The family of Bert Hennessy advise that following a short illness, Bert passed away peacefully on the 5^th October 2017 while residing at the Melrose aged care home in Tauranga.Bert was the much loved husband of Edith for more than 50 years until her passing in September of 2004 and father in law to deceased family members, Bevan Waghorn, the late husband of Raewyn, and Graeme Lambert the late husband of Erin.Bert is survived by his daughters Raewyn, Erin and Vicki and sons Mark and Kelly as well as his many grandchildren and great grandchildren who knew him as Popeye, a tribute to his New Zealand Naval service from 1943 through to 1952. Bert was laid to rest with his wife Edith following a private family ceremony on the 11^th October 2017.Special thanks to the staff of Melrose who cared so well for Bert in his last years, the family acknowledge that Bert could be a challenge at times for his carers and we appreciate the extra effort they made to ensure he was as comfortable and as happy as he could be until the end.