04.04.2013

Ian Grooby 1946 – 2013

We have received the sad news of the premature death of Ian Grooby, the chief executive of the Crane Association of New Zealand on Tuesday.

We understand that he had been working on association business and flew back into his home town of Wellington on Tuesday evening, and had some form of attack during the drive home from the airport, resulting in a road accident. No one else was involved in the incident, but he died at the scene.
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Ian Grooby

Grooby had led the association over the past 17 years and was due to retire shortly after the New Zealand crane conference in July. He leaves behind wife Robyn and sons/daughter in laws- Paul, Sharlene, Neil, Mark and Kelda and five grandchildren.

Crane association president Grant Moffat said: “Ian has been our steadfast and most capable leader for 17 years now and was due to retire pretty soon. Our heartfelt appreciation of his exemplary service to the Crane Association of New Zealand goes out to Robyn, on our behalf.”

A funeral service will be held at Old St Paul's, Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington on Monday April 8th at 11:00am followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to Wellington Free Ambulance PO Box 601 Wellington would be appreciated.