In Memory of Eric Verstappen

It is with the greatest sadness that I confirm Eric Verstappen, a well-respected and highly regarded member of the NZCS management committee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday 8^th February.

Eric was a member of the NZCS management committee since 1995, and served as secretary from 2001 until the time of his passing where he shared this responsibility with Michael Allis.

Eric’s funeral and celebration of his life was held in Nelson on Saturday 15^th February, and was very well attended. Those who spoke including family, friends, work colleagues and representatives of organisations that Eric was part of, portrayed a person who was willing to give freely of his time as a volunteer and always placed others before himself. It was moving service which celebrated Eric's life in a way I am sure he would have approved of.

Terry Hume (NZCS Life Member), spoke at the service on behalf of the NZCS, outlining Eric's long and valued association with the NZCS and how he would be sorely missed both professionally and personally. Terry and I were also able to meet some of Eric's family and pass on our condolences directly on behalf of the NZCS and wider coastal community of New Zealand.

I know many of you (including myself) have known Eric for many years, and have had the pleasure of working closely with him, for which we can be grateful. Eric was one of the most humble and genuine people I have had the privilege of meeting and his passing will be keenly felt within the NZCS and across the wider coastal community.

Our thoughts are with Eric’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Messages for Eric’s family can be left at the below:

https://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/nelson-mail-nz/eric-verstappen-condolences/195373278?cid=full

Paul Klinac

NZCS Chair