Gordon VETTE Obituary

He lived in my home town of Arapuni and was a lovely man Annette nee Heappey

A man who stood firm on his beliefs and a hero of mine forever

So sad!

Great pilot

I watch his movie all the time

I'm deeply sad to read of Captain Vette's death. His investigation of the Mt Erebus tragedy was tenacious & inspiring & the subsequent book 'Impact Erebus', remarkable. Condolences to his family & may he rest in peace in a very special place for those who wear wings on their chests.

Charismatic, Brave.I will always remember him. It was my privilege to have met Gordon. My most sincere condolences to all.

I had the priviledge of having Gordon as my first Cheif Flying Instructor. Always encouraging, he instilled a strong sense of the weight of responsibility that our licences gave us. Gordon's words have stayed with me throughout the past 20 years and I will carry them with me always. A great man who was a gift to aviation and all of those who were lucky enough to meet him. Rest well Gordon, my thoughts are with his family and many friends. Emilie Wintle.

A kind and clever man. Always remembered.
Gail and girls

You may have departed, but you will never be forgotten.
I can only thank you for all the incredible knowledge you passed on to me while crewing with you. On and off duty you proved to be a wonderful friend.
I will always remember you
Nev Hooper

Gordon and Heather Vette were such good friends to Noelene and George Raos many years ago. Thank you. Rest in peace

Our condolences and sympathies. We have fond memories of Seaview, and our signed Erebus book is a treasured possession. A privilege to have known Gordon.
Our warm wishes to the Vette family,
Linda, Bob, Ellie and Kathryn

It was so great that I could have a chat with you the other day. It was a privilege that you called me your friend. You were my Hero and an inspiration I am sure to all who knew you. Rest in Peace my friend.

Farewell Gordon, one of the great aviators.

Tom Enright.

Rest in peace ... most gratefully thanks for introducing me to the gap between one's thoughts.

Michael Murray
Auckland

Captain Gordon Vette, I did not know you personally alas, but I will never forget your courage and determination in trying to determine the truth of the Erebus debacle. You stood tall.
My sincere sympathy to your wife and family.
May your brave spirit fly free. Arohanui

So long, old friend. We are all in your debt. It was a joy and privilege to know you.
Barry Kirkwood

If praise & encouragement ever had any meaning, it was when it came from you. Safe journey Gordon, Steve Hembrow.

My heart is saddened with the death of our dearly beloved Gordon.His love of live,respect and kindness will never be forgotten.Life is all the better for knowing him.
Loving Thoughts,

Jennifer Wiltshire ...formally Anderson(Bruce), Brett and Megan

When we came out to New Zealand in 1947, we became friends and next door neighbours throughout our school years. Had the pleasure to be invited up to the Flight Deck on more than one occasion when on the same flights under the command of Captain Vette. An experience of a lifetime.........
RIP Gordon, you will be missed by many.

Fond memories of him with my father explaining his whiteout theory for Erebus. A great stalwart for Airline safety who will be missed by all in the aviation industry

Dad you were my Hero and remain so....
Your loving son
Karl

A true gentleman and wonderful flying instructor when I knew him. Rest in Peace Gordon.
Dianne Malloch

I first meet Gordon around 1963/64. He turned up at Ardmore and offered his services as a part time flying instructor for my flying school(and he had a couple of his own students)Gordon at the time was an ANZ first officer on DC6s.To me airline pilots were always suspect in small a/c so i said ok but first i will give u a check flight???I should have known better,the only free a/c at the time was my aerobatic Auster (j5f)well before i new it we were into some severe aeros ,try at the top of a loop stick hard forward and full ruder application???i didnt know what had hit me. Gordon flew for my school for many years and we became friends.In later years when i joined ANZ i flew as his co many times and he also gave me several check rides .A real pilot and gentleman Sorry u have gone Gordon Jim Bergman (Ardmore Airfield)

Such sad news to learn of this. A highly respected lecturer during my time as a student at Massey University. My condolences.

Our hearts are sad at having to say goodbye to such a lovely sincere friend. Will miss that lovely smile on visits.will always treasure our flight together in dual control plane from Ardmore and hope you soar the heavens forever keeping an eye on all that air traffic you so loved.Forever remembered Love Jacqui &Michael Beale

My deepest condolences to Gordon's family especially Catherine, Mark and Karl. Your father was a special person whose integrity and determination has left an indelible mark on aviation.

Great memories of a great man, our love and best wishes are with Charmaine and the rest of the family.We will be thinking of you on Saturday.
Jan and George Richardson.

Sincere condolences to the vette family Lorraine & the late nick moloney &family

With our sincere condolences to the Vette Family
Warmest wishes...Ivy & Graham McLeod
Queensland, Australia

Captain GORDON VETTE

It is with profound sadness that the FLIGHT ENGINEERS of Air New Zealand bid farewell to another highly esteemed friend and fellow aviator.

R.I.P. Gordon.. now with the wind beneath your wings.. fly high.. fly free forever..

GV, as you once said " I am going to teach you things whilst flying, that you won't learn from a text book, things that will keep you alive"
And that you did, it worked more than once.

Clear skies

Respect. Rest In Peace.

Dave.S

VETTE, Gordon Loved son of the late Alex and Catherine. Much loved friend, brother and brother-in-law of Merv and Anne. Respected and admired Uncle of Kristian, Tim and Anna, and Richard. Grand Uncle of Bede and Olivia. He ventured much, accomplished a great deal, and left us with many happy memories. R.I.P boy, you'll be sadly missed.