Very sad to hear of your son's passing David and Family - so young and a battler to the end. As has been said before, there will be numerous wonderful happy memories that you and your family will be able to focus on - hold them close to your heart and mind during these trying times. Barry and Jan Greenbrook

Veronica,Patrick,Michael & Emile We are very sad to read Grant has passed . What a good bugger he was ! Always with a huge heart, and a good laugh nearby. What a battle he fought! Sorry we were unable to be with you as Grant was farewelled and laid to rest. Sending you all our love , thoughts and prayers. May all your wonderful memories help carry you through while you adjust your lives to the new path ahead. Grant - our wedding photographer extraordinaire! rest well now in the arms of our Lord . Starsmore Family xxxxx Mike & Colleen , Katie & Jacob , Sarah (London), Samuel (Wales)

To Veronica and family We're thinking of you all at this very difficult time. We hope that Grant's cheeky smile and laughter will get you through the rough days. Big hugs Christina and Terry

Dear Vironica I would just like to say a massive that you to both you and grant you two will never truly understand how much of a positive influence and impact you have been to not only my mum but the rest of our family Lots of love

Dearest Veronica and family, sincere condolences to you all. With love and hugs, Heather Williams.

Veronica, Patrick, Michael, Ellie and your wider family. Grant was a man admired and loved by so many. So many memories and stories were shared today which were testament to Backy and who he was - one of the best. So many laughs! We will miss him dearly. RIP Backy! Love Andy and Monique xxx

To Veronica Patrick Michael Emilie and extended family. My deepest sympathies to you all. A beautiful service today celebrating Grant's Life. Rest in Peace Grant. 🙏

Dear Veronica, Patrick, Michael, and Emilie. So very sad upon hearing the passing of Grunter. Wishing you all our love and condolences. Even though we haven't seen you all for a few years, there are many memories from a young age out at the dam and later on being his number one calf rearing sidekick. Best Regards Aaron,Nikayla Bailey (Melbourne)

Veronica and family My deepest condolences at this heartbreaking time. Backy was truly one of the best there ever was and I will fondly remember him for his big jolly laugh, friendly welcoming personality and his willingness to take me under his wing and mentor me through some hard times. RIP Backy, the fight is over. Jan-Maree (Southland)

To Veronica and all the family, Sorry to hear of Grant’s recent passing and illness. Thinking of you all. Our condolences are with you all in the days ahead. Sorry, couldn’t make it today. May you find strength in the love of the people around you. May your faith get you through. Lots of love Catherine David, Darrell, Bradley, Theresa and James Smith.

Arohamai Veronica, i was able to dial in today from the middle of the ozzie desert. tears flowed for you and your beautiful children at your side. you are surrounded by good people. see you next time we are back in Taranaki, kia kaha, go gently, Teresa

My deepest sympathies to David, Leanne, Veronica, Patrick, Michael & Emilie, my thoughts are with you today. Grant & I spent many happy times in our childhood, mostly on the Back’s farm in Whenuakura! I’m very thankful of that time we spent together. Rest in peace Grant

Sincerest sympathies to you Veronica, Patrick, Michael and Emily, we can't be with you today but we certainly are in spirit. Sending aroha, kia kaha.

Sending love and strength as you navigate this challenging time. Paddy, you are absolutely your father’s son in all the best ways. Be proud to carry that legacy with you always. All our love.

David, Leanne, Veronica, Patrick, Michael & Emilie, my thoughts are with you today as Grant is laid to rest. Sorry I cannot be there in person to farewell Grant. My heart goes out to you all xx

Dearest Veronica and whanau, Much love and condolences at this time. Always available for midnight chat. Love 🧡 Susanne

Sending our deepest thoughts and love to you all truly an awesome man to have left you n all his friends that thought the world of him, under such heartbreaking sickness treasure all your memories ❤️

Please know we are here for you all. Grant was an amazing jolly family member who we will all dearly miss.

Veronica, we were very sad to hear of Grant’s passing. Please accept our condolences and know our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am sure you will have many happy memories to keep Grant alive in your minds forever more… Love Steve and Janet

To Veronica, Patrick,Michael and Emilie. When the Lord calls our lived ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness. Love Geoff and Bev.

You fought a tough battle Grant. Rest in peace Thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Chris and Anne

Veronica, Patrick, Michael and Emilie I always enjoyed catching up with Grant. He had such enthusiasm for life and a great sense of humour. To lose him at such a young age is a tragedy. I have no words to help you through the difficult times ahead but you will be in my thoughts. Much love Elspeth

Dear Veronica, Patrick, Michael, Emilie and all of Grant's family circle Sending you all much sympathy, love and caring thoughts as you send Grant on his next journey to peace and rest. He was so proud of you all and I'm so sorry he wasn't able to stay for longer. Remembering a hard working, friendly guy with a strong commitment to his family and a willingness to get involved behind the scenes to give service and help out. You are all Grant's legacy and he will always be beside you, stay strong. Love to you all Vicki Parry

We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Grant’s passing. Sending our condolences to you all. RIP Grant Love Grant & Amanda

To you Veronica and Family sending our deepest sympathy of the sad loss of Grant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Lots of love to you all.

A good man taken too soon for reasons unknown to us all. A loyal friend and manager to me for many years and Grant always fought for his Taranaki Crv Ambreed team. If it wasn't going to work in Taranaki for the Naki Crv team it didn't happen, not on Backy's watch. A passionate man who cared deeply for his family, barking at the kids making sure there was no slacking when it came to what needed to be done. Giving Veronica a hard time and winding her up constantly but all wrapped up in a tone and from a place of love. Backy always asked after my family and he genuinely cared about the response. He didn't suffer fools and I always admired him for calling a spade a spade, you knew where you stood. We will be thinking of you today Veronica and family as we are far far away in the South Island. We would have dearly loved to be there to celebrate the colourful life of a special man. A genuine good bugger, a one of kind. RIP Backy John & Leonie & Family

Dear Veronica, Patrick, Michael, Emilie and extended families, Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you all as you farewell Grant on his eternal journey. While we cannot make it tomorrow we will be watching it on livestream and we will treasure the memories. Love to you all at this sad time. Jenny Green (Brown), Jalena, Shane and boys, Hayley and Elysha.

Dear Veronica, Wishing you and your family strength and blessings during this very sad time. May you be comforted by your fond memories.God bless. Ursula and Roy Hall (Pukekohe)

To Veronica & family, plus the extended Crowley Family Ours thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Ours thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathy Quin & Bryan Goodin

We send our sincere condolences of the sad loss of Grant. You were a real battler until the end. You will be sadly missed. Thinking of Veronica, children, David, Leanne and families Xx

Dear Veronica and Family, Sending you all much love and a big hug at this very sad time for you all. I am so sorry I won`t be able to be there tomorrow but you will definitely be in my heart and thoughts. Love & Condolences, Diane Tarrant xx

Back whānau, It is with sadness that we read this news. Grant was a wonderful supporter of our Hostel and instrumental in building and property projects. Although I worked alongside Grant for a very short time, I know many of our staff remember him well and with fondness. Veronica and family, please accept our deepest condolences. Marina Walsh (Hostel Manager - Elizabeth House)

Dear Veronica and family, Our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. RIP Grant. The Monaghan Family

Dear Veronica, Emilie and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May God bless you as you prepare to farewell Grant. We are so grateful for his contribution as a board member over the years. Eternal rest grant to him O Lord, may perpetual light shine on him. May he rest in peace. Lots of love Sacred Heart and Elizabeth House community

Dear Veronica,Patrick,Michael and Emilie Thinking of you with love as you face life without your loving husband and Dad He will be watching over you giving you strength to do so-such a loving and caring man Deepest condolences Jenny and Graham McElroy

To Veronica and family, Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Grant.We will be thinking of you at this sad time. From Peter and Colleen Clough

Dear Veronica & Family Thinking of you all. Our love & sympathy. Mary & Gerard O’Connell

I worked with Grant for over 5 years and appreciated his wisdom. I remember fondly the 'working bee' we had at the Back ranch and enjoyed meeting Grant's family, neighbours and friends. I will think of him with a smile and remember the big man with big laughter and a huge heart. All the best Perry

Veronica, Patrick, Michael and Emilie, We are so sorry to hear of Grant's loss. He was a wonderful man - a lovely husband, a loving dad and absolutely larger than life. It has been some years since we have been together but we can still hear his laugh. He was always welcoming, full of great stories and the consummate host. Somewhere up there he will be watching, with a beer, ready for the next occasion. I am so sorry we haven't caught up sooner. We can't imagine how difficult this must be for you all, and while we won't be able to make it to Kaponga tomorrow, we will be watching on the livestream. WIth love, Jo, Jarrett, Ruby & Sophia

To Veronica and family, Thinking of you all and sending our love and sympathy in your sad loss of Grant.

The mighty totara has fallen. Grant you will be sorely missed by this family. From camping and swimming at the lake, to hunting & fishing, boating, motorhome contiki's and socialising! Our Family, Your Family will always be entwined with these great memories and the rest that are yet to come. There will a huge gap missing,at our impromptu dinners. We will cherish all our times together, laugh at the stories and remember you fondly. Gone way too young and never forgotten. Love Paul, Michelle, Ethan & Anna, Max and Nate McLeod

Dear Veronica, Patrick, Michael and Emily, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Grant was such a wonderful personality to be around and I have so many great memories with you all. Sending you my condolences at this very sad time. Jo

"God Only Takes the BEST" All Our Heartfelt Condolences to Veronica, Patrick, Michael, Emillie, David and Leanne. And Extended Families. You have fought a long and hard battle Grant. You have been so strong and very proud to the end. We will hold Great and Fond memories of our lives together, being great neighbours, Friends, work colleagues as well as sharing the same schools and sports together. We have watched All our children grow up together and all become great friends. Your turn to Fly High and Fly Free now Grant. Rest In Peace. Love always Margaret, Anthony, Aj and Charlee, Katie and Sophie Kemp.

Dearest Veronica, Uncle David, Leanne and family We are deeply saddened that Grant lost his courageous battle and send you all our love and caring thoughts. Some of our best childhood memories are of visiting Aunty Suzanne and Uncle David at the Patea farm, especially when Grant was home. In later years, we were in awe—and often in terror of cousin Grant, like when we sat wide-eyed in the back seat of his old V8 Statesman (without seatbelts!). Rest in peace Grant. Lots of love from your younger cousins (Jimmy’s daughters) Kirsty, Vanessa, Janelle, Yvette and Karlene x

Veronica, I’m so sorry to hear that Grant has lost the fight. I know you have a million wonderful memories. With love Becca

Veronica & Family Thinking of you all at this sad time. Sending loads of love ❤️

A big personality and a kind heart. RIP Deepest condolences to Veronica, children and the wider families. With love Jane Frater (Wellington)

Backy, your smile, laugh, humour and down to earth nature will never be forgotten.You called a spade a spade. Cousin Leanne and I still laugh to this day about our Aussie trip all those years ago. Great memories. Deepest condolences to Veronica & family. . Rest In Paradise my friend x

Dear Veronica and family Our deepest sympathy to you all. Wonderful and caring man gone to soon. Thinking of you all at this time. Lots of love Jane and Skittrup family.

The Williams family will be forever grateful for the friendship, fun times and incredibly conscientious work ethic Grant gave during his time living with us and working on Shamrock farm (1984-85 season). He was much loved by us all. There are so many great memories of Grant fondly etched into our families' earlier years on the farm. Grant shared his great love of farming, all things rugby, adventures and hunting, with us. On his visits in later years the "top of the list" topic to chat about was his own adored family. He was so incredibly proud of you all. Veronica, Patrick, Michael, and Emilie, David, Leanne and family, and all of Grants beautiful caring Crowley families, you have our love, prayers and heartfelt sympathy reaching out to you all at this very sad time of Grant's untimely passing. He fought a huge battle and now it is over. Rest in peace now Grant. Nick and Sue Williams Whenuakura, Patea Natalie & Nick Tua (Wellington) Paul and Vicki Williams (Oakura) Rachael and Mark Duxbury (Bambury, UK)

Dearest Veronica and family, We send our sincerest condolences to you all on hearing this very sad news. May God give you strength within your family. With all of our love Bronwyn, Eddie and Family xx

We are so very sorry for your loss - We can not imagine the heartbreak and pain that you have all endured. Hold all of your wonderful memories in your hearts and he will always be walking beside you - We send you all our love and strength. Tony & Dani McQuay

Grant will be missed by so many, his contagious smile & laugh, generous nature and welcoming personality live on in Patrick,Michael and beautiful Emilie. He was so very proud of you all. Our thoughts go out to you at this sad time. Veronica my heart aches for you big hugs The Delehanty's

Dear Veronica & family So sorry to hear the passing of Grant, I will always remember fun times with Grant, great memories. Love Leanne Day

Dearest Veronica and family, we are so sad to hear of Grants passing. Our love and condolences to you all. Such a big loving hug to you Veronica. Cheryl and Pat Sole

Dear Veronica and family, I am so sorry to read of Grants passing. Sending you all much love as you negotiate this huge hurdle in life. Take Care Big hugs Anne Bryant xo

Dear Veronica, Patrick, Michael, Emilie and all your Family. We are very sorry to read that Grant has passed away at such a young age. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to you All. And especially to you Veronica. Be strong.

Dear Veronica, I'm so sorry to hear of Grant's passing. We lost touch when he sold the photo shop in Stratford but I have often thought of both of you when I've been back up to Taranaki for visits. I'd pass through Stratford and wonder where you were now. Please pass on my condolences on to David, Leanne and all your family. I'll remember Grant with a smile,and be thinking of you all. Gail Wallace ex Patea now in Blenheim

My thoughts are with you Veronica and family. Grant’s sense of humour and ability to laugh at lots of things in life meant he was always great company. Gone far too soon.

To Veronica, Emilie and family sorry to learn of Grant’s passing. May he rest in peace. Matt, Mary and Sarah Mulligan

Dear Veronica, so sorry to hear of Grant's passing. Condolences to you and all the family. Sending a big cuddle Veronica, thinking of you. Xx Love Karen Wansbrough ❤️

Dear David, Veronica and Family So very sorry to hear of Grant’s passing, my thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Much love Lorraine Maunsell

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to Veronica Patrick Michael and Emilie and extended family. May Grant 🙏 RIP. X Treasure the memories.

Dear Veronica and Family,We are so Sad to learn of Grants passing.We offer our Deepest Sympathy and love to you all at this Sad time.Rest in Peace Grant

Condolences to Veronica and family I only met Grant a few times but know he was a strong fighter Veronica big big hugs to you and you are in my thoughts xx Love Mike

David, Veronica and all of Grants family and friends At this time I am thinking of happy times, including babysitting the cute as Grant. As a schoolboy he would generously bring his toys out for my little boys while I visited his Mum for sewing guidance. As a family you will have a rich tapestry of memories also. But Grant did such a great job of weaving lasting impressions around those he played and worked with that his loss will be profound for many. It is nice to think of him reunited with Suzanne. RIP Grant