Funeral Ssgt[rtd] Mike Walters

Hi fellow Sappers, Joe Hollander had a call 26 Jul from Clive Fremlin of Dargaville RSA (ex NZSAS, Papakura Camp 1970's), to advise that Mike (M.R. ?) Walters ("Bunny" ? - ex- 1 Fd Sqn, Papakura Camp) died of a heart attack in Dargaville last Thursday 23/7/20. His funeral will not be for another two weeks or so, to enable whanau to RTNZ/gather, but will probably be at the Oturei Marae in Dargaville. If you require more info, call Clive on (021) 431-935. RIP Mike.

4 Aug: RSM advises Firing Party of 5 plus Sgt to go to Dargaville. They intend to have an RNZE flag with them.

5 Aug: Clive Fremlin has advise from Mr Rex Nathan, officiating Chaplain and Kaumatua Oturei Marae, as follows:

The Plan is:

Michael will be given back to whanau and taken to lay in state on Thursday 13 Aug 2020. The arrival at Oturei Marae is scheduled for 11am Thursday. Michael [the tupapaku] will lie in state at Oturei Marae overnight.

10am Friday 14 Aug the Marae funeral service will commence.

Michael will be transported to Whangarei for Cremation post the Marae service and ceremonies.

Anyone wishing to be involved in the bearer party for Michael's final carry from the Waharoa to the hearse is welcome to email Clive at c.fremlin@xtra.co.nz or phone 021 431 935.

Michael's daughter Shannon is due to exit quarantine on Tuesday 11 Aug.

Regards, Vail Hubner

Good morning Sir,

Thank you for the E Mail.

I spent yesterday afternoon at Oturei Marae. Michael arrived at about 3 PM. I helped to carry him into the Marae where the 'Nanny's' took over and prepared Michael for the Tangihanga formalities so as people could pay their respects.

I must say the move to Levels 2 and 3 have thrown the arrangements into dis-array. However, I commend the Marae for moving into top gear to meet the requirements imposed upon them by the change in Covid - 19 levels.

Only 100 people are allowed at the funeral. Michael has a large community of whanau and extended whanau. So I made a decision last night to offer my place to someone else at the funeral.

Your message was given to the officiating chaplain and Kaumatua, Mr. Rex Nathan. He has handed it to Shannon, Michael's daughter and the message will be read at the Marae funeral service.

I am a soldier of 27 years service.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Corps of RNZE, you all responded so magnificently to the call for help in support of Michael. I was emotional and overwhelmed by the way the Corps of Engineers set about supporting the whanau. 

I acknowledge all the military personnel I had communication with. Everyone of them dignified, honest and courageous in their efforts.

My son served with RNZE for about 6 years and did a tour of Afghanistan. I am so proud of him, however my estimation of his skills are hugely heightened because of my most recent experience with his Corps.

My most humble thanks and gratitude to you, WO1 Brendon McDonald, W0 2 Murray Reid, my Cadet Class Senior  Vail Hubner and all of the RNZE. A MASSIVE thank you. Words do not do justice to the pride I feel having had the recent experience with you and the others.

With kind regards

Clive Fremlin (Snr)

On 8/12/2020 9:41 PM, Brandon Ian, LTCOL wrote:

Hi Clive,

 

Please find attached a brief message from the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers. I hope the service tomorrow goes smoothly, and am very sorry that the Regiment was not able to have a firing party there on account of recent events with COVID-19. Kind regards, Ian.

 

On behalf of the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers, I would like to respectfully acknowledge the passing of Staff Sergeant Walters and wish all of the Walters whanau as well as friends here the very best as you gather to remember him today. I am sincerely sorry that due to recent events we are unable to have Corps representation there in person.

 

Staff Sergeant Walters served for his almost eleven years as a Clerk within RNZE. His intelligence, resourcefulness, diligence and enthusiasm were noteworthy – and he served the Army, Defence Force and New Zealand with distinction.

 

We have a saying in the Engineers: “Once a Sapper, Always a Sapper”. Although Staff Sergeant Walters departed the Army in 1989 he never really departed our Corps. Our strength today has been built on the legacy of all Sappers who have service before us, Michael included. His service over a significant period of his life forms part of the fabric of our Corps, and always will. He will be remembered.

 

Farewell Sapper, and Rest in Peace.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Brandon, RNZE

Commanding Officer 2nd Engineer Regiment and Regimental Colonel, Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers

 

Lt Col Ian Brandon, RNZE, BE (Civil)(Hons), MMAS, psc(US)

Commanding Officer

2 Engineer Regiment

Linton Camp, Palmerston North

14 Aug 2020 last updated.