Graeme Sinclair Smith

10 December 193910 March 2025

Graeme died on Monday 10th March 2025, aged 85 years, after battling melanoma for several months.

Treasured husband of Pam for 60 years.

Much loved father of Leighton, Andrew, Shari, and Melody, and much loved by his grand children.           

"If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us"

A Memorial Service for Graeme was held at Mahurangi Vineyard Church, Pulham Road, Warkworth, New Zealand on Wednesday 19 March at 2:30pm NZDT.

A recording of the service can be viewed below.

Tributes to Graeme or messages for the family can also be left below.

Funeral service held at Mahurangi Vineyard Church

Tributes

In 1976 we first met Graeme and Pam on their arrival in Addis Ababa to manage the World Vision Gode Resettlement project in Ethiopia. Graeme's gracious , warm hearted and "can do " spirit quickly endeared him to Director Ato Getachew and his multilingual team . Soon after Lea and I visited Graeme , Pam , Leighton, Andrew Shari and Melody at their desert home. Gode was 1500 kms from Addis Ababa situated beside the Wabi Shebelli River and some what inland form the Somali border. Yes a little isolated ! They had made rapid progress in such a short time on the 800 hectare farm. Graeme , as a servant of the Prince of Peace related effectively to the 2000 plus refugees and a score of Amharic , English and Somali speaking employees. Wonderful memories include : Graeme's inspirational early morning devotions with all workers . incredible patience with cross cultural frustrations , practical advice , humor , and a God honoring Sunday Service in a sweltering shed. Pam's creative hospitality in such tough conditions and fun loving children made for a enjoyable " business" trip . One Christmas together Graeme dressed up as Santa and cried "Santa wants a Fanta " We have kept in touch over the years . Our cross cultural evangelism and discipleship ministry Soul Rest Inc has been richly blest by the Smiths' prayers and financial support . ..much appreciated . Brother Graeme will be greatly missed by all . Pam and children , you are in our prayers . "Precious in His sight is the death of His saints " Psalm 116 v 15 Love and prayers Lindsay and Lea Nicholls Melbourne Oz

Lindsay and Lea Nicholls

I met Graeme and Pam in Madang where we had wonderful fellowship. They knew how to put down roots in all sorts of different cultures and their love for Jesus shone through every part of their lives, conversation and actions. I lost touch after they, or I, left PNG but have lasting and encouraging memories of them. I look forward to happy reunions when we meet again in heaven!

Ali Poole (Orr-Ewing)

My contact with Pam and Graeme was throught Lifeway Evangelist Training School at Snells Beach in 1989.. However my journey with them on a months mission trip to PNG has had a proufound lasting effect on my life , even up to today.. I will always remember how Graeme and I prayed for a man in a remote village in Mougulu. He was totally blind but after laying hands on him he could immediately see. May God comfort you , Pam and family at this time.. my blessings From Kevin Shone

Kevin Shone

How do you do justice to such a great & humble man? The Lord will give him a great reward. Even though Graeme was my uncle (married to Mum's sister Auntie Pam), we did not see him very often as we were here in Australia for most of the time, and he & auntie Pam were always travelling in NZ & overseas (so it seemed). The last time we met was in Gisborne where Raewyn's parents live, and we recall having a brief but very enjoyable time with them both. The words of the apostle Paul come to mind, which Paul used to sum up his life & I believe very much apply to Uncle Graeme " I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith". Roger & Raewyn Mai Brisbane, Australia

Roger & Raewyn Mai

We were so sorry to read about Graeme's departure from this life. We met Graeme and his dear wife Pam, and their four children, in Madang, Papua New Guinea in 1981 and we became good friends. Graeme's faith in his victorious Lord was such an inspiration to us, along with his and Pam's books describing their lives and adventures with God. After our time in PNG we met up with them several times in UK and most recently in 2017 at their home in Snell's Beach. There's just so much more we could say, but we will leave it by quoting the Bible verses that we think sum up Graeme's life: "Never be lacking zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practise hospitality", Romans 12: 11-13.

Rob and Nancy Brook, Chester, UK

Our deepest condolences to Graeme & Pam's family at this sad time. I still remember meeting Graeme after having moved into our property driving his Subaru station wagon down our driveway to collect a few cattle who had managed to get away from his paddock. He was a down to earth, friendly and kind person and the world be a little less special because of his passing. Our thoughts are with you. Mike & Merrill Schwarz

Mike and Merrill Schwarz

We are deeply sadden to hear the loss of much loved and adored dear friend Graeme. Our sincere condolence to his dear sweet wife Pam n children. May God grant you Peace at this very difficult time for losing a dearly loved husband father and grandfather. we met Graeme and Pam in fiji such a adoring loving faithful servant of God where he bought a vehicle from OLIMAGS in NADI to do his missionary work in Fiji. Today and always we will treasure the memories and sweet fellowship we had together. May the beautiful soul rest in love . Our Love to sweet Mama Pam and children together with families

Oliver Singh & Ranjena

Sadly I have lost touch with Graeme and Pam over the last 20 years but remember their visit to my late husband Ian McCleary and me in Cairo. Graeme will be sorely missed. He and Pam have had an amazing ministry. My love to the family.

Jenny McCleary

Rex and I purchased some land and covenanted bush from Graeme and Pam in the early 2000s. An added bonus for us was to get to know Graeme and Pam, and their children Melody and her family, and Andrew and his family, who all lived on the same farmland. Graeme had huge energy, vision and kindness, and we very much enjoyed our times together with him and Pam. Some of their stories of missionary life were quite dramatic! Our thoughts are with you all.

Kristina and Rex

Graeme's wonderful skills lead to my family meeting Pam and Graeme in Wenatchee, Washington (State) at the Walmart parking lot. In awe, we watched him park their RV in an impossibly small parking spot. That lead to a chat, then a conversation, then his sharing with us their books and contact information. Through their books we grew to admire the skills, professionalism, love and generosity that Graeme and Pam possessed. We vicariously shared in their journeys as the Lord took them to where needy people live. Always ready to share life and the love of the Lord, Graeme reached out to us in subsequent years when they came through Spokane, Washington (our home). He spoke at our church, blessing our church family with his warmth and faith. Over the years we grew to embrace Graeme and Pam into our hearts. In Christ, Carolyn and Roger Jacobs

Carolyn and Roger Jacobs

We are so sad to lose a very dear brother in Christ. We have been blessed with his and Pam's friendship for nearly 60 years. They have been an inspiration to us in our Christian faith, demonstrating what it is to walk with Jesus every day in a personal way. We honour Graeme and Pam for their walk of faith and know that he is now enjoying God's reward of being "a good and faithful servant". May we be as diligent as Graeme was, in sharing our faith with those around us.

Sylvia Corin

"Wtih Jesus," what a beautiful and True comfort for all who love His appearing. He walked with God, and God took him. Now a part of the great cloud of witnesses, I can only imagine his fullness of joy in His presence... Since 1978 in Nyankunde, I have been so blessed by Graeme and Pam - the simple, powerful faith they consistently demonstrated to me and my family has greatly encouraged us for so many years. He has gone before us, but we will be together again in the new earth, cultivating it without weeds and thorns, irrigating it without sweat, enjoying the fruits of it with Jesus!

Tory Walker

It's sad for me to hear the death of Papa. I knew papa many years ago, when he came with mum in Uganda. They came to Namirembe Cathedral at around 4pm the time we used to have fellowship, they entered church and as they were getting out I followed them, we shared and smiled together. We exchanged numbers, from that time we've been in touch. I got married and jas been asking me how my husband is. I will miss you dad. I have been calling them dad and .mum I last communicated to him on 25th Feb,when he was asking me about my prayer trip for Intercessors of Africa in Nairobi.I will greatly miss him and pray that I will continue in communication with mum, Melody and others. I had found a father finger in my life. He has been a grate supporter with finances after some months would the bank would drop something on my account, because he had made aSTANDING ORDER. May He have rest in the hands of God. Papa rest in Peace, may God reward you, for the love you've shown many people. AMEN

JOY ANNIE NYESIGYE

Graeme and Pam had ministered in our church in Malaysia numerous times. Their love for people was genuine. They left a lasting legacy here. For my wife and me we had such great moments with them. The Lord had called Bro. Graeme home to receive, hi crown. Our heartfelt condolences to Sis. Pam, we love you much, be strong. Brian and Joyce.

Brian Ranjan

How well we remember the family coming to live in Nyankunde, DRCongo when Leighton as about 10 and Melody about 6. All the family were delightful to be with. When a short termer Carol Lyn came from Canada to help Graeme with the PECA farm, she also helped the children with their daily memory verses. We trust that helped her focus in on Jesus as Saviour and Lord. In 1992 on our way from a leadershiconference in Australia back to Canada, we stopped in Fiji to see Graeme and Pam and appreciated their day to day ministry to locals as the Lord directed. Years later Graeme and Pam visited us in Toronto travelling in their motor home. Once we found a parking space at our church for the motor home, we were able to share good fellowship together. Graeme clearly lived Jesus and wanted to live for Him in word and deed every day. Now he is with Jesus and we are challenged to follow his example for the rest of our days. Nancy’s& Philip Wood.

Nancy Wood

How We loved these two. I feel so sad. I've had them on my mind so much lately but didn't make contact..devestated! They have been such a big part of my life. I've prayed for them and loved them. What a blessing they have both been. Over their life times. Much love and prayers for family.

Beverley Harrison
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