It is with deep regret that we report the passing of two Tiger Moth Club stalwarts during the past week.
Robert Gordon, a very long-time club member, served for many years as club Treasurer and on the club committee, where he and his wife Jenny were tireless workers. They owned, among several aeroplanes based in their Tauranga hangar, Tiger Moth ZK-BRL and Chipmunk ZK-TAZ. BRL is now with the Brodie family at Rakitata Island Aerodrome awaiting a rebuild, and TAZ is resident in the Auckland region, mostly on Waiheke Island.
Robert is remembered as a well-liked larger-than-life character, most often seen in his distinctive boots and hat or else in a Hawaiian-type shirt with an aeronautical theme. Jenny was always part of the team and the pair were stalwarts at club fly-ins, particularly at Taumarunui where Rob will be famously remembered for his operation of the transport bus with military precision. He has been missed by all of us since becoming unwell and our deepest condolences are extended to Jenny and the family.
Gilly Smith is best remembered in aviation circles as Stan Smith’s other half, ensconced in the Smith Tech Air hangar office at North Shore airfield. She looked after the paperwork side of the business and the dogs while Stan got on with restoring, rebuilding, maintaining and flying the variety of aeroplanes, particularly de Havilland products, for which he is internationally renowned.
As a pilot Gilly flew her Piper L4 Grasshopper and was part of the Smith legend of aircraft ownership.
The influence of both these members in the broader vintage aviation community must be acknowledged, and our heartfelt condolences go to their families and friends.
John King
Following on, due to an unavoidable timing clash of Rob’s Memorial service and the Te Kowhai 80th Anniversary of the Chipmunk type, the decision had to be made to continue with the Te Kowhai day albeit expecting that some who were planning to attend will now be unable to. We will remember Robert with a flypast of Chipmunks on the day.
