Sorry for your loss Michelle, you were such a fine couple. I first knew Mike from our numerous battles on the squash courts, competitive and friendly. We shared a sense of humour and having children of similar age at waimea it was always interesting to hear how the families progressed. We lost touch over the last few years, but I never forgot our shared past. Terry Hardwick

Dear Michelle and family We are deeply saddened and heart broken by the loss of Mike. I first met Mike when I was 16 yrs old. Mike's family came to my rescue when I needed to leave home and along with his sister, Kate's help, I boarded with the Belfield family for the following 2 years. I will always remember Mike's warm, welcoming, cheerful manner. He always had a generous spirit and made me feel part of the family. I always loved him for that. Mike never lost his warmth and humour or his kindness to others. I feel honoured to have known him. We are so very sorry for your loss, Mike was a special human being who welcomed everyone into the fold.

From all the family in Spain. Sending all our love and hope now you can grieve all together. Thinking of you my lovely cousin and in my heart while navigating your first days without Mike. Me Heidi Miguel Nil Nia Lee and Uma and Joaquin.

My heart goes out to you and the family xxx so much love within your family xxx sending all my love to you all xxx kathryn cuz xxx

Mike, Your wishes that everyone wear something bright today while family and friends celebrate your life made us grin. So typical of your happy bright disposition! We have been honoured to know you over the latter years of your retirement. We will always have lovely memories of the times we four caravanned together. Our love goes out to you Michelle as you grieve the loss of your best friend. We know you have been lovingly supported by your family and as you all grieve the loss of a Husband and Dad, draw strength from the knowledge Mike loved you all very much. Ross and Meryl

Uncle Mike, thank you for such happy childhood memories when you lived in Wales. You really were such a happy, kind and down to earth person. Michelle was blessed the day she met you, I've never known a couple more perfect for eachother. Rest easy, you fought so hard and with such dignity. Sleep well Uncle Mike.

Mike was such an amazing genuine smiley man with a great personality. I was so lucky to have met him and Michelle such a beautiful couple. Zack and I will miss him so much. Zack was SO excited whenever he came across Mike and Michelle. My love to Michelle and all the family. Helen

We met Mike and Michelle on a campsite in Normandy in September 2022. We were both in motorhomes and started chatting on the campsite. We soon realised we had a lot in common and hit it off straight away. We spent time together and a friendship was forged, Mike was charming, funny and genuine and as we know from the way he faced his illness a brave and courageous man. As Mike was a great rugby fan we had lots of brilliant WhatsApp chats whilst we watched the game in England and Mike watched at home in NZ. The banter was amusing! Both Mike and Michelle became valued friends even though we were at opposite ends of the world. With the help of today’s technology we stayed in touch. We are presently in NZ touring from the Uk, it was a trip Mike and Michelle helped us plan, we are so grateful for this. We may not have spent a lot of time together but Mike touched our lives and he will be greatly missed. Chris and Sue Palmer Somerset, England.

Very special couple, Mike always smiling like nothings a problem. I will help take care of Michelle and know you are always in our hearts. You can eat as many ginger nuts as you like now Mike. Watch over Michelle and Fly high beautiful man. It was a privilege known you. X

Juillet 2018 , camping à Cucuron dans le Luberon en France , finale de la coupe du monde de football France Croatie , je suis installé devant l'écran extérieur du camping , un homme s'assoie à coté de moi casquette sur la tête et petit récipient de saucissons et bière à la main. Nous faisons connaissance moi dans mon anglais primaire et lui sans un mot de français. Ce fût notre première rencontre avec Mike suivie d'une longue amitié pendant 7 années. Nous nous sommes découverts et appréciés tout d'abord pendant ces vacances mais également ensuite par des échanges par e-mail. C'est en 2022 lors de leurs deuxième séjour en France que Mike et Michelle sont venus une dizaine de jours dans notre maison à Saint Malo de Guersac. Quels moments merveilleux nous avons partagés , crise de fou rire lors des traductions et plus sérieusement nous partagions les mêmes valeurs d'amitiés et je pense très proches politiquement. Souvenirs également inoubliables au camping des Cascades à St Cybranet où Mike et Michelle ont été accueillis à bras ouverts par notre famille . Nous nous étions promis de se revoir peut être au Canada ou à Londres , la maladie en a décidé autrement . Mike tu laisseras un grand vide dans nos contact , tu as été très courageux pour combattre cette terrible maladie. Quelle chance nous avons eu de vous rencontrer. Michelle restons en contact car des amitiés comme celle ci , il en n'existe pas beaucoup. Nous serons avec vous par la, pensée ce lundi 10 mars.

Alan & I would like to remember Mike as a fun, loving friend with whom we enjoyed being with him and Michelle. The many times we enjoyed going out to the New Lynn Steakhouse, where Alan, Mike & Michelle sang Karaoke. I remember Mike sang I Saw Her Standing There, so well, especially the high notes, he belonged on stage. We met Mike & Michelle through our children attending the same school, friends with Adam & Daniel. Our holiday in the South Island, where they joined us in Christchurch and Akaroa. Good times & great memories. Recently in May last year Mike & Michelle came to visit us in the Gold Coast for a few days, again lots of laughter and socializing, more special memories made. Mike was a strong person. We admired in him, keeping everyone up to date regarding his cancer journey. Heart breaking to read but more heart breaking for him and Michelle to write. With love and fond memories, Mike you will always be missed. Our love to Michelle, Adam, Daniel & Stephen. Love Alan & Gill