Christeen Dalzell – remembered

 Christeen Dalzell, one of the centre’s most consistent women’s bowlers over the past decade, has passed away, losing a brave battle against cancer, aged 73.

 Despite her illness, Christeen continued to play at a high level up until the past season or two, her uncomplaining courage winning her the admiration of all her peers. “She was a strong woman,” was the apt tribute of one of her club-mates and friends, Maureen Howden.

 Christeen was a member of three of Harbour’s clubs, starting with Manly, then with stints at Browns Bay and Orewa before returning to Manly this season.

  As a gifted front-end player she won centre titles with all of them, and with eight in all, had long gone past her gold star award. Her first success was in the 2011-12 season in the champion of champion fours with Manly and her last with Orewa in 2021-22 in the champion of champion triples.               

 Many of her successes were with Elaine McClintock, Kerin Roberts and her close friend Jan Harrison. She also played regularly with Maureen Howden and her last appearance was with her, Jan and Trish Higginson in the Manly fours but she could last only eight ends.

 In 2016 she became a national champion, winning the mixed pairs title with Birkenhead’s Daymon Pierson and they then won the centre mixed pairs title again in 2020. Despite her quiet, modest nature on and off the green she complemented the more extrovert Daymon superbly and they became good mates.

 Christeen will be farewelled at a private family service, but her passing will be observed by her bowling mates, says Maureen, by the lighting of candles at various gatherings in her honour.

 And on behalf of Bowls North Harbour, board chair Robyne Walker, has passed on to Christeen’s family the condolences of the bowling community.