John Stanley Crump Hanson 5 May 1941 ” 18 September 2002

 A devoted supporter of the surf lifesaving movement in New Zealand, John was the son of Betty and Bill Hanson of Garden Road. The husband of Caroline, father of two sons and grandfather of eight grandchildren, John spent many years in the Nelson region and only more latterly spent a great deal of time at Piha. John was a cheerful, unassuming man who did not broadcast his wide service to the community. As well as his involvement with surf-lifesaving, he gave stalwart service to credit unions in New Zealand, including Maori credit unions.

 He was a founding member of the Rarangi Surf Life Saving Club where he also worked closely with Nelson Sea Rescue. His great love was IRB racing and he attended racing carnivals all around New Zealand, at regional and national level, acting as a marshall and official. His obituary in Surf Rescue New Zealand described him, megaphone at the mouth, calling instructions to competitors at events. When he moved to Auckland for health reasons, he quickly became involved in the Piha Surf Club.

 He became a member of the finance committee, valued for his knowledge of surf life saving as well as financial matters, a position he held at the time of his sudden death. His involvement was regarded as a coup for the club. John was always available for financial advice or the more hands-on work of organising club days. He will be missed at the club, and by his large family and friends.