It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the passing of Neil Lancelot Garner on Friday, December 20, 2024, following a brief yet challenging decline in health earlier this year. Despite the rapid loss of mobility and unforeseen liver failure, Dad remained sharp and alert until his final week, when his condition worsened. He passed away peacefully at Amberlea Rest Home in his beloved Algies Bay, a place filled with cherished memories.

Neil was the much-loved father of Steven, Graeme, Chris, Debra, Linda, and Michael (who passed away in 1986), a treasured Pa to 14 grandchildren, and a proud great-granddad to two. He was a devoted long-time partner to Joyce, Pa to her children Bronwyn and Deborah and also Pa to their partners and families - including another 3 much loved grandchildren. Neil was also a beloved brother to Elaine and the late David, a lifelong friend to Doreen, and an uncle to five. A gentleman with a playful side, he was a respected friend and will be remembered as great company and companion to many.

Active and sociable throughout his life, Neil found joy in fishing, bowling, writing, and serving his community through Club and community involvement including Mahurangi East Bowls, Citizens Advice and hospice work. His legacy of kindness, wit, and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In his final months, despite some challenges including those of his illness, there was a profound opportunity for reconnection and reflection. Many hours were spent reminiscing about his early life in the North and at Mt Maunganui, and memorably from our family perspective in and around Algies, Snells, Warkworth and the Rodney area. The visits and outpouring of messages he received during this time speaks to the remarkable man he was, and the life he enjoyed. Though it was heartbreaking to witness his struggles, he faced them with courage and was deeply appreciative of the support received from family and close friends.

Fishing trips will never be the same without Dad at the back of the boat, watching the longline come in and sharing his advice and always looking for the fish on the next hook. (of which there were only ever 25 of course). We’ll miss his guidance on gardening, cooking his signature dishes, smoking salmon, proofreading, or simply catching up for a chat. Sunday evening phone calls, newspapers, talkback radio, and the small rituals of everyday life will forever remind us of him.

Rest in peace, Dad. Thank you for everything. We will miss you deeply.

Dad was a gifted speaker, writer, and poet. While he didn’t write the following poem, we feel it reflects his spirit beautifully:

Weep Not for Me (Author unknown)

Weep not for me though I have gone

Into that gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul’s sweet flight

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest

There is no need for tears

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years

There is no pain, I suffer not

The fear is now all gone

Put now these things out of your thoughts

In your memory, I live on

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death

But celebrate my life

A celebration of Neil's life was held at the Warkworth RSA Clubrooms on Saturday 11th January, 2025 at 2:00pm.