HMNZS Otago

It has been promulgated that Jim’s Funeral to celebrate his extraordinary life, will be held Tuesday 25 August 2026 at the St Christophers Chapel, Devonport Naval Base, AUCKLAND commencing at 1pm/1300 hrs. Forrest Funeral Services, Orewa, AUCKLAND office@forrests.co.nz are attending Jim.

Access to the Naval Base follows strict protocols and are as follows:

Persons reading this notice, and attending Jim’s funeral, are invited to register their attendance by emailing each attendee’s First Name and Surname, Car Make/Model/Registration Number to HMNZS OTAGO Association President Terry Whimp – terry.whimp@gmail.com. A consolidated spreadsheet will be forwarded to the Funeral Director by 1000 Monday 24 August 2026. Very important that each person attending can produce a clear photo identification (drivers licence, passport) before access to the Naval Base. Registrations direct to the Forrest Funeral Services are also invited office@forrests.co.nz

Note that initial advice has indicated limited on-base parking available. Normal working day base activities will be present.

For those unable to attend Jim’s funeral in person the service is able to be viewed via the following livestream link, httpa://247.stream/rooms/jblackburn

It is with sincere regret I inform Association Members that Jim Crossed the Bar in the early hours of Sunday 16 August 2026, aged 100. He was at Te Mana Care Facility in Birkenhead, Auckland.

Family, in conjuction with Royal New Zealand Navy Representatives, will advise funeral arrangements to be held at HMNZS PHILOMEL, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland in due course.

It is very imporatant to note that Entry/Attendance will need to be advised in advance and a personal PHOTO IDENTIFICATION is mandatory.

Funeral arrangements and Base entry procedures will be advised as soon as promulgated.

Terry Whimp MBE

President

HMNZS OTAGO Association

If you are just visiting and are not a member, and if you served on HMNZS Otago at any time, we would welcome your membership application. If you were previously a member why not rejoin us?

The Otago Association is active and in addition to its annual reunion, the committee meet quarterly to progress the business of the association and to consider how it can assist its members.

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