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Maketute Puke ward councilor Richard Crawford died this morning after suffering a heart attack while cycling on Saturday.Photo/Alex Cairns

A Bay of Plenty community is mourning a leader who died after suffering a heart attack while cycling in Rotorua.

The builder, Richard Crawford, was a Western Bay of Plenty District Councilor, former Te Puke community committee leader and former Te Puke firefighter, and is remembered for his community spirit.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council said in a statement that he passed away this morning after a medical accident while riding his bicycle yesterday.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said councilors and zoning committee members were “devastated” by the news.

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“The news of his death was a great shock and his loss will be keenly felt by his colleagues at the company.” [the] Council and the wider Te Puke community. ”

Mr Crawford served his first term as Maketu Te Puke City Councilor after serving one term as Chair of the Te Puke Community Board.

“His contribution to council and previous Te Puke Community Boards was significant and his contribution to Te Puke’s community organization was highly valued,” Mr Denyar said.

“I’m going to miss him very much.”

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Richard Crawford served two terms on the Te Puke Community Board, including one term as chairman.
Richard Crawford served two terms on the Te Puke Community Board, including one term as chairman.

Mr Denyer, on behalf of the City Council, expressed his deepest condolences to Mr Richard’s wife Julie, their family and friends, saying he was a “highly respected” councilor and said: “His death leaves a huge gap. “I left it behind,” he added.

“Desolation” and “evisceration”

said Shane Beech, former Maketoo Community Board Chairman. Bay of Plenty Times He was devastated by the loss of his best friend.

“He was a very nice guy, very concerned about the community and was behind a lot of organizations,” Beach said. He ran for the seat of Maketu Te Puke in 2022, but withdrew during the race due to a heart attack.

“He was always on the other end of the phone and we had a great time.”

Te Puke Fire Chief Dale Lindsay said Mr Crawford joined the fire service just a few years after arriving in Te Puke and served as a qualified firefighter for just under 14 years before joining the council. It is said that he resigned in recent years due to increased contributions to the organization.

“We’re all just devastated and devastated. He was an integral part of our brigade.”

He said the station flag was flown at half-mast and people paid their respects at the foot of the bell tower.

“He always did so much for the community.

Richard Crawford, Member of Parliament for the Western Bay of Plenty.Photo/Talia Parker
Richard Crawford, Member of Parliament for the Western Bay of Plenty.Photo/Talia Parker

“He was a master of networking…walking into a room full of strangers and walking around and starting talking to people.”

Ms Lindsay said she was “heartbroken” to learn of Mr Crawford’s death after the incident in Rotorua, especially as he lived a “fit and healthy lifestyle”.

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“He was the last person we thought we would say goodbye to.”

Western Bay of Plenty deputy mayor John Scrimgeour said Mr Crawford was “one of those down-to-earth, reliable people who always want to do something for the community”.

He said Crawford was a builder by trade and ran his own construction company.

How to detect a heart attack

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away.

  • Pain – You may feel pressure, tightness, or burning in the front of your chest. It can spread to the neck, shoulders, jaw, back, upper abdomen, or either arm. It may last several minutes or more.
  • Palpitations (when your heart rate is unusually strong, fast, or uneven).
  • Fainting, dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath.

Note: It’s important to know that not everyone who has a heart attack will experience chest pain.

  • You may only have discomfort in your neck, jaw, ears, arms, or upper abdomen.
  • Some people complain only of shortness of breath, severe weakness, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Older people may only appear confused and may not report any pain.

– Source: Ministry of Health

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