Remembering Deputy Crew Chief Lester Gemmell (16/12/1961 – 28/4/26)

Wellington International Airport Ltd (WIAL) staff have acknowledged the passing of veteran Deputy Crew Chief Lester Gemmell. He was a respected colleague, mentor, and friend. His service to aviation firefighting and the wider firefighting community spanned more than four decades.

Lester spent 22 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, from 1980. He served as a firefighter at Ohakea, Linton, and Woodbourne bases, including a stint as an instructor at the Firefighting School at Linton. Lester helped shape generations of firefighters, sharing his practical experience with quiet confidence and professionalism. He particularly enjoyed his time as a firefighter during a summer season in Antarctica.

In November 2002, Lester joined Wellington International Airport Ltd as a qualified firefighter and progressed to Deputy Crew Chief. Over his 23 years, Lester became a highly trusted and dependable presence on the watch. He held the Training Coordinator portfolio for a number of years. Lester was the goto person for anything related to unit standards based training and demonstrated an aptitude for the detailed administration this role required.

He was generous with his knowledge and always willing to support newcomers in the Airport Fire Service.

Lester was known for his understated sense of humour. Quiet by nature, he enjoyed a good laugh and brought warmth to the crew room in his own unassuming way. Staff remember Lester’s legendary whitebait fritters, which he proudly brought in to share with the crew. Those fritters were the result of hours spent patiently on the banks of the Hutt River, watching his net and enjoying the simple pleasure of the outdoors.

Lester also loved collecting kai moana, spending time diving around Wellington Harbour. He was always keen to share his catch — including the occasional haul of kina — even if there weren’t always many takers.

Lester Gemmell’s legacy is one of service, humility, and quiet commitment. He gave so much to his profession and to the people around him, never seeking recognition but earning deep respect. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Our thoughts are with Lester’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.