4 October 1945 – 5 May 2025
4 October 1945 – 5 May 2025
In Loving Memory of Arthur Crane, husband of Jean, and dearly loved father of Lynaire, Averil, and Shawn. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Crane into the presence of our Saviour.
A Funeral Service for Arthur is to be held at Legacy Funerals, 383 Pyes Pa Rd, Tauranga on Monday 12th May at 10:30 AM. All who knew and loved Arthur are warmly invited to join us in honouring his life.
Communications to the Arthur Crane family c/- PO Box 3136, Tauranga, 3142.
Funeral service held at Legacy Tauranga
I too have thought of Arthur and Jean. They were memorable years at Graceland Insight. Your compassion, patience, cheek and aroha will not be forgotten. Arthur you were a blessing to all who knew you. Sweet Dreams. Kia hinga te Totara o Te Waonui a Tane. A mighty Totara tree from the forest of Tane has fallen. Arohanui xxx
I have so many fond memories of working with Arthur and Jean at Gracelands/Insight. Arthur was always smiling, always kind, always so polite and lovely, and an inspiration I am sure, for so many students đź’– I have been thinking of Arthur alot over the last few years - him and Jean were an inspiration to me in so many ways. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and my thoughts are with Jean and all the family
Isa one of my fond memories of Mr Crane was how he chaired the singing during the worship services at Samabula Gospel Chapel. One of the great servants of God, and pioneers of the Gospel Schools. I can still picture him and mum standing in front of her office at school. My deepest condolences to you Averill and the family.
Much love to you Jean, he was a lovely man and the love of your life. Loved being your junior bridesmaid all those years ago. You are in my thoughts, much love to you and your family x ❤️
Ni sa bula saka! On behalf of the Vuiyasawa family;the late Ratu Penaia, Aunty Pa former students of Gospel; Akanisi, Josefa and I wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude and vinaka saka to Mr. Arthur Crane and family - Aunty Jean, Lynare, Averil, Shawn and family for being a great impact and inspiration to our family and the rest of the families associated with the Crane family and extended. Thank you Mr. Crane for the motivation within church at Samabula Gospel Chapel and at school, both in Primary and Secondary providing great impressions to us in your dress, conduct, demeanor, spirit, discipline, firmness and kindness. I remember singing hymns at church Mr. Crane was always in tune with his feet tiptoeing with the beat of the hymn or choruses and his ever his smiles was always there even though one was sent to his office for personal fellowship with his “cane”!!! There are numerous other stories to share but maybe in an another longer forum.. We witnessed your un-strained joy, Mr. Crane that you shared with your kids, grandkids and I believe great grandchildren of whom the Lord God has blessed you with. We will miss your witty humour especially the island FOB humour that we islanders understand that joyfully share with us. Your unwavering leadership, humility and leadership will contribute to your legacy but in everything your everlasting commitment and guidance towards your, and our Lord and Saviour will be invaluable and instrumental to your families of Christ Jesus….Ni sa moce mada vakalailai Mr. Crane; qai sota tale…(Farewell for a wee while Mr. Crane; we’ll meet again soon..) Vuiyasawa family
Mr Crane as he was fondly known was our Youth Parents together with Mrs Crane for a time when I attended Samabula Gospel Chaoel as a young girl. We have so many wonderful memories of Mr Crane his smile, his humor, his humility, his passion for young people, his heart for God, but above all his commitment and faith. We were truly blessed to have known him and you should all be proud of the legacy he has left behind in Fiji through his years serving at the Gospel Schools and Gospel churches. His sacrifices and investments are not in vain. Though we are sad but we also rejoice with the fact that he is with his saviour and Lord whom he served so faithfully while here on earth. He was also a fellow Elder with my dad Uncle Mesu at Samabula Gospel and also officiated at two of my brothers weddings Vivian and John. Sending much lolomas and hugs from Fiji. May the peace and comfort of our Lord Jesus be with you all Mrs Jean Crane, Lynaire, Averil, Shaun and your families. It was a privilege and an honor to have known Mr Crane. Sota tale ena mataka vou. loloma levu ❤️❤️❤️ Thankful that Jonetani could attend the funeral on behalf of the Elders in Fiji and your appreciation and acceptance of the gifts of Mats and tapa from the Gospel ladies.
On behalf of my other 5 siblings I want to say a big thank you and vinaka vakalevu Mr Crane for being our head teacher and principal.I remember my late sister (Elenoa Wara) spending a weekend with your eldest daughter at your family home. Whenever someone asks oh you an ex Gospel, they will.reply the Principal who drives a motor bike with long socks to his knees. May you rest well in thr Heavenly Abodes until the trumpet sounds. Moce mada Mr Crane.
Thank you for being our principal in primary and High school ( Gospel Primary and Gospel High). You were a good principal to all the students that attended that school. I remember the school assemblies in the mornings, how your voice carried across without having to use a microphone. You always had a smile on your face and a welcoming nature. You will forever be remembered as a wonderful caring person, rest in peace and love Mr Crane. Thoughts and prayers are with your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Gospel Primary was originally called Gospel Mission Primary School. The name itself suggests the purpose of establishing the school. It had a mission and that was for the gospel of Christ to be declared and taught to every soul that registered at the school. Aurther Crane faithfully took over the mantle of that mission which I and thousands others throughout the years benefited from. With the simple message of the gospel that Christ died for our sins was buried and rose again the third day- with that first seed of the gospel message planted in our hearts Aurther Crane had faithfully accomplished His mission. May he truly hear these words as he comes before the presence of the Lord, “…Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21) Our heart felt condolence to family. Timoci Romanu Micronesia (former student 1966-1979)
TILL WE MEET AGAIN, ARTHUR ... We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother in Christ, Arthur Crane. Yet we hold fast to our unwavering hope in Christ — the blessed assurance that we will see him again one day. I first met Arthur in my early teens at Samabula Gospel Chapel in Suva, Fiji, in the mid-1970s. He was my Sunday School teacher — a faithful and gifted Bible teacher. His lessons were rich in Scripture and full of life, and I still recall them vividly. Later in life, I had the privilege of teaching at Gospel High School, and eventually served as Chair of the Gospel High School Board while Arthur was Head of School. Albert served on the Gospel Schools Council and also as a fellow elder of the Brethren Churches with Arthur. Together, we worked closely with him on many projects in Fiji that served the Gospel Churches, Schools, and Camps — including the Gospel Schools Silver Jubilee Magazine. We also lived in the same neighbourhood as Arthur and Jean for several years and shared many warm visits in each other’s homes. Beyond ministry and leadership, there was great friendship and joy. Albert and Arthur also shared many light-hearted moments on the squash courts, enjoying both the competition and the camaraderie. Arthur’s legacy is one of deep faith, humble service, and enduring impact. He lived a life wholly given to the Lord — and it showed in everything he did. We thank God for the blessing of knowing him and for the hope that, in Christ, this goodbye is not forever. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21 Our sincere condolences dear Jean, Lynaire, Averil, Shawn, and the family, and Joanna and family, as you celebrate the life of beloved Arthur. May God’s and love and peace be yours during this time of deep loss. Lots of love and prayers from Mum (Esther), Albert & Sharon Singh and family, Brisbane, Australia.
TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR CRANE A heartfelt tribute to Arthur Crane, a cherished friend for over 70 years. Our connection ran deep, rooted in the sacred bonds of family and Christian community. His father, Foster Crane, officiated my parents' wedding at the historic Suva Street Gospel Chapel, a moment that forever linked our families. I later had the privilege of living in the very same Toorak house where Arthur spent his formative years, shaping the kind-hearted and affable person he would become. Our paths continued to cross in meaningful ways, as we served together as teachers at Gospel Primary School and on the Gospel Schools Board. Arthur's warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit made him a beloved figure, he intermingled freely with people of different races bridging cultural and socio-economic divides. His tireless work ethic, conscientious nature, and willingness to lend a helping hand inspired countless individuals. We treasure the vibrant memories of our time in Fiji, where Arthur's presence enriched our lives and fostered lasting connections. As we bid farewell to our dear brother, the Dutta/Masih families from Australia, New Zealand and Canada would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Jean, her family, Joanna, and her loved ones. May our collective thoughts, prayers, and fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Mike Dutta
Much sympathy Jean & family on Arthur’s passing. He will be sorely missed by so many I wish I could attend the the service but circumstances unfortunately do not permit. Will watch the livestream though You’re all in my thoughts Much love from Gail
To Jean Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your children on the passing of Arthur. Thinkyou of you all on Monday, as you say your Goodbye to a well loved and respected man , whom has touched many people's lives. Lived by the bible a kind , and caring man.
Mr Crane, I knew you before I even started school. I would come to attend pre-school at your home and remember Mrs Crane, Shawn and you. I have those memories with me. Growing up and seeing you ride up and down the school driveway in your bike, I learnt the students nickname for you, Renegade! All students around would be scared of you. But not me. I had respect. To me, you were an Elder, a father figure, a man of God that I had grown up around. I had no reason to fear you because I had respect. Whenever you talked to me, I felt the care and love you had towards everyone around you. I knew Mom had a good leader, because she turned out to be a good one herself. She took over after you and the legend of Gospel schools remained intact. As you sit with your maker, rest assured you left a lasting mark on this earth. The countless lives that you touched and the many lessons you taught us. We will all remember you the rest of your days. And will continue to praise the Lord for sending us such a fine and mighty servent who was faithful. I pray for you and your family in these times of separation. But assure them that we will all be together with our loved ones soon, together with the Lord. Thank you for being such an awesome Principal, Elder and leader, a true Gospelian! Give mom a kiss from me. Love, a forever Gospelian.
Mr Arthur Crane is a legend amongst us students of GHS. I along with many other students at Gospel are highly indebted to this man ,our principal who instilled principles in all of us. I was under his leadership at Gospel kindi into primary school and then into high school along with my classmates including Averil with Lynaire a few years ahead. Mr Crane rewarded those who were deserving and molded many of us into who we are today with his discipline. You leave a legacy sir and may the almighty welcome you into his abode most high. May you rest in eternal peace till we meet in paradise. Kia kaha
Mr. Crane was more than just a principal—he was a pillar of discipline, wisdom, and unwavering leadership. His presence at Gospel High School was marked by a steadfast commitment to shaping young minds, ensuring that every student under his guidance understood the value of respect, responsibility, and perseverance. He was not one to let mediocrity slide, nor did he shy away from delivering the tough lessons that would ultimately mold his students into capable individuals. For those fortunate enough to have been under his leadership, his influence was undeniable. He was a man who believed in correction not as punishment, but as a means of growth. His discipline was firm, yet always rooted in a desire to see his students succeed—not just academically, but as honorable members of society. He praised excellence, encouraged diligence, and never hesitated to call out shortcomings when necessary. His leadership was not about seeking approval but about ensuring that his students left his school with a strong moral compass and a sense of purpose. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, in the lessons he imparted, and in the values he instilled. As he rests, may his work be remembered not just in words, but in the actions of those he mentored. Rest in peace, Mr. Crane Sir—your duty is done, but your impact endures. Epeli Rabuka GHS one bounce champion
So sorry to hear of your loss, may God keep and comfort you in your sorrow. Love from Julie and Brian
A life well lived for God. Mr Crane is in the presence of His Saviour, whom he served passionately. Fiji has been blessed by the legacy of the Senior Cranes, followed by Mr Arthur& Jean Crane. Mr Crane taught us Scripture& Maths & I believe, music as well. Their home on Nailuva Road was one I had sleepovers at during high school, as I was friends with Lynnaire& Averil. Thank you Mr Arthur& Jean Crane for choosing to stay& serve at the Gospel schools, when you could have easily gone back to NZ. I am so grateful for your life of service. We will meet you up yonder. My prayers for the comfort and peace of our Lord is with you all Mrs Crane, Lynnaire, Avril and Shawn.
As an old schoolar of Gospel High School, I personally knew Mr. Crane from 1991 to 1996. I foldly remember his warm smile and occasional jokes. Yet he carried himself with strict decipline and excepted the same from both staff and students. Oh how we loved the fact that our principal uniquely stood out from all other principals of other schools because our was the only that rode a motor bike, wore short pants, socks, sandles & safari. We were a proud batch with Mr. Crane at the helm. You raised the bar of quality education at Gospel High. Sir, you have fought your battles & faithfully run your race....Now you rest in the blossom of our maker. You will surely be missed & remembered. To the family, let us find solace in knowing that one day we will be reunited with him for eternity. May the grace of God and the peace that passeth all understanding be upon you.
Funeral service held at Legacy Tauranga

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