Richard John Willis

• Just after 5.40pm on 28 December 1950 a freak wave slammed into 45ft passenger launch Ranui when she was returning from a holiday excursion to Mayor Island off Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. 23 people died.
• WILLIS Richard John 30 Married with 2 children Te Puke Yardman

I am the widow of Richard John Willis, who was drowned that terrible day. I cut my husband's lunch and he left with his two friends (the Moore brothers) at 7.30 to catch the boat... Phil Smith, the lad who was picked up by the wave and landed on the rocks, stayed a friend of mine. He was a sick man and died 20 years ago in Australia. JOY WILLIS Te Puke (22 January 2011 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_i...)