Dear Chris and family, I am so sorry I couldn't be with you but have appreciated viewing Colin's celebration of life/farewell from the Gold Coast. Colin was a very caring, welcoming man who, like yourself, has always embraced the Penell/Gurney family connection. I'll never forget Collin's big smile. Ocean beach won't be the same with out him but don't you worry, he will never be too far away. Take care, Love Sheree xx

Colin Deacon Colin has been a regular feature of our daily beach walks when, though a wave or chat, we kept in touch with each other. We got to know him as a family man who had led an interesting and varied life. We have enjoyed hearing many wonderful tales from his past, and we wish we’d had chance to clarify parts of them, but sadly time has not been on our side! We would sometimes exchange excess produce, for example homemade scones or biscuits for bananas, indeed some of the banana trees in our garden are from “pups” he gave us. Colin also frequently popped in after he’d been fishing with Paul to give us some, much appreciated, “excess catch”. He was also an active member of our Ocean Beach Habitat Restoration group, and when his health wasn’t up to the weeding and planting, he still came down to join us for morning tea. We will miss him so much. Love Ann & John

To Chris and your family……I feel for you all and send lotsaluv and hugs from my family to yours. Special hug to you Chris xx May Colin rest in peace 🥰

Hello Chris & family, Sorry we couldn't make it to the service for Colin today. I have viewed the video and thought that Colin would have been proud of what you did in organizing everything. It has been some time since we last saw Colin and it was a shame that we had never been to visit him at Ocean Beach. We do remember the property at 46 Kauika Street well though as we often used to call to see both of your parents there from time to time over the years enroute to seeing my parents in the Bay of Islands. Our sincere condolences. Ron & Joan

My condolences to Chris and family. Rest peacefully Colin. Love and hugs to you all.

My sincerest condolences to Chris and family. Rest peacefully Colin. Love and hugs to you all.

A well deserved rest for you Colin. Happy memories of family holidays at Ocean Beach over the past almost 30 years.

Hi Chris,Family,Steph,Nicky, I am so sorry I cant come to Colins farewell tomorrow,my partner Richard has to have surgery tomorrow in Warkworth.The boys[Craig,Phillip,Steven] and I enjoyed being your neighbours for many years,and we all miss Robyn,and now Colin.Colin was always a lovely person,and very supportive of Robyn through her health srtuggles over the years.Its sad to loose this link with the happy times in Kauika Road.Chris you were lucky to have such a lovely dad,you were the apple of your parents eyes. Love to everyone. Barbara Leslie[ex Wattam] and family.Kaiwaka.