Obituary: Vale Noel Cashmore

 

Mangawhai resident Noel Cashmore has passed away on July 13 at the age of 88.

Noel was an active member of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Foundation, helping raise funds to operate the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society when the Society had financial issues from 2000 to 2008.

Noel made a contribution to the Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for the project to stop sand mining in Mangawhai Harbour, and build the dredge Spirit of Mangawhai II.

Prior to his time in Mangawhai, Noel attended Auckland Grammar School in the war years 1941-45 forging a distinguished career at the School.

He made an impression both inside and outside the classroom becoming head prefect in 1945, captain of the 1st XV rugby team and vice captain of the 1st X1 cricket team.

Subsequently his contributions were selfless. Noel was elected president of the Old Boys Association in 1972 and later an honorary life member. He served on the Board for four terms between 1970 and 1984 and was a driving force in the creation of a separate board for Auckland Grammar School and Deputy Chairman between 1984 and 1990.

He was also a member of the Headmasters Council from 1972 to 2013 and a Trustee of the Auckland Grammar Outdoor Education Trust that operates Venturelodge at Ohakune.

It was fitting that he was named Old Boy of the year, along with schoolmate John Wigglesworth, in 1989.

Four sons also attended Auckland Grammar for an unbroken sequence of 17 years between 1970-1987.

Noel is survived by wife Joan.