It seems to be that time of the year when the grim reaper has come calling regularly and often. A couple of weeks ago, one of the stalwarts of the Hahei Community died from the effects of the Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Whilst there are around 400 cases in New Zealand, MND NZ reports that New Zealand has one of the highest incidences and mortality rates in the world of this disease. The reasons are largely unknown, but environmental factors are suspected. New Zealand can expect around 120 cases each calendar year.
For the last two and a half years, Rick Moors battled this insidious disease with great courage, humour and without complaint. Rick and his wife Adair (universally known as Chic) lived permanently in Hahei for over 12 years. Although they were semi-retired, they ran a popular Air BnB and Rick supplemented their income with his window washing business.
One of Rick’s great loves was the local Hahei Fire Brigade and he was invariably one of the first to a callout and more often than not behind the wheel as the engine left the Fire Station. He was honoured by his fellow volunteers with the station flag flown at half-mast following his death.
Rick was also a foundation member of the Flat Plate Society (no breakfast in bowls) who meet every Thursday morning at the Hahei Beach Café for breakfast. Apart from eating a convivial breakfast, the group does a variety of community support jobs.
One of Rick’s lesser-known activities was his work as a hospital visitor where he would drop in on patients for a chat and offer support. Rick was a tall imposing man with a loud booming voice and a constantly cheerful and positive outlook on life.
These days it’s almost unfashionable to be part of a mainstream religion but Rick was a staunch supporter of the Roman Catholic faith. This faith helped him considerably in living with MND.
Rick was also a keen rugby man and for many years was a member of the Marist Rugby Club in Auckland.
During his illness he was nursed and supported by his wife Chic who along with his sons Ben, Matt and Richard Junior and close friends, made his life as comfortable as they possibly could. Rick never lost his sense of humour or sense of community and even after losing his ability to speak would send out regular communiques and converse via modified text messages.
Rick was one of those key members of our community. A man who worked hard for his family and his community. An exemplary husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather to his 5 grandchildren. He was a man who always put other’s needs before his own and someone who will be sorely missed.
RIP Rick.
