Condolences to You Jill, Anne-Marie,Chris and Cathy and also your families. We have just had the pleasure of watching your magnificent farewell to our friend and your husband and father Craig. It was beautiful to see you honour him and relive such wonderful moments. It was our lucky days and good fortune that we were able to share some of these with you all. The tributes paid to Craig were all earned by his warm welcome and acceptance of everyone into his family circle. We are sad but proud to say Goodbye Craig - go in peace. Love and great memories of a great guy. Pam and Ken Ferguson.

Craig was always a warm, generous gentleman, and he will be deeply missed. Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to Jill, Chris, Annemarie, Cathy, and the whole family. We're sorry we can't be there today, but we're thinking of you all here in Australia. Please raise a beer for us and give Craig a proper Deere send off. Luv Dods.

I met Craig ( and Jill) whilst Annemarie and Bryce were living in Australia 20 years ago. He was always up for a chat and a laugh. Our family have continued to catch up on our visits to NZ, always being welcomed with a friendly smile and a big hug! He loved his family so much! Sending our love and condolences to the whole family. Love Kate, Angus and the Bruce boys xx

I first met Craig when I became friends at 10 years old with Cathy. His twinkling eyes and wit always had us in fits of laughter. He really understood the magic of childhood and showed it again with his grandchildren. He was such a lovely warm, stable, funny, fatherly influence. Devoted to his beautiful family and a wonderful, kind soul who will be dearly missed. Love to you all.

With all my love to your family Craig, a very sad day knowing you have gone. I will hold on to the memories I have going way back to my childhood, mum would call me and tell me about you pulling up outside her house in your big mobile home, she was so excited. You helping me get my first credit card to travel to Australia, I loved your family, you always made me feel like I was a true Deere. Your Dad uncle Jimmy and Aunty Stef were my favourite people and you reminded me so much of Aunty Stef with your sparkling eyes and cheeky laugh. We had a close connection with all of you the most. You fly high my dear cousin and I know your family will stand strong for you today. All my love to you Jill, Cath, Chris and Anne-marie. ❤️

Condolences to all the family.. I met Craig and Jill through Annemarie and Bryce as my late husband, Fred, and Bryce at various times coached Daniel, Michael and our son, Bevan in cricket. Craig and Jill hosted Fred and Bevan in their home in Papamoa and celebrated the birth of our grandsons-yes twins. Craig’s sense of humour always coming to the fore, when for instance we moved into our own townhouse and his gift was handed into us in a box. A piece of square turf that he had dug up because our townhouse had no grass. What laughter! Thank you, Craig and Jill for hosting Fred and our son, Bevan , in 2000 and celebrating the birth of our first grandchildren-yes twins! Now Craig and Jill have great granddaughters-yes twins, Maddie and Paige I believe. We will miss you Craig but I know you are more alive than ever now. You and Fred sharing great times together and happy with all loved ones gone before. So friend till we meet again…

To my dear friend Craig, Sorry I cannot be with you today as I am far away in Austria but close to you today in thought. Craig became my best mate 25 years ago when I first arrived in New Zealand and guided me through a daunting and exciting time. Craig and Jill invited me into their home and their lives like second parents and best friends. I thank them for inviting me to their home again only six weeks ago for my birthday, this was unfortunately the last time I would ever see Craig again. Unfortunately words cannot express the feeling and gratitude. I thank him so much for being there for me. Such a wonderful man. I send my condolences and love to all the family. Keith

Thinking of all the Deere family at this time. With love Carren (Deere) & Paul Jones (Wanganui)