The surf lifesaving organisation in Northland and further afield is mourning the loss of Marie Flavell-Barnes, from Mangawhai, and Ian Maclaine, a long time member of the Waipu Surf Life Saving Club.
The two, who were respected leaders and helped oversee massive changes in the organisation, died within days ofeach other.
Mrs Flavell-Barnes was a life member and patron of Mangawhai Heads Voluntary Surf Lifeguard Service, and last year was awarded a 50-year badge for her involvement in surf lifesaving in New Zealand.
She was the cornerstone of the club's culture for more than two decades, with the third generation of her family coming through the junior surf and lifeguard ranks at the club, said Dave Traill, acting chief executive of Surf Life Saving Northern Region.
"Marie leaves the incredible legacy of being a founding member for the first women's surf life-saving club in New Zealand [at Milford, Auckland] and has been a pre-eminent lifeguard, leader and force with Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service and the wider community," Mr Traill said.
"Her contribution was always marked by her ability to weave together the strengths and passions of those around her, not just in lifesaving but in the education of our youth and in the arts and culture of the region."
Mrs Flavell-Barnes was well known for her contribution to various organisations and her passion for and teaching of flax weaving.
She died peacefully at her Mangawhai Heads home on May 3.
Ian Maclaine, who lived in Hillcrest, Auckland, died on Thursday after a long illness.
He was a life member of the Northern Region and SLSNZ, and the Waipu club, where he had been an active member since 1964 when he bought the dairy at Waipu Cove, club president Rick Stolwerk said.
After Mr Maclaine and his family moved to Auckland he remained active at all levels in the club and regional organisation.
He was well known as a colourful commentator and official at surf boat competitions.
"He was very influential locally, regionally and nationally," Mr Stolwerk said.
"We're extremely saddened by his death. He will be greatly missed."
Mr Maclaine was renowned for his passion and commitment to the organisation throughout New Zealand, Mr Traill said.
"He was an early supporter of the first lifeguard schools and changes that saw New Zealand lead the world in fast rescue response - the helicopter service, the IRB and tube and fins."
Like Mrs Flavell-Barnes, he also received a 50-year service award last year.
"Their contribution to some of the greatest changes in surf lifesaving over the past 50 years leaves a lasting legacy to all the lifesaving clubs and coastal communities protected by our lifeguards," Mr Traill said.
