Taking control of the road - New Zealand Fire Service

Obituaries
Alexander (Peter) Tinnock
20/3/1928 – 19/5/2006
The Gore Volunteer Fire Brigade was saddened by the
death of ex-Senior Firefighter Alexander (Peter) Tinnock
on May 19.
Peter was born on March 20, 1928 and joined the brigade
on June 11, 1957. A bricklayer by trade, Peter was always
available and totally committed to the brigade for the
next 36 years, only retiring because he reached 65 years
of age and Fire Service policy would not allow him to
continue on.
He was awarded his gold star in 1982 and made a life
member of the brigade at that time.
Peter was strong on discipline and did everything in a
professional manner. He was respected by all who came
into contact with him and was always willing to pass
on his knowledge and experience to younger members.
The brigade was fortunate to have a person of his calibre
as a guiding hand and many members were better off for
having known him.
After retiring from operational service, Peter was still
closely involved with the brigade socially and was often
around the station doing odd jobs here and there. He
enjoyed using the facilities and had many happy times
socialising and playing snooker. Latterly he spent time
maintaining and tinkering with the 1932 Merryweather
appliance that was used by the brigade up until 1968.
He had good understanding of the appliance and was
always willing to display its capabilities when the
opportunity arose. This machine was close to his heart as
it was still in use during his early brigade years.
A service to remember Peter’s life was held at a local
funeral home on May 23, after which he took his last
ride on the Merryweather back to the fire station. He was
then placed in the hearse and as he made his final
departure from the fire station, the town sirens were
sounded to farewell him. Peter was cremated.
The brigade extends its condolences to Peter’s family.
John David “Bubble” Carter
20/12/1941 – 5/3/2006
20 Issue No. 21
Picture: courtesy of Gary Johnstone
The North Otago community of Palmerston was
saddened by the death of volunteer firefighter John Carter
in March.
John was a dedicated and long serving member of the
Palmerston Brigade, joining in 1975 and serving as a
senior firefighter and fire safety officer.
Better known by the nickname “Bubble”, John and his
wife Lesley were always popular at brigade social
functions with their famous fish fryer.
As a tribute to John, Oamaru loaned its 1952 V8 Ford
which carried his casket from the service after a guard of
honour from firefighters around the district.
Picture: Courtesy of Graham English