Des Pike, Jack de Bazin and Keith Nelson at the Bowling Club

Sadly, Jack de Bazin died on Friday 18th September. Jack and his wife Ngaire lived in Rayner Road for years and were at the hub of community life.

Jack was a founding member and the third “sub-officer” of the Piha volunteer fire service. “Sub officer” was the name given to the Chief of the Piha fire service.

Jack was actually involved with the service from 1974 until 1991 and was involved in some major firefighting efforts and rescues of injured people during those years.

Locals such as Zeke Wolf and Mike Jolly served with Jack.

Jack was also at the centre of the Piha Neighbourhood Watch scheme for years and could always be guaranteed to rally when ever there was a community emergency, no matter how small.

The De Bazins left Piha after 2000 to live in West Auckland, although they regularly visited for community events. They were sadly missed then and Jack’s passing will sadden many at Piha.

Jack was 91 years of age and was born on 19th May 1924.