While it's only been in recent years that we've reconnected through some family gatherings, I'm grateful for those opportunities and value getting to know you. Our mums, Phyllis & Muriel were sisters and faithfully wrote to each other each week. I'd often hear stories from mum about what was going on and you Jocelyn, Ronnie and Gaylene would regularly feature in those accounts. I extend my love and support to all your family who have farewelled a loving brother, father, grand-father and great-grand dad. Arohanui.

Uncle des dad, rest in love, kisses to aunt and nigel. Thank you for being you and caring for us whenever we needed you. I remember with fondness running in to find you sat in your chair beside the fire at Puriri Street and bouncing on your stomach that felt soft like fairydown; how sista and I battled with Pam claiming you as our dad; how I had to hold your finger while walking through the garden because my small hand would get lost in yours; how your smile beamed when warning me to stay away from the goblins strawberries; how you smelt comkng home after a full day at work; how you caught me ripping the hallway wall paper and joined me; how you always could recognise me, even in the chaos of our huge family gatherings; how I wanted my eyes to twinkle like yours and Stevens; how you saved me from the pit when I fell in while playing in the old shed you had told me not to enter; and always - how you made us feel wanted, loved, special - even when the Jo and Vivian fought over sista because they didnt want to be stuck with me as their fat baby. My heart will carry you always xxqq

Our dearest Uncle, It is with great sadness that we bid you farewell as you continue your journey without us and are thinking of our grieving cousins and their families in this time of sadness and apologize that we could not be there in person. We thank you for your big heart and caring for us when we needed you the most. We will never forget this generosity. My personal favoured memory of you, is on each encounter I would wonder if you recognized or would be able to discern between Heather and I. You never ceased to disappoint and immediately knew who you were talking to, even as we grew into adults with our own families. I giggle at the attempted and failed deceptions to pose as my sibling. LOL Moe mai ra Uncle. Sleep well as you are reunited with your love, Aunty Jude

Des here's hoping that where you are that you have a nice little fishing spot with a lot of whitebait for you to catch. You will be missed and thought of often.

Thank you for being such a wonderful big brother. We are going to miss you. Love always.

Dads. I am so going to miss you and wonder how do I fill in my week now 😢 God bless and God speed 🙏 thankyou xx