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PJ
12 years ago

Still missing you lots. XX

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Wife
13 years ago

Miss you lots even tho it's nearly 2 years on. PJ xxxxx

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Paul Hambleton
13 years ago

My deepest regrets, albeit this late. I remember the synchronous event taking a plane to Auckland on the way back to sweden to attend some road safety seminars and I sat next to Pam and Steve who also were going to Sweden to look at road safety and do the rounds. The meeting led to many mid morning coffee sessions and at various conference bashes discussing the lack of progress in New Zealand Main stream engineering in 2002-2003. I gained many contacts and a lot of support from Steve who always saw the bigger picture and understood how things happened and who I should go to to get information and move things forward. Such a loss for New Zealand road transportation safety and a personal loss that is still with me for this dynamic and genuine person. Paul Hambleton, Sweden

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Caroline Milligan
14 years ago

Thinking of you Pam. It's almost been a year since Fitz past away. Its strange, whenever I see a jolly white haired guy I recall fond memories.......... Kindest regards Caroline, Steve and Ben

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Peta-Marie McLeod
15 years ago

I was in Dublin when i received a number of calls from former road safety collegues letting me know about Steves death and it felt like a stomach punch. My 1st meeting with Steve was in his very early days of Road Safety when he attended a conference in CHCH and after his presentation all I could think was 'this guy is going to kick some butt and rock the bueracracy" with some of what was considered pretty radical statements at the time and I believe was my first step into putting Steve on a pedestal as my road safety hero. Melbourne - meeting Pam for the first time with the LTSA/Police bosses at a gathering that somehow I managed to get myself invited to, RSC Conferences that Fitz's wicked laugh could be heard across a room full of people, Steve spotting my newly peireced tongue from the front of the room whilst I was at the back and telling me off for getting it!, Turning up in whites at a RSC Conference in Palmerston North and looking oh so handsome, coming to a launch of Crossroads exhibition in Nelson with very short notice and saying "of course I will be there", telling me that I had to babysit the presenters at Conference dinners so they had someone to dance with, tons and tons of fabulous memories I spoke to Steve just 3 weeks his death before I left for overseas and we talked about the good old days of Road Safety, the fun we had and that we were like one great big family who cared for each other, and drunk too many beers and danced a little bit late! I will miss his funny little emails giving me a hard time about a boy i use to know , urging me to go back into road safety knowing it was my passion and the sparing via email to see who could get the best comeback line. He was a referee on my CV and my most recent employer has told me that when he rung Steve he was told to"grab her and dont let her get away cos shes fantastic, but watch the booze cabinet"...such a Steve thing to do To Steves family my love and care to you all, if i could have been there to say goodbye to the great man that was Fitz I would have been though did ask Harry Hayes to ensure my thoughts were sent to you at the time To Fitz - Heaven has a new angel be it a slightly louder, radical version of the norm and I am sure you are keeping them all on their toes. Rest well my friend Arohanui Peta-Mariexxx

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Pauline Wright
15 years ago

To Mat, your son, a colleague of mine at Naval Staff, Wellington. Mat and your family I have only just heard of the news of your Dad and was shocked. I now live in the UK and write to say Robin and I's thoughts are with you. Congratulations on becoming a Constable yourself and you're in a great organisation that has alot of support for it's own. Our thoughts are with you. Live your life to the max. Pauline, Robin and Christie ex PRO Naval Staff

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Dale Kahaki
15 years ago

Its hard to believe that I wont hear that intro on my phone again when it rings ,or that you wont sit in my kitchen and polish off a hole banana cake. I have found it hard to come to terms with your tragic passing,I tried to get to your service but the hole central plateau was closed due to snow ,I hope you understand. I remember first meeting you in Wellington in 2000 and hearing you r enthusiasm and plans for Road Policing ,it was a real pleasure to work with you and share your visions and ideas.There are many kiwis alive today Fitz because of the initiatives you implemented. You always had the ability to draw people in and get them to grasp your ideas , Your leadership ,mentoring,friendship ,humor and whit will be sadly missed ,but you will always be remembered Im not good at this stuff so ill sign off for now,but I ll see you again sometime Fitz Kia Kaha

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A sound man that has left us with so many great memories of a strong thoughtful and caring person who will remain forever in the hearts of those lucky enough to come into contact with him.

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Janice
15 years ago

I remember Steve from his days when working in Lower Hutt, while I was at Hutt City Council. Steve, you made such a hugh contribution to Policing in New Zealand and you did make a big difference, which can't be measured in words. You did make the roads a safer place. My thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues who are trying to come to terms with this terrible and very sudden loss. You will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Janice

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Mary and Richard
15 years ago

Hi again Steve. Just letting you know that a bunch of your friends got together in London for out own little send-off. There was Richard and me, Sarah vdH, Cameron B and Ben Kelly. Nick Perry was kind enough to let us use his office at NZ House. It was 11am Wednesday 25th - although 11 hrs behind NZ we wanted to mark that particular time and date. John vdH spoke to us by speaker phone and talked us through your funeral - the cold weather, carrying your body into the church, the eulogies, Pam's bravery in getting up to talk about you, the music, the final journey up Molesworth Street. He painted it so clearly, we were able to picture it in our minds. Not the same as being there, but I think it helped all of us as we come to terms with you leaving us so suddenly. Goodbye again Steve. We'll remember you always.

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Barry Quinlan
15 years ago

It was really a shock to hear of his death. We use to go running together when he was a Constable at Auckland Airport in the early 1980's, I remember him as a fit man at that time. I believe as a Police Officer and privately he has left a legacy to New Zealand.

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Greg Fitzgerald
15 years ago

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Greg Fitzgerald
15 years ago

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Greg Fitzgerald
15 years ago

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Ian Walker
15 years ago

You were an outstanding man "Pops". You made a new boy fresh into the workforce feel welcome and gave him a goal. You made our office an amazing place to work and passed on a sense of humour I've carried to every business meeting since. You will always be remembered for the smiles you brought to everyones faces and all your good work. Cheers Ian

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Leanne Meikle
15 years ago

You always said "have a goal and go for it". Your support and wise words will never be forgotten... (and I am working towards that goal :D ) xx

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Happy memories of good times together at Clarendon Park Baptist Church YPF. You looked great in Christine's hat, Stephen. Love and Prayers for all the family in England and New Zealand Roger and Christine Sharp

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Rachael Bambery
15 years ago

I am going to miss you…. I’d like to thank you for the advice, support and of course the laughs over the years. It still makes me laugh to remember the office fun you created by sneaking the yellow pages into a visitors’ bag so when they arrived home they found the Wellington yellow pages in their luggage… And this was before they were on line so when we ran out of them in the office we knew where to look. It was also fun hanging out with you and Pam in London. You will be missed but never forgotten. R.

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Caroline Milligan
15 years ago

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

Cam's 30th Birthday at Dockside.

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

They gave out the hats for free (honest!)

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

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what an honor it is to have known you. you will be sadly missed by all. I think everyone will miss your humor and muttering. Everyone at the gym knew the man with the white hair and the good looking legs! we got you up on stage and we secretly knew you loved it, but you would mutter away, it was great entertainment in those body attack classes! Sometimes we would get you up for an 'easy' one and tease you about being an old man, other times for a hard track and say you needed it! At home with Pam, your garden is amazing, i will never forget one time when you caught me 'stealing' your home grown potato from the cooking pot, do you like my potatoes charlie you asked. We would swap gardening tips and talk about tomatoes, radishes etc. it was really special to be included in your and Pam's lives. its a real bugger you aren't here anymore it will take a while to get used to it. Ella has said she will miss your tickles and being hung upside down, Anton will miss you chasing him. Martin will miss your company and mentoring he connected with you and is struggling with your loss, I will miss your matter of fact way, humor, muttering, hugs and friendship, and of course those lovely calves!!! We love you Steve and Pam.

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Garry Mason
15 years ago

We grew up in the same street in Leicester, joined the same local Leicestershire and Rutland Constabulary and last worked together at Welford Road nick in Leicester where you were known as the sheriff of Knighton. I remember you telling me of your plans to emigrate to New Zealand as if it was yesterday and finally Sue and I getting over to see you in Tawa when we left our camper in your drive, somehow. During our next visit that night out at the Indian in Lower Hutt when we were briefly in Wellington a few years ago, the night of the Wellington Rugby Sevens. A great night when we laughed so much the food got cold which is saying something in an Indian restaurant. A top class copper and mate.

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Shellz
15 years ago

Thankyou for all your support when I needed help with multiple issues at work. You seemed to have the knack for the right answers and always came up with a positive solution. You rock!......We will all miss you

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Graham Wolf
15 years ago

HI Steve I'm bloody sorry mate, for what happened last Thursday. Of all the people it had to happen to (AND a fellow cyclist ). You and I have certainly had heaps in common. 1. We are both very actice cyclists, who frequently chalk up indecent kilometres on the Hutt-Wellington Motorway on a regulat basis. 2. We both have a strong interest in Comms.... I'm a Grade I radio Ham (ZL4DG). 3. We both share regulatory experience... yourself in Police, myself in the 1970's in Radio Regulatory. 4. We both have close "rellies" back in England. 5. We are both in our 50's 6. We are both "recycled teenagers" who should be slowing down, not speeding up. 7. We both have a dry wit, and are a couple of real "hard cases". 8. We both proudly live in the Hutt 9. We both have a common friend... Inspector John Kelly (JK and I are ex Otago boys from decades back). Steve... you were a true hard case with a dry wit and a fantastic sense of humour. You often briefly stopped your bike on the (world famous) "Pipebridge" to say "hi" and offer encouragement when I was fishing there. I never got to catch a Kahawai or a rat Kingfish during your brief stops (en route to work or en route home), but I was working on it! I occasionally passed you on the Hutt Motorway... always at barely legal speeds... My "souped up" Avanti ato cromo can hit mid 60kph+. You offered me a lot of support when I was smashed off my Avanti last August at Silverstream and nearly killed.... (taken to Hutt hospital in a ambulance a tetraplegic at the time)... but now cycling again and walking around and fishing (albeit painfully). Your death last Thursday really trashed my week, mate. You were killed ~ 5:25pm a short distance from where I live. I was about to attend a 7pm Meeting, when I first heard the horrible news . I was so emotionally "trashed" inside, I just walked into the bedroom and "crashed into bed for the rest of the night and most of the following day. It's only in the last few hours at the Hutt Central Library, I've been able to read your photo in the paper and turn on the TV. You're going to be sadly missed. Usually, I get road-raged by the ocassional misxcreant in a work van, the articulated trucks are usually vcery careful. It seems that on your occasion, you wre hit from behind in the apex coming out of the roundabout to start the long straight run along the Esplanade. The wrong guyt in the wrong place at the wrong time. Heck, Steve... I've biked through that intersetion countless times and never a moment. I want to thank you mate, for all you've done for road-safety... fronting up to the media on TV, and sending out all those sensible saety tips that have saved countles lives and reduced teh carnage on our roads. I hope they've got some good cycling lanes "upstairs". Mighyt bring a spare bike along fro you to try out one day (and a spare helmet and safety lights of course).. Graham Wolf "WOLFMAN":- Lower Hutt, NZ

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Ken
15 years ago

Fitz, I've never been too flash with the words (as you know). Theres so much I would love to say but will play the safe bet and use the words of another.... Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. For nothing now can ever come to any good. "W.H Auden"

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John Kelly
15 years ago

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Julia Penney
15 years ago

You optimised what it was to be leader both professionally and as a human being. I will miss your wise council and the geniune concern you showed for those around you. You were a truely unique man who is gone far too soon. Miss You

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Barry Smalley
15 years ago

I heard the news from 8000 miles away while holidaying in Colorado. The news brought with it a surreal feeling and the day for me was a sombre one. Tragic and sudden deaths are the hardest to comprehend. I went out for dinner the evening I heard the news and asked the family to toast a good boss and one that will be sorely missed. I am only sorry I will not be there to celebrate his life and mourn his passing. My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.

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Jane Pearson
15 years ago

His contributions to our community had been signaficant! We are blessed to have known you as a friend. From another Road Safety Coordinator - Kapiti Coast District Council

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Liz
15 years ago

Taken way before your time. What an utter tragedy for your family, friends and colleagues and for the wider community for whom you have left a huge legacy in both safer roads and your commitment to delivering to them the best service possible through the Communication's Centres' . A visionary, fantastic leader, funny funny man, and a brilliant facilitator - things just somehow 'got done' and yet they amounted to quantum leaps. Rest in Peace Fitz - you will never be forgotten.

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Erin
15 years ago

We met 3yrs ago when you were new to Comms. I laid down a challenge to you. Take Comms out of the darkness, and into a bright new future. I told you my expectations, and you told me yours. We had an agreement. From that point, I worked hard for you, and you more than delivered on your promise. For us that are left behind, we will continue to work hard in your memory. We will bring Comms into the bright, world class future that you had dreamed off. Fitz - you are a great man. Farewell. You will not be forgotten. xxx

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Ree
15 years ago

Words fail me Sir as we all try to come to grips with your passing. You are the most genuine caring man I have ever met. Comms won't be the same without you at the helm. You were always there to lend an ear no matter how busy your day was. Haere ki te wa kainga i oatitia nei e to tatou Matua i te rangi

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Caroline Milligan
15 years ago

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Caroline Milligan
15 years ago

Pam and Fitz joined Caroline Milligan and family for dinner.

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John Kelly
15 years ago

I worked with Fitz one way or another for 16 years. First he was a colleague, then a boss, but right through it he was a friend. He had superb vision for what needed to be done, he knew how to convey that to others, and he made a whole lot of work seem like fun. Fitz will leave what may be a unique legacy. There'll be no bronze or marble statue but his legacy will be the hundreds of unknown New Zealanders who are alive because of his vision, his courage, and his strength. What greater legacy is there? Ka mea mai koe He aha te mea nui o te Ao Mäku e kii atu He Tangata He Tangata He Tangata

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Anita Merrett
15 years ago

You were one of a kind, a top leader, amazing sense of humour, very supportive and strived for the best. - you made a difference. You will be remembered for many things but most of all for your pleasant persona as it made everyone know they had a special place. You will be sorely missed by so many. Anita

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Kim Eathorne
15 years ago

A unique leader who was truly committed to keeping our communities safe. Will be sorely missed by us all. Remembering all of the happy memories ... Kim

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Clinton Sommers
15 years ago

An inspirational leader whose vision will go on, you would expect nothing less from all of us left behind. I will miss your sharp wit and friendly smile. A boss who will be sadly missed.

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Catherine Coates
15 years ago

What more can I say? I am blessed to have known you as a friend and colleague - we have lost your compassion, wicked sense of humour and lightening wit; your support and dedication. Your memory will live on! The Coateswoman

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Cameron Bayly
15 years ago

Fitz, I can't believe I'll never again hear that laugh of yours as you get away with yet another joke that only you could pull off. If you are looking down on us I know that you'd see the terrible irony in the method of your departure and you would be laughing now. You were a great leader, boss, and friend. You achieved so much and touched so many lives. We will miss and remember you. CB

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Mary and Richard
15 years ago

We were lucky enough to know Steve as both a boss and a friend. He was exceptional at being both. We feel so sad - sad for ourselves because we'll never share any more great times with Steve, but also sad for Steve himself - that he has missed out on enjoying that retirement he'd looked forward to so much - and so thoroughly deserved. Not that he would have stopped working of course - we were looking forward to seeing where all that energy, commitment and leadership ability took him. God bless you Steve, we'll never forget you.

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Julia Jones
15 years ago

Without a doubt the best boss I've ever had, and probably ever will. Fingers crossed I'll score this weekend Fitz... ;-) Missing you - never to be forgotten. Miss Jones xxx

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John van der Heyden
15 years ago

My friend Fitz. Our friend Fitz. You fronted when it was needed and people followed you. In your care for others, you inspired us all. We may never make sense of why you've left us this way and at this time. But you wouldn't want us to dwell on that. The job needs to carry on and we need to do it. Together. You'd expect nothing less. I'm so glad we had a long chat over coffee just a week ago. We were both pondering a career change, not retirement because your need to serve others would never diminish. I was looking forward to us growing old together. Well, who else was going to tell me it's time to trim my eyebrows, and the hair that old men get growing from the nose and ears? Only you, mate, only you. We'' all mis you. John vdH

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mal.schwartfeger
15 years ago

Our hearts are breaking at the gap left by your passing. As our leader, you brought us all together. You had the ability to make us laugh, get the best from us and provide us with the inspiration to be the best we possibly could be. Your legacy will continue on and our memories of a friend and leader will never pass. Your irrepressible humour will be missed by all!

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Joanne Kinnaird
15 years ago

Dear Steve, You were always a highlight of our conferences and meetings. You managed to make a road safety lecture interesting with your own special style and wit. Your smile was infectious and you always greeted us with a joke and a laugh. I am so sad for your family and for us - you were an inspiration and a huge example for us to follow. What a loss for all of us. Rest in Peace dear friend. You will be smiling on us and you will not be very far from our hearts and minds as we go back to doing our work - making the road safer. Jo Kinnaird, Road Safety Co-ordinator for 10 years at Upper Hutt City Council. and a friend... - aren't we all?

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You never failed to make us laugh. And at the same time, we all learnt so so much from you. We will miss you terribly.

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Janine
15 years ago

A boss, a friend, a mentor, a visionary, an achiever and a great guy too. The loss being felt is very real

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Janine
15 years ago

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cary w
15 years ago

You were the best! You have contributed greatly, and your memory will live on through your achievements in providing a safe environment.

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