Piha suffered two bereavements of long term locals in the last week.

Larry Gibson at The Bowler

Larry Gibson, former Piha Bowling Club president and stalwart and extremely hard worker for the club, died in the weekend.

He made an immense contribution to the club and always gave a warm welcome to members and visitors.

Larry was in the tradition of the men and women who have kept going the do-it-yourself ethos of Piha. He was the sort of man who could always be relied on to pull his weight, and much more.

He also kept an eye on some of the older and less robust members of the community, helping with odd jobs, providing transport and good company.

Larry had four children and 14 grand children.

He will be sorely missed.

Greg Shand was a very long term bach owner at the northern end of North Piha.

He loved Piha and was a keen and well-liked member of the Piha Tennis Club. Greg had a stellar journalism and PR career, having been the Herald‘s political editor during the Muldoon years. He was in the parliamentary press gallery and lead the news team at the Auckland Star before turning to PR.

He died on the 12th of September, aged 61 years, and leaves three children, one grandchild and many friends.

Just got word too that Ray Hymans has died at his home in Te Awamutu. Ray was a very long term Beach Valley Road bach owner and member of the Piha Tennis Club. Our thoughts are with Ruve and family.