Passed away unexpectedly at home on April 29, 2026.
Dearly loved husband of the late Maria,
loved dad and father-in-law of Debra, Vicki & Graham Roper, and Tracy & Jason Mahon,
valued Grandad of Catarina, and Antonia; and Matthew,
much loved eldest son of the late Basil & Dorothy,
loved brother and brother-in-law of Graham & Beverly, Sheryl & Davis (deceased) Iraia, and Murray & Pauline,
a loved member of the Zampese family,
a much loved uncle, cousin and friend of many.
Messages to 49 Manuka Place, Paroa 7805.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held in the
William Sampson Memorial Chapel, Tainui Street, on Saturday the 9th May at 2pm
followed by cremation here on the Coast at the Westland Crematorium.
“Home is the sailor, home from the sea…”
I only got to know Brian in the last few years .he was a very genuine man there was nothing pretencious about him and liked conversation he told me when he drove Crofts logging truck he had a lever action 44 on the dash as he used to see deer on the bush roads .wouldn’t get away with it now .real west coast icon .
Thanks Robert. Sometimes I’d be riding shotgun
A true gentleman of the sea and a stalwart of West Coast Marine Search and Rescue; he will be remembered with the highest regard by all of us who knew his worth.
R.I.P Brian Piner. I remember him when he had the Honeydew. Nice gentleman
Thanks Brian for your connections and such support for me and us ratepayers & residents groups; and for calling in on us to fix your saw. Cherished reality and old timer stories and comaradarie.
To Deb, Tracy, Vikki and the extended Piner family we extend our sincerest and most heartfelt sympathy to you all in the loss of Brian . We are just so very sorry to hear this news.
Our family (Jarden) goes back some 70 plus years with the Piner family and theres been a huge amount of memories made during those years that now looking back in reflection on those times we smile and remember good days and lovely people. Doug was just recalling Brian ,when he was about 18,on his new bulldozer cleaning out Sawyers creek down by the Sante Fe milkbar …attracting lots of “female” attention while doing so. We think the dozer was a birthday pressie from Basil . I recall conversations with Maria (the beautiful lady that she was) about the times she used to visit with my mother(Rita) when we lived at Golden Sands,Barrytown. Too many lovely memories to recall here….We will be thinking of you all now and in the days ahead…Take care and hold your loved ones close.
Trish n Doug Rennie…Oamaru
Thank you so much Trish – great memories aye
HI I’ve known Brian for 40 + years through fishing and his love of motorcycles alway said when I worked on the wharf that he was going to buy a bike Harley davidson first then he discovered Indians he was a lovely person and a great personality always reminded me a bit like Barry Crump he will be missed sorry we can’t make the funeral sending love and wishes to the Family and friends Ride in Peace our friend.
Kenny and Lesley Williams
Thanks Kenny
To Debbie Tracy and Vicky, so sorry to learn of Brian’s passing. Sadly we are unable to get to the service bùt our thoughts are with you. Bill (Bear)&Val Hope.
you visited him heaps Bill, he always looked forward to your visits. Your place is with Val right now. Speedy recovery
To all the Piner family. So many memories mainly to do with fishing, fishermen’s picnics. It was like a huge family. Everyone helping each other out when times were tough . Because fishing faculty everyone knew. So many of the older fisherman have gone now. From memory he and your mum were just the nicest of people. With that era I believe we all as kids had the best childhoods. Please just know we are thinking of you all at this hard time. Brian you will be remembered, and I’m sure your name will pop up will having a few beers. Rest easy