Charles DRACE Obituary

Buzz was such an important part of getting "Disabled Skiing" going back in the '70's and 80's (I remember the "discussions" around the misnomer of even calling it "disabled"!!) Your generosity of time and spirit never went unnoticed and made the difference to so many us. Thank you my friend, you can now go as fast as you always wanted on those skis!

We remember Charles from the old days when we entertained in the Telethons and visited the elderly with a bright smile and song. RIP Charles. Lois and John Bateman.

Very sad to hear Buzz has died. He was huge part of getting the NZ Disabled Skiing program going in the late 1970's early 1980's. He helped many of us directly with teaching and indirectly with fund raising. He was a good friend to many of us.

Farewell dear friend who has left so many fond memories of times past; the fun we had, long debates, sharing a beer or wine, or laughing out load annoyoing the neighbours. To think what we did lugging the old church slice by slice to build your first home. Much love to all your dear extended family Vale Jeanette & Roger

Buzz you were
A Massive Carer (of people & our planet), a Green Party member and real Activist, a skier, a Renaissance thinker, a reader, a conversationist, an appreciator of theatre, the arts, music. and for me you were a great friend & mentor: your strength, your smile, your voice, your fun.
Your work here is done, we carry it forward. Now it is Your Time to Rest, In Peace.
Simply, from that insecure 19 y old, who you helped to grow, now I'm 64y,
THANK YOU, Buzz,
I miss you. All Ways!
loving hugs from Jinnie Potter to you all, Rachel, Lisa, Felicity. xxx

So many memories spread over decades, all jumbled together...
My first meeting with you as my ski instructor with NZADS 1980 opened up a whole new world & possibilities. Being included with your family fun with 1 y old Felicity, 3y old Lisa and Rachel. Then, decades later meeting your grandson Alex as a 8-month-old.
helping me develop as a person and my teaching while at CTC.
going to theatre, singing, music, concerts (you didn't really seem to like the modern NZ 20thc works with NZSO but you listened.)
Attending a series of art lectures together with Rachel, of works in the Baron Von T collection (amazing, enlightening).
2 decades later, 1998, attending the NZADS 20th reunion at Wanaka/Cardrona (singing in the car driving there, then, your massive fall, 3 or 4 ambulance trips & an extremely scary time in Dunedin Hospital).
1987, Travelling, camping, including some (mis)adventures (summer surprise snow) in your home area around Lake Tahoe, California, meeting your mum, your brothers, touring Hearst Castle (Lisa).
All the times we were talking, discussing ideas, possibilities for a "Renaissance" Degree (integrated studies across multi-disciplines and departments at Canterbury University), problem solving, especially climate change and how individuals & council/government could mitigate future issues, if only ... fund management business ideas and practising your presentations and seminars. And,
Golly I'm going to miss you, Friend, and your bone-crushing hugs. Jinnie x.
Here is a year of tree donations towards your memory and a dutiful cause. You always sent me a Xmas card gift of a tree or 50, a goat, or funding to a medical research institute so my turn...

Sunday morning cafes, solving the world's ills, such great conversations. Wonderful man, sorely missed.
Rest in peace Charles. You've earned it