It was a heart-warming farewell for a much loved man with a mission, Dr Rev Richard Waugh QSM who is moving with his wife Jane to Christchurch after almost 30 years of incredible service to the church and the community at large.
At a morning tea held to farewell Jane and Richard Waugh at the East City Wesleyan Church, Howick Local Board chair Damian Light paid tribute to the man who has been an institution in himself, as did former Howick Mayor Morrin Cooper and Rotarian Ian Roger. Light mentioned that in April, the Howick Local Board acknowledged his valuable contribution to community with gratitude.
“His work over nearly three decades includes 25 years as a local church leader, six years on the Pakuranga Community Board, eight years as the organiser of the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show and most recently as chair of the Howick 175 Charitable Trust. In 2007 Dr Waugh’s work was recognised by the New Zealand government when he received the Queens Service Medal for his services to aviation history and the community. He leaves a strong legacy in our community and will be long remembered for his many contributions.”
Former Howick mayor Morrin Cooper urged everyone to read the aviation historian’s article in the latest issue of the Times that traces his journey in east Auckland, and the many blessings of living in this community. He also presented Dr Waugh a special necktie with a Howick crest on it.
About making the move to Christchurch, the ordained minister and author mentioned, “We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, we live by faith… and much as we have enjoyed nearly 30 years in east Auckland, there comes times of transition in our life and sometimes it pays to prepare for it. I was born in Canterbury so it’s like returning home. Our two children also live there.”
Jane, his better half who has supported him in a wide range of projects, laughed saying that practically everyone present in the room had been arm-twisted at some time to get a job done for the community.
“Thank you for sharing our lives and being willing participants. We’ve all been wrapped up in his dreams, schemes as you rolled up your sleeves to work along with him…between us all we’ve hosted thousands of people. There have been hard times and the quiet times. And if you are wondering, they already know we are coming. Richard is already chairing one committee or the other in Canterbury.”
