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Lt. VAIL
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Lt. VAIL

Lt. Col. Alan Ross "Rusty" VAIL

Lt. VAIL Obituary

VAIL, Lt. Col. Alan Ross "Rusty". N31361 NZSAS On Tuesday 29th December 2020 Rusty passed away peacefully, aged 92 years. Father of Laurel and Angus, grandfather of Kip and Holly, "uncle Rusty" to John, Kimberley, and Joshua Simpson, and to his niece Barbara Vail Middleton. "Papa" to his friend Ashlee. Rusty gave a long life of service to his country, community and many individuals. We would like to thank the staff at Ranfurly Veteran's Home for their care, kindness and support of Rusty over many years. A memorial service to celebrate and honour Rusty will be held at Papakura RSA on Friday, 15th December at 10am, followed by a private service at Papakura Military camp. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the NZSAS Trust at www.nzsastrust. org.nz

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Published by The New Zealand Herald on Jan. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Lt. VAIL

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3 Entries

Penny Buchanan

January 11, 2021

Dear Rusty friend and confidant. It was lovely to accompany you to the Opera , The pop up globe and theatre . Loved our many chats and without knowing at the time you acted as a sponsor in my sobriety journey for which I’m truly grateful. I will miss you Rest In Peace. Love Penny

John Taylor

January 10, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Vail family. My name is John, and my Dad Glen Taylor was a Trooper in the SAS in Malaya with Rusty. Over the last eight years I got to know Rusty well and was always in touch and regularly visiting him. Only last month I picked him up and took him to the funeral of one of his Troopers, (Peter Knight) and I had spoken with him on Christmas Eve to wish him a Merry Christmas. I was planning on visiting him yesterday and when I rang Ranfurly Home to check why his phone was engaged I was deeply shocked to learn of his passing. I really enjoyed my visits and talking with Rusty about his time in the Army and Malaya. We had a great friendship Rusty, and I will really miss you. Rest in peace.

Vanessa Sun

January 10, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Vail family, heartbroken & shocked. Rusty was a pillar of support during my Dad Graham Sun's convalescence. A wealth of knowledge, kindness & compassion & full of funny stories. Will miss our chats Rusty, thankyou for your friendship especially through the tough times. Will never forget you kind Sir. Rest in peace dear friend.
Arohanui Vanessa Sun

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Memorial Events
for Lt. VAIL

Jan

15

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Papakura RSA

Auckland