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Lamb & Hayward Oaklands Chapel

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Christchurch, Canterbury

Bruce POSTILL Obituary


21.10.1945 - 2.1.2025

Passed away unexpectedly, with his daughters by his side, at Christchurch Hospital, aged 79 years. Bruce's daughters and sons-in-law, Mardi and Patrick Fitzgibbon and Fleur and Bede Skinner, invite you join them to celebrate the life of an extraordinary father and 'GreyGrey' of Ella, Mac, Lachie, Elsie and Gene.

Perhaps you built tracks through New Zealand's native bush with Bruce, went tramping together, or tracked the flight path of migratory birds around the world with him. Maybe you scaled cliffs and mountains together, or went on search and rescue missions alongside him. You may have been one of the many friends - old and new - that he liked to share a meal and a few yarns with. Whichever it was, lucky you.

Messages may be addressed to: The family of the late Bruce Postill, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. In lieu of flowers, donations to Forest and Bird would be appreciated and may be made directly online at: forestandbird.org.nz. The service to celebrate Bruce's life will be held in the Oaklands Chapel, corner of Halswell Junction and Wigram Roads, Halswell, Christchurch, on Friday, January 10, at 2.30pm, followed by a private cremation.


Published by The Press on Jan. 4, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce POSTILL

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7 Entries

Jean and John Wilson

January 11, 2025

We are saddened to hear about Bruce. We have happy memories of tramping with him and enjoying the yarns he told. The tramp where we remember him most was the Leslie-Karamea, immediately followed by a short trip to Mt Owen. Bruce liked to reminisce about that trip as we had a visually impaired companion, for whom the trip was the absolute highlight of his tramping career. Bruce addressed the Waikato Tramping Club on two or more occasions, always with interesting information to give us.

Bev Woolley

January 10, 2025

Bruce was one of the stalwarts of Waikato OSNZ for many years. Taking part in. Kawhia or Raglan Harbour census with him on an early morning high tide was an unforgettable experience. He was also the leader on many island expeditions to check on translocated bird species. Bruce’s laughter and stories at camp mealtimes bring back fond memories. He was always a willing and true friend who will be greatly missed. May your spirit fly free Bruce.

Terry Greene

January 7, 2025

Like other members of his DOC 'family' I was saddened to hear of Bruce's sudden death. He had been a colleague for more than 20 years as he endeavoured to bring some rigour to training for working at heights. Bruce managed to bring a bunch of independent operators to heel with a mix of good humour, technical know-how, occasional robust discussions to form a cadre of national tree-climbing instructors. All of us looked forward to our regular catchups at Pigeon Bay which were both highly informative and hugely entertaining. Bruce was deeply missed when he retired and was always up for a yarn when we encountered one another at Birds NZ meetings. I am deeply saddened that this is now no longer possible. Can't make the funeral as I'll be in the field shooting lines and climbing trees. I'm sure Bruce would approve.

Bruce teaching DOC tree-climber instructors' course, Akaroa, Christchurch, August 2015.

Ron Moorhouse

January 6, 2025

Hi all. Bruce was my colleague, teacher and friend. It’s customary in this country at a time like this to say something like “Kua hinga te ttara i te wao nui Tne” (a ttara has fallen in the great forest of Tne), but of course, Bruce was Australian so perhaps in his case a mighty gum tree might be a more appropriate metaphor. I certainly consider myself fortunate to have spent many happy hours in the gentle shade of his kindness, wisdom and humour. Ron Moorhouse ex Kakapo Recovery Group Scientist.

Kirsty McMillan

January 6, 2025

We are shocked to hear of Bruce's sudden passing.
Special memories of Bruce at the Pirongia Forest Park Lodge especially during the early days wit the the development of the Nature Trail which today is a fantastic resource for all to enjoy. I walked around it yesterday.
Love and thoughts to Bruce's family.
Kirsty and Adam McMillan
Heather Garrett.
Kirsty and

Sonia Frimmel

January 5, 2025

I thought Bruce would be going on trips into the hills into his 90s and I would be bumping into him and catching up on his latest news in unexpected places (as happenned in the Suter Art Gallery a year or so ago) for years to come. I worked with Bruce on several project, enjoyed his company of a number of day walks, and was always pleased when he came to our place for parties as I could guarantee he'd get some good conversations going. We'll miss you Bruce.

Janet Greenwood

January 4, 2025

So sad to learn of Bruce's passing. I last spoke to him on his birthday, but of course had no inkling it would be his last. He was a wonderful workmate to John and a great friend to us both. My deepest sympathy to you all. Janet Greenwood.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Memorial Events
for Bruce POSTILL

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Lamb & Hayward Oaklands Chapel

500 Wigram Road Halswell, Christchurch 8025