Graham was the shed envy of the street, every time we drove past Darren would comment on how one day he’ll build one the same. it wasn’t until a couple years later that we found out that Graham worked with my farther Ray Abbott at feltex in Feilding. From there on it was like having uncle, a familiar face down the road and although he kept to himself a lot of the time, he would always wave with a friendly smile and warmth about him that made Potaka st feel like forever home. We waited and watched for 10 years to see the house painted the car up the drive finished or another obvious project begin and although I see not everything still isnt finished, it always gave us a great talking point a smile or a quiet giggle. We often asked if he was going to finish the house he would just smile and say I’m in no rush. We have had the privilege over the last 2 years getting to know Rebecca and her 2 kids and when we made the connection with her to Graham we knew we had found one of the good ones, through her stories about him we have only been reassured that Graham was a good man with a kind heart and warmth that will be missed. We send our deepest of condolences to the family and Axel and will always remember the man that lived on the corner.

Fond memories of you Graham, I'd like to mention some of the memories I had with you, The Kitchen always seemed to be our spot for a yack during the day when you were home from aussie (even helped me make my first pancakes when he was back haha), the stories you passed on that I won't be forgetting any time soon, I remember the yarns in the lounge in the arvos when the fire was cranking and asking you 1000 questions about Australia and the politics over there haha, and the time yacking in the shed around the fire place while axel was hard at work on his car stuff, nah won't forget a second of it, you will live on through us all mate, you were a character for sure, will miss you Graham, condolences to the family, and to my best friend axel.

Axel my condolences to you and Heather and your family, Graham was a good cheeky human being, may he rest in peace.

Graham and I first met in Lytton street school and we became instant friends. Through our High school years we were together all the time. Graham even visited me in Tokyo. And every time I visited NZ Graham and I would hang out together. I consider Graham one of my best friends of all time and am saddened at his passing way too soon. I will miss you mate and pray you rest in peace. Much love forever, Brian Smith