It is with deep sadness we must inform you of the passing of Dr Chaz Forsyth, NZDA National Life Member, past National Secretary, and Otago Branch stalwart.
Chaz Passed away Monday evening 20 January 2025.
We would like to share the words of Andrew Edgecombe, a close friend who worked with Chaz on COLFO. Andrew does an exceptional job paying tribute to the legacy of work that Chaz did on behalf of all licensed firearm owners and recreational hunters.
The NZDA extends our condolences to Chaz's family, and to all those who are feeling the loss of a true gentleman and scholar of our sport. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace, Chaz.
Please note that we will publish an obituary in our next Hunting & Wildlife Issue.
Andrew Writes
For those of you who were privileged to have known Chaz, you will remember a tireless advocate for the ownership and use of firearms in New Zealand.
During his lifetime involvement with firearms, Chaz was an NZDA member and representative, a Firearms Safety Instructor, a passionate researcher, a prolific writer of well-balanced submissions, a COLFO executive member, a source of infinite knowledge, a hunter, shooter, and a tireless mentor to many.
Chaz recently completed years of work on his thesis on firearms and earned his doctorate (the highest level of academic degree), typically Chaz was his usual humble self on achieving this accolade, he was however happy to say that he was now a “Doctor Bastard” with a cheeky grin on his face.
It was an absolute privilege to work with Dr Chaz, we attended many meetings and functions together, and if there was ever a call for information, current or historical, Chaz would soon provide a well-informed answer or tender sound advice. During downtime after meetings or promotional duties, it was good to relax with the COLFO crew and of course, Chaz, who was always entertaining and enlightening.
Chaz had battled health issues for longer than he cared to admit, he had been having Chemotherapy this past year and, again, humble Chaz kept things close and was very much business as usual, I admire his strength and courage through this time.
Our last get-together was the 23rd of November 2024, Chaz was in his usual fine form. Chaz was admitted to the hospital a couple of weeks ago and then went onto hospice for his final days. I have been assured he was very frustrated as he would be unable to make a submission on the Arms Act Consultation. His last message to me via his Daughter Bridget was, “Keep smiling”.
With that advice in mind, we farewell a good friend and passionate firearms advocate. Chaz leaves a heck of a legacy and his inability to submit is an inspiration to put in the effort and do him proud with our own submissions. I'm sure Chaz would love that.
Key Articles
Read the Announcement of Chaz’s Life Membership to COLFO
Read an Example of Chaz's Work: Firearm Registration Laws Not Hitting System’s Intended Targets
Dr Chaz pictured middle, just how many of his friends will remember him - nose deep in papers fighting for the rights of licensed firearm owners.