Softball Pauses to Remember Fallen Comrade

The Army softball family lost one of its long standing members, Mr Charlie Elkington (SGT Retired).

Charlie enlisted into the Army in 1965; he spent most of his career in the RNZ Army Service Corps and RNZ Corps of Transport as a storeman.

He first represented Army softball as a player in 1967, and was a regular member of the talented men's team of that time, winning the Inter-Services an impressive 8 times over a 13 year period. He then took up coaching the Army women's team for 5 years until his retirement from the Army in 1985.

Charlie as the Army Women's Team coach (AW-11-0705-9).

Charlie and his Army teams coaching staff mates (AW-11-0705-12).

Charlie did not end his involvement with the Army and the Defence Force on retirement. He turned to the dark side, by becoming an umpire, and regularly offered his services to Army and Defence Force tournaments.

Charlie Elkington receiving a gift at a tournament (AW-11-0705-10).

His service to Army as a player, coach and official totals an outstanding 43 years service, which is the main reason why he was nominated by softball for the Army Pocket for Administration.

Army Softball was blessed to have Charlie present at the Inter-Regional tournament at Linton in February 2011. He umpired his last game at the tournament and then announced his retirement.

Charlie sitting with his umpire and scoring friends at Linton in 2006 (AW-11-0705-11).

His Army Pocket for Administration was announced at the prize giving function, to Charlie's complete surprise, in front of the tournament and several ex-members, who attended to share in Charlie's special occasion.