Firefighter David van Zwanenberg was killed by a slip in Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Dean Purcell
“You are irreplaceable”.”
That was how the widow of the volunteer firefighter killed during the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle farewelled her husband at a poignant service attended by hundreds in Auckland’s Muriwai today.
David van Zwanenberg died helping evacuate residents in Muriwai last Monday night when a landslide crushed the property.
It claimed his life and fatally injured fellow firefighter Craig Stevens.
David van Zwanenberg was remembered today for his good humour, his authentic care, and his astronomic intelligence and supreme competence at anything he turned his hand.
A karanga rang out as pallbearers, dressed in official fire regalia, carried van Zwanenberg off a vintage fire truck, before mourners gathered to remember his life.
A New Zealand flag was draped across his casket, adorned with flowers, a fire helmet and pictures of the late firefighter, as a prayer was said.
Celebrant Barbara James-Bartle opened the ceremony by acknowledging van Zwanenberg’s family.
“Today we of the wider community come together in grief,” the celebrant said.
“We share this celebration of his life with his parents, Nick and Mary from Scotland, and you, of the Muriwai community - all of whom have been directly affected by the death of Dave in Cyclone Gabrielle.”
Van Zwanenberg’s widow, Amy van Zwanenberg said he would be mortified by the fanfare of the ceremony and uncomfortable being remembered as a hero.
”Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride my darling. You’re going to have to tolerate the well-deserved fanfare.
”I’ve never met someone with such a high IQ, you not only had an encyclopaedic brain, you learnt anything you wanted to turn your hand to. Let’s not forget how bad you were at stacking the dishwasher.
”You cared for people in a really proactive way. Your integrity was unquestionable.
”Our love story was one of fairy tales,” she said of their meeting in Australia.
She remembered the last few weekends they spent together, enjoying seeing their children laugh and play.
”You knew how to enjoy the simple joys in life. Teensy bit disappointed you died before you could give me a Valentine’s day card,” she said to laughter from the crowd.
She said he put all his effort into raising their children.
”You were the most caring, loyal and dependable person and you took that into your career with the fire service.”
She spoke of a time when van Zwanenberg snubbed their dinner reservations to attend to his duty as a volunteer firefighter.
”There was a part of you that had a thirst to test yourself against the world. You did not suffer fear easily. To this end I have packed a bag for you, just in case you do need to take a few things with you. I’ve packed your trainers, your boardies, and a book you never got to finish.
”I wish you had come out of the cyclone unscathed. I am incredibly proud to be your wife. You are irreplaceable.
”I know our love is enduring.”
One of van Zwanenberg’s colleagues, present at the house in Muriwai on the night of his death, said he had been an enthusiastic firefighter since he started with the brigade in 2013.
He was a quick learner and was given the nickname “Siri” for his vast knowledge.
”Dave was clearly a natural, talented leader rising quickly through our ranks. Dave, you will be sorely missed. Firefighter, vet, aviator, father, husband, and we will miss the time we have had together.”
University colleague Amber Bone said they spent some of the best days of their lives together at varsity.
”I want to share my last encounter with him. I heard someone shout ‘Dr Bone, what are you doing here’. In that moment, he made everything possible, because that’s who he was.
“I knew he would rescue me, just as had done many times before.
She said van Zwanenberg had a cheeky sense of humour as well as being loyal, kind, fearless and ‘utterly himself’.
She said he was “annoyingly good at everything” and was unstoppable.
“And with that, Dr Bone says goodbye.
”Rest well, rest easy.”
A friend and fellow kitesurfer Josh remembered the adventures and conversations they had together.
”He was my friend,” said Josh.
”At the time, we were known as the ‘Muriwai Massive’ - primarily a bunch of kitesurfers who were extremely tight-knit.
”People have moved, and lives have changed, but our group was still close. He messaged me once that he had ‘found a good one’ and Amy was that good one.
”Together, we were allowed to play in the most dangerous of playgrounds. I love my friend Dave. His cheeky smile, and his raised eyebrow, questioning my ways without saying it.
”The man who gave his life for others.”
Veterinarian colleague Mark said he was honoured to be able to share his memories of van Zwanenberg.
“The time spent together was brief - like his morning work emails,” he said.
He shared testimonies from the veterinary clinic’s clients who also remembered him - praising his professionalism and love for animals.
”I will miss working with Dave. He will be a huge loss to the veterinary profession. Amy, George, Zara - our hearts bleed for you.”
CEO of Fire and Emergency NZ Kerry Gregory spoke on behalf of firefighters, the board of FENZ, and the government.
”First I want to pass on my condolences. I want to acknowledge those from all of the different communities that Dave was part of.
”It is obvious Dave was really loved listening to these eulogies today. I know he was highly respected by his fellow firefighters.
”Dave will always be a special part of our whanau, and Amy and whanau, you will be a special part of ours too.
”Dave, New Zealand is indebted to you. You will be greatly missed.”
The final speaker for the service was Tom Brownlee, van Zwanenberg’s best man.
”I’ve got a good one for you, Dave. Last week, I got to organise a funeral for my best mate amid a cyclone. You liked a good story, didn’t you, mate? And you certainly didn’t let anything get in the way of one.
”You were that perfect balance of adventurous and capable.”
Brownlee shared several stories from hunting trips and being best men for each others’ weddings.
”Those who knew you will know you didn’t want all of this unnecessary fuss. And here you are - you’re on telly, mate.
”Weirdly though, this is somehow you too. Your community all need to grieve. As Amy said, you need to help people. You still managed to help in the end.”
Pallbearers, made up of van Zwanenberg’s friends and colleagues, placed his casket back on the fire engine before embracing each other while his family watched on.
Van Zwanenberg’s widow and two children climbed into the cab and he was driven away, followed by a column of firefighters and other emergency service staff against the backdrop of open sky and sea.
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