Mr Mike Smith, former ITFNZ Instructor from Northland, passed away
on Friday 14th Novemeber 2008.
Mr Thomas Petersen, member of the Berhampore club,
passed away in Denmark on Sunday 22 May 2005 as a result of a motorcycle
accident. He will be remembered fondly at Berhampore. He was known
at the club as our " Mad Danish ".
Mr Stuart Overton, one of Nibun ITF's black belts,
passed away 31st May 2003. He died in his sleep. Stuart was enthusiastic,
cheerful and well-liked. He will be sorely missed, both for his
contributions at training and his friendly, approachable manner.
Mr Dave Owens (originally of Te Awamutu) passed away
Thursday June 10 2005 following a heart attack.
Mr.Owens was one of Master Davidsons' original Black Belts in the
early days of the Te Awamutu club along with Mr Ross Campbell.
In the early days of Wai-Bop" Mr Owens, Mr Campbell and the
team were a formidable force in the region, particularly in the
area of sparring, of which Dave was particularly competent.
Mr David Lange, former Prime Minster of New Zaland
and Patron of ITFNZ. Passed away Saturday 13 August 2005. Mr Lange
became the Patron of ITFNZ in 1981. At that time he was a new MP
and known to the late Mr Harry Hemana, and it was Mr Hemana who
approached him to take on the position. There were many instances
when Mr Lange was of great support for our organisation, most notably
when the Sharp Tournament in 1985 was almost cancelled due to interference
by another organisation. Mr Lange stepped in and the tournament
proceeded with full television coverage. Mr Lange the Prime Minister,
was awarded an honorary 4th degree black belt on the 7th of June
1985. He always had a keen interest in the what the organisation
was doing and in particular kept an eye on the ITFNZ website during
out World Champs Competitions. Mr Lange is the only Patron ITFNZ
has had, and always appreciated his kind words of encouragement
and support. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. See
photos and tribute here.
Mr Philip Kiernan First Degree Black Belt passed
away on Monday 21st May, 2001. Mr Trilford said "Philip was
the most loyal student I have ever had, and a true friend".
He died on the 1st year anniversary of grading to First Degree. Philip took his
own life - he was just 20 years old.
Mr Wayne Joseph - former ITFNZ Instructor from
Wellington. Wayne passed away in Australia on 16th November 2001.
He was at Hapkido training, joking around as usual, when he was
on the ground at first, everyone thought he was acting (he had done
it before). It was only when the instructor spoke to him that they
realised he was not acting. Apparently he had a massive heart attack, & knew
nothing - he went the way he wanted.
Ms Suzzie Ponting - partner of former Counties
Manukau Instructor Mr Arthur Atutahi, Suzzie was an awesome force
behind the Mangere club and the Counties region. Fantastic organser
and super nice person. Suzzie passed away on 23rd September 1999
after a spirited battle against cancer. Susie was loved
by
all who knew her, and will be remembered by us as a happy and
enthusiastic
person, whose home was often a dojang for students of the two
clubs she
helped run. |
Mr Gerald Joe - passed away in his sleep on 23rd July 2008.
