Tue 21 Jul 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The founder of one of Auckland's longest-running gay social groups has died after a long struggle with cancer. RIP: Chris Hamblin Chris Hamblin, who set up the Long Yang Club over a decade ago, passed away peacefully at 1.15am yesterday. The club's secretary Peter Huzziff paid tribute to his dear friend in an email to LYC's members. "I'm sure that many of you have fond memories of Chris and his often wicked sense of humour, but you always knew that you could rely upon Chris at any time," he wrote. "It was his dedication and forthrightness that ensured the establishment and success of our club. He was still showing a keen interest right up until the end. Jeffrey and I saw Chris yesterday and he was still managing to rally himself and have another cigarette, but he was very weak. "Chris is now at peace and no longer suffers the ravages of cancer. Our thoughts go to Johann, his close friend and companion from Christchurch and to Chris's extended family." Rosary will be at the Carmelite Monastery, 636 Mt Albert Rd, Royal Oak tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4pm, and his funeral will take place at St Marks Church, 334 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga on Thursday 23 July at 11:30am.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 21st July 2009 - 11:05pm