Thread: Gadgetman

Home now from Brian's (gadgetman's) funeral. This will take some time to process - the loss of a good mate. Funeral was well attended - maybe 150 people - and our shooting team were there, plus a good representation from this forum. Half a dozen NZHS people in all including Kotuku, Smithy, Longrange308, @Bob Da Browning, me Mudgripz and others.

Was a hard hour - but special. My teammate Neil and I shared a 5 minute tribute talk - both of us struggling to get through our script. Not many dry eyes in the house it seems. We spoke simply of Brian's love for the outdoors, his 140 or so trips with us, our successes, our memorable moments. We talked about his selfless and generous character - always ready to go the mile for others, put them first. Came through in all the speakers. I also mentioned his NZHS forum involvement, his many helps and services here, and the 60+ tributes to him on this RIP thread.

Here are the last bits of my short script today:

"A final note – we can never know when our hour will come, But with Brian he was thoroughly enjoying a deer stalk on a beautiful day, and had only been walking for 20 minutes from the hut when he suddenly fell, passed instantly. Neil performed so well the duty of a friend. He was with his mate Brian, tried CPR for 30 minutes with no response, then activated locator beacon which bought Westpac chopper to the location in 45 minutes. But prior to this moment of passing, Brian was happy, in a beautiful mountain environment, and he passed instantly without pain, doing what he enjoyed. And you know - that's a great blessing. From the shooting team members and his many hunting and forum site friends we say - Go well brother, and all Blessings to the family at this time . Amene"

Gone too soon.. but he is well remembered. Mike