4 January 1951 – 11 September 2025
4 January 1951 – 11 September 2025

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services
On behalf of the Moana New Zealand team and our Fishers, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt gratitude. Brian, your extensive knowledge, unwavering support, and deep understanding of our ever-evolving operations were truly valued. You are going to be missed. Karl Moana New Zealand
Brian, It has been a pleasure to have you as part of our team since 2018. Your dedication, professionalism, and deep knowledge made you an invaluable member of our team and a respected figure across the industry. You always went above and beyond, and your contribution to our work and culture cannot be overstated. Thanks for all the tea, advice, weather forecasts, jokes and laughs. You are deeply missed—not only as a colleague but as a friend to many. Marian.
Brian, you took the unit under your wing at Onehunga and helped us get back on your feet. Always time for a chat and practical advice on ways we could make it easier on ourselves. Will miss your guidance and humour. Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time. Ka kite.
So very sad for the passing of brian we have worked closely for many years with brian always a pleasure to do business with brian thankyou so much for the saying never to difficult when we had projects on Onehunga wharf you were the kindest honest practical man that knew our business inside out there was never a problem will will miss you dearly rip brian Nick and sally lewis
We are very sad to hear of Brian's passing. A much loved member of the family.
Brian, I've had the pleasure of working alongside you since the time you started. Despite you being at Onehunga, I have had more conversations with you than I would have expected. Always a laugh and good chat. Will miss the weather forecasts in our team catchups and always appreciated the time you and I had while we waited for the rest of the team to log on. Rest in peace my friend
Brian, I have had the privilege of working alongside you for the past eight years — first as a contractor, and later as part of the AFM team. From the moment I joined, you welcomed me with open arms (though I am sure you regretted it soon after once my borderline-annoying sense of humor came out again, lol — but I know you loved it). We had countless work conversations, your depth of knowledge and passion were second to none. Of course we shared countless laughs, shared stories, drank far too many cups of tea, and yes, I copped a few growling’s from you 😅. Through it all, we worked well together, and you always had time for me no matter how busy things were. The last time I saw you, you weren’t quite yourself, and it broke my heart. Yet you still managed to flash out a bright smile and said, “Yea, nah, I’m alright. Just a bit crook but I’ll come right.” Since caretaking your beloved wharf, I have had countless people come in asking after you. The respect you earned here at Onehunga Wharf speaks volumes about the person you were — your passion, support, and meticulous operations for the place and the people around you. That legacy is recognized dearly by all. Well, my friend, as you often told me: “Got to carry on.” So this is my final goodbye, your memory will forever carry on. Rest in peace, Brian. Nitin Chand (Menace from the West 😉)
A consummate professional, a trusted confidante, and a man passionate about his work. I loved to spend time with him on blustery days at the Port, drinking tea, eating chocolate digestives whilst listening to his stories about life on the sea and commercial fishing. It helped be see life from a very different perspective to my own. I will really miss him and the advice, support and friendship he gave so selflessly. He taught me that value lies in the act itself, not in what comes back to you. What a legend! Ruth
Brian will be sadly missed. The world was a better place with Brian in it. He had the respect and trust of the commercial fishermen and various maritime ruffians who visited the port that Brian ran so efficiently. Brian was always welcomed as an honorary member of the Marina Team and was part of our family. R.I.P., my friend. Kev
I had a pleasure of knowing you for a very short time and in that time it was always a pleasure talking and working with you. You were such a nice guy who always managed to put a smile on my face, you will definitely be greatly missed by your team. Reast in peace Brian!
Brian, You have left behind a tired body to walk now in light. The memory of you will always remain in my heart. I will cherish the few conversations we shared about our lives and families. Those moments when we forgot about work and simply enjoyed being humans. Your dignity, courage, and quiet privacy were admirable, and they have been a true lesson for me. Rest peacefully.
You were always a big part of our team and our lives and will always be remembered as a kind and considerate person who made the team so great to be part of. You will be missed. Rest in peace
For general knowledge, we did not have a funeral ceremony as that was not consistent with Dad's wishes. We will have a memorial gathering at some stage.
You left so unexpectedly and quietly, and couldn't be there for you as you've always been there for me... Thank you for your unconditional friendship. I couldn't have made it so far without you. Your endless kindness and support were my anchor and my lighthouse. May your soul rest in peace. You'll be forever in my heart. Love, Mariana
Rest well Brian, you battled the illness bravely, now at peace, Love and Miss you Pam
Dear family and friends, Brian passed away peacefully at Hibiscus Hospice surrounded by family after a short battle with skin and lung cancer. Our thanks to the team at hospice, and the care team at ward 65, Auckland hospital for making his last weeks as comfortable as possible. Rest in Peace Dad, Love you always...Rhys.

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services

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