BERNIE

FITZ-GERALD
16-10-1931 to 24-11-2020

Bernie was born to run. Involved with

athletics for over 60 years, his early
interests included javelin and discus
throwing, and running in his teens as
he trained with his brother Laurie.
He joined the Hamilton Harriers early
1960’s and did a lot of cross country
running. Bernie went on to serve as a
Harriers’ Committee member, was
their President for a time, and then
later became a Life member. He joined
the Hamilton Marathon Clinic in 1979, one year after the inaugural Club was formed by Andy Galloway,
Dr Denis Friedlander and Dr Harry Nicholls. The world-wide Marathon boom grew in the early 1980’s
with hundreds joining clubs dedicated to long distance running, fitness and good health. Bernie went
with it - I believe he used to run at night after a normal working day in Hamilton, and then long hours
and distances most weekends with club members. We often finished a run with one or more trips up
Radnor Street, a steep hill near the Club rooms, at Bernie’s insistence!
He was very proud of the fact that he was part of the Ancient Flying Kiwis team that went to
America in 1989 where they ran an 8-day relay across two States.
He ran numerous marathons, his best was just under 3-hours, and he went on to win gold in the 800
metres (Mens aged 55) at the First Australian Masters Games in Tasmania in 1987. Bernie was also a
member of the NZ Veterans’ Athletics Association, L.I.F.E. Unlimited and a member/coach of the
Achilles Club - he travelled to America one year to support one of his Achilles trainees in the New York
marathon.
The HMC membership grew within a few years to around 1300 members. Bernie was a group leader
giving good advice and encouragement to all. In time he qualified as a Level 2 Distance Coach,
passing with excellence. Often nominated onto the HMC Committee over the years, he was President
from 1999 – 2001 and became a Life Member in 2000. Bernie was very entertaining with his quick
wisecracks and comments on most subjects. He always helped with the running of Club events, he
was often last to leave the Clubrooms after cleaning up, and in later years was always on the side lines
encouraging all Club members.
He was a man of great integrity. He was one of just 100 people of distinction who carried the Olympic
Torch in Auckland on 7th June 2000, part of the NZ leg of the relay to keep the flame going around the
world prior to the Sydney Olympic Games.
In December 2000 Bernie was presented with a Civic Award by the Mayor of Hamilton, in recognition of
his outstanding service given to the City of Hamilton particularly in the field of People and Wellbeing in
Sport.
Bernie the runner, leader, coach, mentor and friend to many – a true inspiration to all who knew him.

Carol Downey