hour performance, unlike the other opera stars who shared the roles with their understudies. And this was after three performances of the four operas spread over four nights during the three previous consecutive weeks. After that amazing performance (which received rave reviews), Christopher Doig retired as an opera singer while he was absolutely at the top of his game and came back to NZ and took on sports administrator roles in both cricket and rugby.

There was an interview on Concert this morning with Sir Donald McIntyre ( Munich) who was a great personal friend of Christopher Doig which was worth listening to.

NZ has produced some fine internationally respected Opera Singers - Christopher Doig was one of them. I have never heard a bad word about him. he was well known for his hard work in both the music and sports arena. He is a sad loss. Sir Donald McIntyre is another great NZer who has done us proud.

[nitpicker1]

Maori TV broadcaster dies
Last updated 13:17 05/11/2011

Popular Maori TV broadcaster Te Kauhoe Wano died in Piha on Friday.

It is not yet known how the 49-year-old sports commentator died.

His body has been taken to Parihaka Pa marae in New Plymouth this weekend ahead of his burial early next week.

Wano, who was known as TK, worked as a commentator on the te reo channel during the Rugby World Cup and hosted a show about his surfing safaris with his twin brother, Wharehoka Wano, on Maori TV.

He was also a te reo advocate who was a member of the Te Reo o Taranaki movement.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/5914992/Maori-TV-broadcaster-dies

[Newtown-Fella]

Tamaki MP Allan Peachey passes away

National MP Allan Peachey died yesterday after a long battle with cancer.

The Tamaki MP died at his North Shore home at about 11am. He was 62-years-old.

He was diagnosed with cancer five years ago and was in remission. He had been doing well until doctors found a small tumour in July.

In September Peachey told the East and Bays Courier he had been given the all clear and was on the mend.

However, Peachey's electorate agent Murray McKinnon said today that he took a turn for the worst last weekend and knew by last Monday that he did not have long to live.

He says the MP of six years will be sorely missed.

"He was a fantastic guy to work for."

"He has made an enormous difference in the electorate, particularly in the area of education."

Prior to becoming Tamaki MP in 2005 he spent 13 years as principal of New Zealand's largest school, Rangitoto College.

Peachey pulled out of this year's election last month, saying at the time that he was disappointed he couldn't stand for a third term.

"I didn't quite know it was going to end here. I had a terrible year," he said.

The MP started 2011 with a collapsed lung and then had problems with his wisdom teeth before doctors found the cancer in July.

"This year has taught me that I'm not as strong as I used to be."

Peachey said he was proud to have been part of some exciting changes in the electorate.

"I'm really excited by the improvements at Selwyn College and the work I've been able to do with other schools with recapitation," he says.

Tamaki, Ruapotaka, Glenbrae, Glen Innes and Panmure Bridge primary schools have been given permission to expand to include year 7 and 8 students.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette and four children.



http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5919855/Tamaki-MP-Allan-Peachey-passes-away

[Newtown-Fella]

Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier dies



http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/5929536/Former-heavyweight-champion-Joe-Frazier-dies

[Newtown-Fella]

Former MP Alamein Kopu passes away

Former MP Alamein Kopu has died.

She worked extensively in the community, mainly on rehabilitation programmes for criminals and drug users.

She was the centre of a storm in 1997 after resigning from the Alliance Party, through which she'd been elected on the party list the year before, to go it alone in the House.

For that move, Alamein Kopu became known as the "waka jumping" MP.

Fellow MPs complained she was never in Parliament and did little work - her response was to blame racism and say apartheid was alive and well in New Zealand.

Mrs Kopu died in Rotorua yesterday, aged 68.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/12240436/former-mp-alamein-kopu-passes-away/

[akadaka]

Jason Richards loses his cancer fight - age 35

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/6152694/Jason-Richards-loses-his-cancer-fight-age-35

way way too young

[Magoo]

How sad.

[Newtown-Fella]

Poroporoaki ki Te Pae ki Omeka Ruha

The Maori Party is very sad to hear of the passing this morning of Te Pae ki Omeka Ruha, of Te Whanau a Apanui and Ngati Porou.

"Auntie Pae was a stalwart of the Maori language movement, the Maori Women's Welfare League, Te Atarangi, and many other organisations promoting Maori language, culture and social development," said Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples.

"Pae trained as a teacher, and education has been the driving force of her life. She taught for many years at the Correspondence School, at a time when te reo Maori was not widely available in secondary schools.

"She was also a founding member of Nga Kaiwhakapumau i te Reo, the Wellington Maori Language Board, a staunch supporter of Te Ataarangi, and a long-time trustee of Te Upoko o te Ika, the first Maori radio station.

"She was a leading judge of kapa haka and language and cultural competitions. In everything she did, Pae was a stickler for accuracy, for correct language, and proper application of tikanga tuku iho," said Dr Sharples.

"Pae was a proud life member of the Maori Women's Welfare League, and travelled to all their national conferences," said Co-leader Tariana Turia. "She was a steadying influence and a voice of wisdom to younger members of the League. She was always willing to lend her support to rising generations, and attended huge numbers of hui to offer her guidance and mana.

" She was also an original member of Te Atamira Taiwhenua, the national Maori advisory group to the Department of Internal Affairs. Her wisdom and indepth knowledge of te Ao Maori has also been of direct benefit to the public service in so many ways.

"Pae was awarded the QSM and ONZM for her services to Maori people, and she recently became a Hunter Fellow in recognition of her contribution to Victoria University, particularly her staunch support to their marae since its inception in 1986. So it is appropriate that she should lie at Te Herenga Waka marae, before returning to her ancestral home among Te Whanau a Apanui," said Mrs Turia.
E te whaea, e te kuia, haere, haere, haere ki o tipuna i te Po!

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/12376810/poroporoaki-ki-te-pae-ki-omeka-ruha/

[nitpicker1]

Davy Jones of The Monkees dies aged 66         Comments (165)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17214430

 


157 replies when I first read the story,  188 at the time of this modification 8.23am

[nitpicker1]

5 April 2012 Last updated at 16:56 GMT

Guitar amp pioneer Jim Marshall dies aged 88

Guitar amp innovator Jim Marshall, dubbed "the Father of Loud" for creating kit used by some of the biggest names in rock, has died aged 88.

Mr Marshall, who originally owned a music shop in London, founded Marshall Amplification 50 years ago.

Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain are among the musicians who used Marshall amps.

A statement posted on the company's website http://www.jimmarshall.co.uk/  called him a "legendary man" who led a "truly remarkable life".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17625335

[nitpicker1]

Sir Peter Tapsell dies

Newstalk ZB
April 6, 2012, 6:30 pm

The first Maori Speaker of the House, Sir Peter Tapsell, has died.

He passed away in his sleep last night at his farm at Ruatoria.

He entered Parliament as a Labour MP in 1981 and remained until 1996.

Sir Peter was speaker of the House from 1993 to 1996.

Peter Tapsell was born and raised in Rotorua and educated at the local boys' high school.

He studied medicine at the University of Otago and overseas and was made MBE in 1968 for his services to medicine in the field of orthopaedics and to the Maori people.

He then stood for Labour in Rotorua, twice not being elected, but finally being voted in as local MP in 1981.

In the 1996 election he lost his seat to New Zealand First candidate Tuariki Delamere.

In retirement Sir Peter was involved in a number of organisations, and was patron of Monarchy New Zealand.

Sir Peter Tapsell was 82.

He was the father of two sons and two daughters.
His body is being taken to Maketu Marae tomorrow ahead of a tangi

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/13363612/sir-peter-tapsell-dies/

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Wellington actor Grant Tilly dies

“He was like a force of nature on stage.”

The Dominion Post | 2:11PM - Wednesday, 11 April 2012


Grant Tilly, who was a keen model car collector. — ANDREW GORRIE/Fairfax NZ.

WELLINGTON actor and artist Grant Tilly, who was a co-founder of Circa Theatre, has died in Wellington, aged 74.

Tilly starred in many stage and television productions including Foreskin's Lament, The Daylight Atheist, Gliding On and Middle Aged Spread.

Circa Theatre this afternoon issued a statement on Twitter and Facebook regarding Tilly's passing:

"It is with extreme sadness that we note the death of Grant Tilly. Grant was a founding member of the Circa Council and one of the country's most talented and best known actors. He made a great contribution to the theatre scene in New Zealand. He will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends."

Fellow actor and Circa Council member Sue Wilson said Tilly was "one of our finest actors".


Grant Tilly with pieces from his art exhibition at the South Coast Gallery in 2007.
 — ROBERT KITCHIN/Fairfax NZ.


Grant Tilly with cartoonist Tom Scott in 2006. — DIEGO OPATOWSKI/Fairfax NZ.


Grant Tilly and Dorothy McKegg in Circa's production of Spreading Out in 2004.
 — CRAIG SIMCOX/Fairfax NZ.

Cartoonist, Tom Scott, who wrote The Daylight Atheist — in which Tilly played the solo role as an angry, bitter and alcoholic father —  described Tilly as a fantastic actor and artist.

"He was like a force of nature on stage. Some of the best performances I have seen...Grant at his best had no equal."

He would also be remembered for his delicate and evocative Wellington cityscapes, which illustrated a series on Wellington by David McGill which ran for many years in The Evening Post.

Even in later years when his health and eyesight were failing, he still had tremendous energy and he did some terrific sculptures and paintings.

"He should have been more celebrated in life than he was."

Tilly designed Circa theatre in 1976 when it was first established in the old Ilott building in Harris Street and also designed the present Circa theatre, near Te Papa.

He won actor of the year at the annual Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards in 2009 for playing an 80-year-old Otago farmer in Home Land, by New Zealand playwright Gary Henderson.


Actor Dorothy McKegg with Grant Tilly in a scene from Middle Age Spread at Circa Theatre in 1977.


Grant Tilly, left, with former Prime Minister Helen Clark, centre, and Ray Henwood in 2000.
 — Photo: The Dominion.

Tilly was married twice. He had three sons by his first wife Fay and a daughter by his second wife Ruth.

He grew up and was educated in Wellington.

He studied drama in the Britain in the 1960s but then returned to the capital.

The Mount Cook resident officially retired in the late 1990s, but he continued to perform in plays such as Tom Scott's The Daylight Atheist.

______________________________________

Related stories:

  • Actor and artist tells tales in print

  • Farmer drama wins NZ play of the year

  • Come to Tilly's circus

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/culture/6724128/Wellington-actor-Grant-Tilly-dies

[Newtown-Fella]

All Black legend Sir Fred Allen dies aged 92

All Black great Sir Fred Allen has passed away.



Sir Fred, who at age 92 was the oldest living All Black, had been battling ill health for some time and was in full-time care on the Whangaparoa Peninsula.

He passed away at 3.30am on Saturday morning.

Despite illness, Sir Fred tried to remain as active as ever in recent times.

Earlier this week he unveiled a bridge on Sir Fred All Walk of Honour  at Auckland Memorial Park, Silverdale.

Both his late wife, Norma, and son, Murray, are buried at Auckland Memorial Park.

Sir Fred, who was born in Oamaru in 1920, was one of the great servants of New Zealand rugby.

He is among the rare group of players to have both played and coached the All Blacks.

The star first-five played 21 matches for the All Blacks, including six tests, between 1946-49.

He signalled his retirement from test rugby by throwing his rugby boots into the sea while on the All Blacks' return from their disappointing 1949 tour to South Africa.

He would have debuted for the All Blacks earlier in the life had it not been for the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

Prior to making the All Blacks, he was one of the star players of the legendary New Zealand Defence Force's Kiwis rugby team which toured Europe in the months following the end of WWII.

The side also included his great mate and fellow future All Black sensation, Bob Scott.

After ending his playing days, Sir Fred took up coaching.

He was an All Black selector between 1964-65 and then coached the men in black between 1966-68.

His coaching tenure, which saw him known as 'The Needle', included the All Blacks winning all 14 tests under his control.

Allen's tremendous service to New Zealand rugby as a player, coach and administrator was honoured many times, including in late 2002 when he was presented with a silver tray in a special lifetime achievement award ceremony at the New Zealand Rugby Football Union's awards.

''I was thrilled by that,'' Allen told Sunday News at the time.

''Over the years I've probably been a little outspoken at times toward the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.

''I've felt at times they haven't done the right thing. At times it seems that there had been a bit of jealousy toward me that I was unbeaten as a coach.

''So to get this type of recognition from the NZRFU was something special to me.''

Author and close friend Les Watkins - who co-wrote last year's top-selling book, Fred The Needle: The Untold Story of Sir Fred Allen - today remembered his mate as ''one of the greatest gentlemen in the business''.

''He is one of the finest, most-inspiring man I have ever come across,'' Watkins said.

''He remade New Zealand rugby after the war. He played a bit role in ressurecting rugby and promoting it after the war.''

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/6823098/All-Black-legend-Sir-Fred-Allen-dies-aged-92

[Ferney]

Sir Fred certainly was a legend.   

[Alicat]

The legendary All Black captain and coach, Sir Fred "The Needle" Allen has died at age 92.
 
Allen was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to rugby in 2010. He had previously been awarded an OBE in 1990.
 
The New Zealand Rugby Football Union awarded him the Steinlager Salver in 2002, and in 2005 he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.
 
During World War II he served as a lieutenant in the 27th and 30th Battalions, settling in Auckland upon his return.
 
He played for Auckland and the All Blacks from 1946 to 1949, playing 21 games in the black jersey including 6 tests and all as captain.
 
But it is as an All Blacks coach that "The Needle" will be most remembered, winning all 14 tests during his reign from 1966 to 1969.
 
Allen's wife Norma passed away in September 2009, and his only regret in accepting the Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit was that she was not there to share it with him.
 
At the time of his award, John Key said: "This honour gives the people you have touched the chance to show their appreciation for your hard work, your dedication and your achievements.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10802073

[nitpicker1]

He was an All Black selector between 1964-65 and then coached the men in black between 1966-68

When men were men and rugby was a sport, not a business. 

[Newtown-Fella]

Former Deputy PM Sir Brian Talboys dies

Former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Brian Talboys has died at the age of 90.

Sir Brian, who represented the Southland electorate of Wallace for eight elections from 1957, served as a Minister in the National Governments of Sir Keith Holyoake and Sir Robert Muldoon. He was Deputy Prime Minister under Muldoon from 1975 to 1981.

Born in Whanganui in 1921, Sir Brian served in the air force during World War II. After the war, he settled in Southland as a farmer and entered politics, winning the Wallace seat in 1957.

He was agriculture minister, science minister and then education minister under Holyoake, before becoming deputy leader of the National Party in Opposition in 1974, under Muldoon.

After National's victory in the 1975 election, he became deputy prime minister and served in that role for the first two terms of the Muldoon Government, retiring in 1981.

Invercargill MP Eric Roy described Sir Brian as a formidable intellect and articulate speaker and a passionate Southlander.

"He served New Zealand excellently,'' Mr Roy said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7038626/Former-Deputy-PM-Sir-Brian-Talboys-dies


SERVANT OF NZ: Sir Brian Talboys in 1978.

[Calliope]

Andy Griffith Dies

Andy Griffith, who made homespun Southern wisdom his trademark as the wise sheriff in The Andy Griffith Show and the rumpled defence lawyer in Matlock, has died. He was 86.

Griffith died at his coastal home, Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie said in a statement.

"Mr Griffith passed away this morning at his home peacefully and has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island," Doughtie said, reading from a family statement.

The family will release further information, the sheriff said.

He had suffered a heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2000.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10817256

[Alicat]

Andy Griffith Dies

Andy Griffith, who made homespun Southern wisdom his trademark as the wise sheriff in The Andy Griffith Show and the rumpled defence lawyer in Matlock, has died. He was 86.

Griffith died at his coastal home, Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie said in a statement.

"Mr Griffith passed away this morning at his home peacefully and has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island," Doughtie said, reading from a family statement.

The family will release further information, the sheriff said.

He had suffered a heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2000.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10817256

A show from my childhood - RIP Andy Griffiths