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Sidney Lewis (Buzz) Spilman 
NZ413138 Flight Lieutenant 75 Squadron WWII
Aerial topdressing pilot Wanganui
sidney-lewis-spilman.jpg

Sidney died on Friday September 18 at The Wood Retirement Village, Nelson, aged 98. He was the dearly loved husband of the late Dinah, loved father and father-in-law of Margot and John Rowling of Nelson and Sherrilyn (Shern) Spilman and John Pattison of Nelson, the treasured granddad of Josette Prince of Auckland and Flynn Perry of Nelson.

 

In accordance with Sidney's wishes he was farewelled privately.

 

Special thanks to the staff at The Wood for their care during his final days.

 

Messages can be sent to Buzzs family c/- Shone & Shirley, 164 Tahunanui Drive Nelson 7011 or left online here.

Messages

"I met Buzz many years ago when he was a valued member of the Volunteers' Project working to preserve Nelson Provincial Museum's historical photographic negatives. Buzz was always a happy, smiling man - conscientious, neat and friendly. Whenever I met him down through the years, he always spoke to me and we would have a chat. What a wonderful number of years he achieved and what an amazing life he lead. I was sad to learn that he had passed away but I am so pleased to have made his acquaintance. Please accept my sincere apologies for your family's loss." Kindest regards, Lynda Pike

"I have fond memories of "Buzz" flying Piper Cubs for topdressing on our farm near Marton in the 1950's. I actually have a photo of one of the planes on our place. I am so pleased that he got to live to such a great age as so many topdressing pilots didn't." Jack Henderson

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