Farewell

Many of you have come to know Maureen (mpp26) through her blips, a visual diary that recounted her everyday life but most of all, exhibited her love of nature.

Her ability to capture birds with great technical expertise was outstanding, locating them in their natural environment and studying their habits.  Her life ended seeking more adventure, photographing landscapes, birds and other wildlife at Kaikoura.  She was one of five photographers who lost their lives in a boating tragedy.

On a personal note, I spent time with Maureen on Nature Photography Society trips and also just the two of us, wandering in the hills, at the beach or in the gardens with our cameras.  I found her to be engaging, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, a joy to be with.

She led many Nature Photography Society trips (she was a founding member) to one of her favourite places, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.  She would also visit there by herself using the early morning light to create her constant stream of brilliant flower blips.

On my calendar for 21st September (next week) I had written "Botanic Gardens, 9.30am, Maureen".  It was a Nature Photography trip that is not to be, but her contributions in so many aspects of life will always be treasured.

Vale Maureen

Photo: "A photographer at work"  Maureen in the Botanic Gardens, autumn 2017