Christine, It was a privilage to be with you in the final days of your earthly life, and was blessed along with your husband Ware and your son, Rick to be there holding your hands as you took your final breath here on earth. Saying goodbye though isn't for us. After a 40 year friendship instead I will say that I look forward to seeing you again, as the bond between friends is beyond this mortal world. Your bright smile, and gentle vioce, will be with me every day. I am better person for knowing you, better for having met you, and better for being part of your family. May you be as blessed in the next life, as I was in this one by knowing you. We were family by marriage, but we were friends by choice. Go with God, Go with My Love, and go with the knowledge of you leave behind, will band even tighter together and take care of each other. I Love You My Friend Averil

For Whare, family and extended family & friends. Paddy, Gaye & family, Ricky, Tania & family, and Rachel—not forgetting the late Frank & Tania. Mum was so proud of you all. Daniel, Wally, Vanessa & Ronald you were welcomed into Christine’s life as her own children. Whare, you brought so much joy into her life. And to all the grandchildren, she was especially proud of everything you’ve achieved. I first met the Chris and Whare through Tae Kwon Do. Chris had come to Kaikohe to teach Kaikohe kindergarten and quickly became a beloved part of the wider community. Alongside Whare, they started a Tae Kwon Do club in Kaikohe, then Okaihau. Chris, Whare, Rachel, Vanessa, and Ronald all in white uniforms— l remember the endless ironing of white uniforms. Phew. In 1989, Chris & Whare travelled to Seoul, South Korea, for The World Tae Kwon Do Championships, with the New Zealand Taekwondo Team. New Zealand’s team was led by Grandmaster Jung Nam Lee, a 9th Dan black belt was in establishing the sport here. Chris introduced me to handmade cards and scrapbooking. Her eye for colour and composition often transformed simple photos into treasured scrapbook pages. My grandchildren treasure the pages that were made for them, as I treasure some made for me. And Chris always remembered birthdays and sent beautiful cards. And then there was the garden—her true sanctuary. She called it “playing,” and would often be out there until just after dark. Moving back to Carters Beach, her childhood home, was kind of a return to Eden. Carters Beach with its temperate climate, and her Mum's garden. I surprised them the day before their wedding, by just turning up .. . just as they had surprised us so many times by appearing on our doorstep. It was a wonderful day full of family, love & laughter. Chris and my husband Bob had a special bond, born the same year, 3 days apart. They always celebrated their “day" often with a wee dram Brenda, Helen, Jean & James McLeish

I would love to hear you sing Greensleeves one more time A beautiful soprano voice Memories xx So proud of the fighter you were but still found happiness Fly free my sister in law Carole Macarthy

Christine you have lived a full and happy life with my brother. You are definitely his life partner and forever be cherished.