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Martin George Cuff

September 6, 2024

Peacefully left us on September 6, 2024, aged 83 years. Much loved husband of Chris, loved father and father-in-law of Peter and Robyn, Jo, Barry and Leica, and Sally and Jason, adored Grandad of Tesa, Jesse, Brodie, Liam, and Olivia, Gangang of Evie, and Arie, loved son of the late George and Linda, adored brother and brother-in-law of the late Annette and David, superhero uncle of Ian and Kathy, and Eric (deceased) and Nancy, loved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend of the Cuff and Thompson Clans. Messages to 21 Alpine View, Hokitika 7810, or can be left on Martin’s tribute page at www.thompsonfd.co.nz. Special thanks to Nigel and Anna, St John, Fiona and the District Nursing team. These special people allowed us to keep Martin at home. A private family service has been held, following Martin’s wishes his final shout for family and friends will be held in the Hokitika Fire Station, 200 Stafford Street, Hokitika, Tuesday, September 10. at 5.00pm.

Members of the New Zealand Fire Service and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, both serving and retired,
are invited to attend the final shout of Gold Star and Life Honorary Member, retired Officer in Charge, Senior Station Officer Martin Cuff, Kaniere Volunteer Fire Brigade, 1965 – 1996. Martin’s last shout will be held at the Hokitika Fire Station, 200 Stafford Street, Hokitika, tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5.00pm. Serving members to wear dark blues please.
C.F.O Peter Cuff

115 Comments

  1. Sue Hustwick

    My sincere sympathy to Chris and family at this very sad time.🕊️

    Reply
    • Cheryl SMEATON

      So sorry to hear of Martin’s passing, such a gentle man. My thoughts are with Chris and family at this time

      Reply
      • Pete Sutherland

        Rest easy Martin

        Reply
    • Carlene Packham

      Thinking of you all – such a lovely man. Alan and Carlene

      Reply
      • Dianne Ward

        Dear Chris, Peter, Jo, Barry & Sally, We feel so sad knowing Martin has fought his last fight. He is a man we have held in high regard for the man he was, & for being a model to the rest of us, in how to keep on keeping on, no matter how hard it gets. Love & Kindest thoughts, from Di & Chris Ward.

        Reply
      • Colleen Freitas

        My deepest sympathy to you Chris and family. A lovely gentleman at rest Colleen Freitas

        Reply
      • Diane & John Craig

        So very sorry for your loss.

        Reply
  2. Shona and Murray Marshall

    Our sincere condolences to you Chris and your family. Marin was a very respected and well liked man and will be sorely missed. Out picking daffodils just last week for Daffodil Day. RIP Martin xxx

    Reply
    • Pauline & Craig Adams

      So sorry to read of Martin’s passing. Sending love and hugs to you Chris & family. Martin was a great man & will be missed by all. May he rest in eternal peace.

      Reply
    • Carlena wall

      So very sad to hear this. Thinking of chris and family. A true gentleman and work friend RIP. From wall and dickie family

      Reply
  3. Shirley and Ken Arnold

    Our deepest sympathy to Chris and family.

    Reply
    • Glenys Muir

      My thoughts are with you all at this time. Will always remember the good times and
      the many laughs we shared

      Reply
      • Vicki Breeze

        Sorry to hear about Martins passing.lovely man always gentleman.sending love to the family .

        Reply
    • WINONA DOWELL

      To Chris and Family
      Deepest sympathy in your loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. Your happy memories will remain with you.
      Winona and Phillip Dowell

      Reply
  4. Jill Robinson

    So sorry to hear this very sad news.

    I remember (back in the day) going to Kaniere Motors, as a kid with my father, Geoff Coleman.
    Fond memories of Martin the mechanic.
    He was always on for a yarn and had big cherry smile 🙂

    Thoughts are with all Martins family.

    RIP Martin.

    Reply
    • Kaye and Jim McNabb

      Our very deepest sympathy in your sad loss. Martin was a mighty fine man. Now at rest.

      Reply
  5. Kelly Kyle

    I’m so sad to hear about Cuffy. He was such a special work mate at Renton Chainsaws and Mowers. We had the best of times that will never be forgotten. You will all miss him greatly. Thinking of the Cuff family and this sad time. RIP Cuffy. 🍻

    Reply
    • David Dellow

      Sympathy to Chris and family. Martin trained me as a mechanic at Greymouth Moters and I later looked after his garage in Kanerie when Chris and Martin went on their honeymoon

      Reply
    • Jennie Roberts

      Sad to hear of Martin’s passing deepest sympathy to Chris and extended family and friends, a battler, gone not to be forgotten
      RIP

      Reply
      • Jan Parker, Catherine and Wayne Tibbles

        Our deepest condolences to you Chris and the Cuff family. May you cherish all your wonderful memories you have of Martin. We have great memories of an outstanding mechanic, community icon, battler, friend to many and the best ever neighbour anybody could ask for! Martin, you will be sorely missed by us all. RIP.

        Reply
  6. Nancy and Bryan Wakelin

    Sorry to hear this. Condolences Peter and family

    Reply
  7. Alvin and Kay Godfrey

    Thinking of you Chris and all Martin’s family and extended family at this sad time of his passing.

    Reply
  8. Colleen Astwood

    My sincere condolences to Martin’s family, R.I.P Martin….Colleen Astwood née Long

    Reply
    • Gillian and Tom Belton

      So sorry to hear this sad news, and sincere condolences to Chris and family. Gosh only last week you were both at our place picking daffodils.
      RIP Martin, you will always be remembered fondly for the years and years of service you have given to our community.

      Reply
  9. Paula & Tate Scholefield

    Words fail to express our deep sorrow for the loss of your Martin. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memories help comfort you in the days ahead. Rest In Love Martin

    Reply
  10. Angela @ Graeme Anderson

    Condolences to you, Christine and family at this sad time at the passing of your Husband and father

    Reply
  11. Mike & Berni Havill

    Our deepest sympathy to all at this sad time .

    Reply
  12. Vicky Bennett

    My sincere condolences, and love to you Chris,Pete and extended family. This is such sad news.
    Martin was a lovely gentleman.
    I will be thinking of you. X💐

    Reply
  13. Hellen Morris

    Our sincere sympathy to Chris and family love Hellen and Kerry.❤️❤️

    Reply
    • Graeme Jackson and Lynda Ferguson-Jackson

      Condolences to Chris and the Cuff families on your sad loss of Martin,his legacy lives on.
      R.I.P

      Reply
  14. Beryl & Roger Agnew

    To Chris, Jo., Pete, Barry and families, our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Martin’s long term voluntary dedication and commitment to our community will always be remembered. RIP Martin.

    Reply
    • Helen Lash

      To Chris, Pete, and the wider Cuff family.
      Our deepest sympathies and love to you all at this very sad time.
      Martin will be well remembered for his voluntary dedication and commitment to the Hokitika community.

      Reply
  15. Suzanne Theyers/Vercoe

    Chris and Peter. I’m so incredibly sorry that you’ve lost your loving husband and Dad. Martin was a lovely man. He was a wonderful member of our community. Please accept my condolences at this very sad time. X

    Reply
  16. Adrian and Ingrid Ferguson

    Our sincere sympathy to Chris and family. Our thoughts are with you all

    Reply
  17. Gina straker nee Blair

    Condolences to the cuff family. Went to Kaniere school with Barry and Sally. Thinking you all at this sad time

    Reply
  18. Wayne & Daryl Davidson

    Our deepest condolences to the Cuff family. RIP Martin.

    Reply
  19. Gary Sinclair

    Sincere condolences to the Cuff family I’ve fond memories of Martin during my time at Renton Hardware so very sad a huge loss to the community

    Reply
    • Sharon Smith

      To Chris, Pete, Jo, Barry. Sally & your families. Thinking of you all at this sad time. I hope your happy memories of a wonderful strong courageous man help you through this difficult time. I have many fond memories with Martin & family. Love Sharon & Ben Smith (nee Muir)

      Reply
  20. Del Godfrey

    Oh what sad news to read, and our family extends heartfelt condolences to you Chris, your family and extended families. What a brave and courageous gentleman Martin was, and a wonderful community man with a great sense of humour! Eternal rest Martin ❤️

    Reply
  21. The Noble family

    Sincere condolences to the Cuff family

    Reply
  22. Miriam & Mike McClunie.

    Our sincerest sympathy to you all on the sad passing of Martin. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  23. Trudi & Owen Hazeldine

    Our sincere condolences to the whole Cuff family our thoughts are with you at this time.

    Reply
  24. Ann Bradley

    My sincere condolences to Chris and all the family.
    Martin was a lovely man. I have fond memories of his patience and good advice to me over chainsaws and mowers at Rentons. His long standing service to our community is very much appreciated. Rest in Peace Martin.

    Reply
  25. David Dellow

    Sympathy to Chris and family. Martin trained me as a mechanic at Greymouth Moters and I later looked after his garage in Kanerie when Chris and Martin went on their honeymoon

    Reply
  26. Rodger and Lexy Pfahlert

    Our sympathies and condolences to Chris and the family.
    Our thoughts are with you all.
    Martin was a great person and will be missed by many.

    Reply
  27. John and Genwyn Nancekivell

    Chris and family We both are saddened to hear of Martins passing,RIP Martin

    Reply
  28. Donna Kersten

    Thoughts are with you all at this time. A true gentleman RIP Martin

    Reply
  29. Tony Lakin

    To Chris and family, thinking of you all at this difficult time. RIP Martin.

    Reply
  30. Helen & Phil Cook

    Our sincere condolences to Chris and family, our thoughts are with you at this time.

    Reply
  31. Phil & Adrienne Wall

    Thinking of you all at this sad time and sending much love.

    Reply
  32. Geoff and Doreen Marshall

    Our deepest sympathy to Chris and family
    Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time

    Reply
    • Griff Syron

      Hi Cuffy

      sorry to hear Martin’s passing

      My Thoughts for you and family

      Reply
      • Trixi & Murray Montagu

        Chris,Peter and families, our sincere condolences. At peace now Martin.

        Reply
    • John & Margaret Atkinson

      TO CHRIS and Family our deepest sympathy on the sad loss of your loved Martin.

      Reply
  33. Bev Freitas

    Dear Chris and family,
    We were saddened to read this morning of your loved Martin’s passing,
    Our sympathy to you,and your family,
    RIP Martin
    Honk and Bev.WA

    Reply
  34. Peter Mitchell

    Very sad to hear of Martins passing. A very respected Gentleman. I knew Martin for Many years when in the Motor Industry, and latterly in the Mining sector. Sincere Condolences to all from Peter and Cheryl Mitchell

    Reply
  35. Dulcie Reeves

    So sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you all.

    Reply
  36. Michelle Manera

    Our deepest condolences to the family
    Thinking of you at this sad time

    John Rea and Michelle

    Reply
  37. Frances Stapleton

    My sincere sympathy Chris and family on the death of dear Martin
    May He Rest in Peace

    Reply
  38. David and Abbie Provis

    Condolences to all the Cuff family. Our thoughts and prays are with you all at this sad time.
    Rest easy Martin you lived a full life and will be sadly missed.

    Reply
  39. Leanne, Pete, Natalie & Tom xxxx

    Thinking of you all. Martin will be so missed but has been so loved. Keep your memories close. Lots of love to the Cuff, Drake family ❤️

    Reply
  40. Mark and Di Davies

    Remembering Martin, a fine and friendly man. Our love to Chris and her family.

    Reply
    • Frank & Karen Bradley

      Our deepest sympathy Chris and family. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

      Reply
  41. Leanne DIEDRICHS

    So sad to hear of Martins passing , I have lots of memories going up to Kaniere Motors and getting bags of lollies from Martin and his Mum x thinking of you all at the sad time . Much respect to Martin RIP

    Reply
  42. Kevin Wall

    My condolences to all the Cuff family .Hokitika has lost a great guy

    Reply
    • Jean Marie Mason (Hutchison)

      My Deepest Sympathy to you Chris and family in very sad loss of a wonderful man ..I have fond memories of Martin since i we’re very young , living next door ..Martin had time 4 everyone no matter what he were doing…It were like old times when Pam and i saw you and Chris at the lake .You were absolute legend your long journey is over and may you rest peacefully …

      Reply
  43. Doug and Vonnie Cherry

    So sorry to hear this sad news. Martin was a lovely man.
    Condolences to all the Cuff family.

    Reply
  44. Colleen GIBB

    Deepest Sympathy to Chris and family at this very sad time. Thinking of you all.

    Reply
  45. Linda Gardyne

    Deepest sympathy to all the family for your loss. A lovely gentleman xxx

    Reply
  46. Faye York

    Sad news. Condolences to you Chris and family. RIP Martin.

    Reply
  47. Merryn and Brian O’Malley

    Deepest Sympathies Chris and family

    Reply
  48. Wayne Thompson

    Chris, Peter,Jo, Barry and Sally, you have lost an awesome husband and father, but what a legacy he has left, loved my time in the brigade with him, always appreciated his wise council. Hold onto all of those great memories,

    Reply
  49. Colleen and Peter Chamberlain

    Our deepest sympathy Chris and Family, we have great memories of Martin when we lived in Kaniere. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

    Reply
  50. Chris and Wendy Roberts

    To Chris and Family we were so sad to hear of the sad passing of your dear Martin, we are thinking of you all at this difficult time, RIP Martin you will be sadly missed by many
    Our deepest sympathies
    Chris and Wendy

    Reply
  51. Eileen McLeod

    My Deepest Sympathies to Chris and family at is sad time. Thinking of you all. ❤️

    Reply
  52. Bronwyn Hibbs

    On behalf of the Hibbs family, I would like to say how sad we were to hear about Martin (Mr. Cuff) and our thoughts are with Chris (Mrs. Cuff), Peter, Jo, Barry, Sally, and their families. Martin (Mr. Cuff) was a well-loved member of our Kaniere community during the time we lived there. Mr. Cuff was a huge part of our community and I for one (as an 8-year-old) will be forever grateful for the night I called Mr. Cuff, and he came and saved my brother’s life after having a serious croup attack (Mum and Dad were in Greymouth and our grandma was looking after us). I remember that night like it was yesterday – Mr. Cuff made that night not so frightening and scary for this then little 8-year-old. I was only chatting with my dear friend Tena a few weeks ago and telling her about Mr. Cuff, my hero, and that terrible night. Rest in Peace Martin (Mr. Cuff), you will be sorely missed by everyone. John, Jan, Bronwyn, John, Andrea, and Paul Hibbs.

    Reply
  53. John & Judy Tacon

    Very sad to learn of Martins passing. Our sincere condolences to you Chris and the family at this sad time. A truly remarkable man in every way. RIP Martin

    Reply
  54. Steve & Sue Smith (Oxenham)

    Deepest sympathies to you Chris, Peter, Jo, Barry, Sally and your families. Martin was a real gentleman and will be sadly missed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. RIP Martin.

    Reply
  55. Matthew Fairmaid

    To all the Cuff family, our deepest sympathy to you all, Martin was one of life’s good buggars, RIP.

    Reply
  56. Cheryl Hutchison

    To Chris, Peter, Jo, Barry ,Sally and families.
    Sincere thoughts and love to you all in your loss of Martin. Such a great thoughtful caring man. His strength and endurance to push through has been tested along his health journey. RIP Martin. Sincere sympathy and love to you all as you face the days ahead in your sad loss.
    Love Cheryl and Brian

    Reply
  57. Myriam & Lida Schouten

    So sorry to hear about Martin’s passing. He was a treasure within the community. Our heart goes out to you all.

    Reply
  58. Rayleine Olson

    Chris and family. I am so so sorry and am thinking of you all. I always enjoyed Martin’s company – he was such an inspiration and will be missed by many. Much love Ray

    Reply
  59. Diane King

    Chris, my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Reading the other messages, you have heaps of Hokitika and Kaniere folk thinking of you and family, what a great support. Lots of great memories to share with your friends and family, I am thinking of you with fond memories of our time growing up, keep them close Chris, love and prayers Di King x0

    Reply
    • Lyn Robinson

      Chris and family, big hugs to you all at this sad time.We will remember Martin with great fondness……Lyn and Erl Robinson, Kumara Junction

      Reply
  60. Russell and Kay Mitchell

    Our thoughts are with you Chris and Family, Sincere Sympathy to you all.

    Reply
  61. Bernie Lee

    Chris and family

    Condolences to all

    Chris and family

    Condolences to all

    Reply
  62. Claudia Landis

    Dear Chris and family
    Condolences and sympathy to all of you in this sad time.
    All the best.
    Bruce & Claudia

    Reply
  63. Gail Bradley

    To Chris and family, sorry to hear of Martin’s passing, such a good man. All the good memories you made will always keep him close. Thinking of you all.

    Reply
  64. Fran Amberger

    To Chris,Peter,Jo,Barry,Sally and families, so sorry to hear of Martin’s passing, he was such a kind caring and gentle man, a true west coaster with his community at heart, he will be missed.
    Thinking of you all Dave and Fran Amberger

    Reply
  65. Wes Armstrong

    Rest in peace Martin condolences to families.wes.armstrong

    Reply
  66. Doug & Yvonne Cochrane.

    So sorry to hear of Martin’s passing.
    Sincere condolences to Chris and the Cuff family.
    A true contributor to Hokitika and the the West Coast.
    RIP Martin.🌹🌹🌹

    Reply
  67. Russell and Jill Fairhall

    So sad to hear of Martins passing , our sympathies to the family , many great memories of the years spending time with motorbikes . RIP Martin

    Reply
  68. Rose Keenan

    Chris & family, so sorry for your loss of Martin & keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers RIP

    Reply
  69. Phillip&Anne Molloy

    Chris & family thinking of you at this sad time & extend our condolences to all the family

    Reply
  70. Kevin Stechman (Gold Star Association Secretary).

    Condolences to Chris, Peter and families. Martin was a respected member of West Coast Firefighters Gold Star Association.

    Reply
    • Marie Gardyne

      Sorry to hear, sincere condolences to family.

      Reply
  71. Tina Emsden

    So sorry to read of Martins passing. He was a lovely man. Take care Chris, Peter and families. Thinking of you. Tina.

    Reply
  72. Marilyn and John Burt (Westport Gold Star)

    So sorry to hear of Martins passing. Condolences to Chris and family

    Reply
    • Marie West

      We were shocked to read of Martins death while on holiday in Croatia. Our sincere condolences to you Chris, and your family. We were so warmly welcomed by Martin and yourself into the Kaniere Fire Brigade when we moved from town. Sorry we won’t be there on Tuesday
      Kindest regards Marie and Brian West

      Reply
  73. Grant and Elaine Growcott

    Send our sincere condolences to you Peter and Robyn, Chris and extended family, he was a well respected member of our community. Thinking of you all.

    Reply
  74. Pavel Bares

    Our deepest condolences to you Chris and family. Martin will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. I have many treasured memories of his helping hands and eagerness to get jobs done at the Relay for Life. Rest in peace.

    Reply
  75. Lu and Aaron

    Deepest condolences to Chris, Pete, Sally and all the Cuff family and extended family on Martins passing.
    So wonderful he was able to stay at home surrounding by his family’s love and warmth.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  76. Sharon and Rob Bradley

    So sorry to hear of Martin’s death. A lovely gentleman, Will be missed by many.

    Reply
  77. Ross and Maven Stewart

    So sorry to hear of the loss of Martin. Very fond memories spent together when the kids were growing up. Martin and I also went to school together. Will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  78. Morris & Cecilia Honey

    So sorry to hear of Martin’s passing accept our deepest sympathy

    Reply
  79. Manera Dom and Bev

    so sorry to hear this sad news. Our sympathy to Chris and wanau.

    Reply
    • Rick Cumming

      Rick & Ann Cumming. Chris and family please accept our deepest sympathy.

      Reply
  80. Wendy & Michael Meyer

    Our condolences to all of the Cuff Family, may you cherish your wonderful memories of Martin.

    Reply
  81. Murray and Marie Olson.

    Our Condolences to Chris and Family, Martin was a great man, will be remembered by many as a good Friend
    and a special Mechanic. R.I.P Martin.

    Reply
  82. Donna McBrydie

    There are good people and he was a good people! One of life’s very very special characters who gave so much to so many people. We are thinking of you Chris Peter- all of you. Special thoughts
    Donna and Geoff

    Reply
  83. Gloria and Goog McGill

    Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of Martin.Our thoughts are with you all at this time

    Reply
  84. Lee Baty

    Dear Chris and all the family,

    Sincere sympathy at this sad time.
    Martin was a good man who will be missed but is now at peace.

    Tia Kaha.

    Reply
  85. Adrienne Arnold

    Our deepest condolences Chris and family.
    Thoughts have been with you all at this very difficult and sad time
    Adrienne and Tony Arnold

    Reply
  86. John Breeze.

    So sorry to hear of your mighty loss Chris and family. I’ll never forget Matins’ friendly cheerfulness. What a good man who faithfully served his community.

    Reply
  87. Janet Ornsby

    Sincere condolences Chris and family. Thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

    Reply

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