It's been a quiet start to the year for Legends We Have Lost, let's hope it stays that way.
First and foremost — Geoff Piercy.
Two words can sum up the life and times of Geoff Piercy: Community and Service.
Geoff's hands and vast brain touched many areas of our community over many decades. He had a long involvement in our health services, having worked in the health sector in various capacities over the years.
Geoff Piercy also served as a councillor on the Invercargill City Council for 18 years. In later years he was a keen servant of GreyPower. A post on Greypower Southland's Facebook page describes him as a Past President, Life Member, and one of the staunchest advocates for Southland's older people for four decades.
From the age of 18 he won a contract to sing live on National Radio, a platform he held for many years through to the 1960s. He sang at charity concerts all over Southland, appeared as a guest soloist at events and weddings, and was a Life Member of the Invercargill Choral Society.
During his time as Chair of Works and Services at the Invercargill City Council, Geoff led a team that won an environmental award for the beautification of the old dump site on the Invercargill estuary. The Council later named the Geoff Piercy Reserve in his honour, recognising his 18 years of dedicated service to the city.
He also had the unique talent of knowing who was who, what was what, and where was where in Invers.
Geoff Piercy passed away at the end of March after a short illness.>>>>
Ian Ridd - Ian was the former curator of the collection of vehicles at the Bill Richardson Transport Museum. He was generally regarded as Bill Richardson's right hand man with the vast collection at the world renown museum.
Before joining up with the late Bill Richardson Ian Ridd owned and ran what was Invercargill Auto Wreckers
Ian Ridd's work went well beyond just looking after the collection. He was also a volunteer at the museum and engaged with visitors from around the world sharing his immense knowledge of the collection.
Ian was also a long time member of Lodge Winton 108.
In a post from Bill Richardson Museum, Ian Ridd is noted as being an all-round great guy and a great support to the Richardson family following the passing of Bill Richardson.
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Gus Guise (Graham Thomas Guise)
Well known resident, businessman and supporter of all things Riverton.
Gus Guise started the successful business Riverton Real Estate some years ago.
He was also a longtime and passionate administrator and supporter of the Riverton Rugby Club over many, many years.
A post from the Riverton Rugby Club says his impact will never be forgotten. He was a dedicated club sponsor for around 20 years, supporting the club through many seasons and milestones.
Gus also served as Club President in 1991 and 1992, giving his time and leadership to help guide the club forward. He was heavily involved in fundraising efforts, including playing a key role in the development of our clubrooms and lights — with the first game under the new lights played on 31 March 1994
It went to say Gus was more than a sponsor and member- He was a cornerstone of our club, a man who gave generously of his time, energy, and passion for rugby and community.
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Another one from the Rugby community
Long time Pirates - Old Boys stalwart and life member Jack Earl passed away recently.
Jack Earl's playing career goes back to the 1950's having pulled on the Old Boys jersey in 1956 beginning his playing career in the 4th Grade as a 15-year-old. Five years later, in 1961, he was part of a special era for the Club, helping secure the Galbraith Shield alongside teammates including Hunter Farquhar and Tony Harvey, who survive him today.
In a post from Pirates - Old Boys states that Jack’s contribution to the Old Boys Club extended far beyond his playing days. Over the years, he held numerous roles within the Club, including coaching the Fourth-Grade team that featured future Life Members John Polson and Shayne Harvey. He also served with distinction as Club President, was a highly respected team manager, and generously applied his practical skills to the maintenance and improvement of the clubrooms, including upgrades to the social area. Jack played a key role in the success of the Club’s overseas tours to Australia and Asia.