When Graham asked me to be his Best Man I was so surprised, and delighted to be asked. But really the "Best Man" was Graham. Funny, fun to be around, sometimes playing the clown, yet very intelligent and smart. I imagine he was a very good teacher. Patient and always keen to share his wisdom. Easy going and very into outdoor life, where he was so at home in New Zealand. I found a photo of the time he convinced me to try bodyboarding. I explained that I'm not a great swimmer. Nevertheless there I am, poured into a wetsuit, and heading out to sea on a board. He said it would be fun, and it was until the strong current took me out to sea so that the figures on the beach were just specks in the distance. Next stop Hawaii I thought. I somehow made it back to the beach and we laughed about it. Just one story of how his appetite for doing things outdoors was infectious. RIP Graham and enjoy the endless water sports under perfect skies wherever you are"

The Rotorua Boys´ High School community remember Graham with fondness. He was always a kind, thoughtful and hardworking colleague with a real passion . He was always willing to help out with anything anyone needed help with. He was always treasured colleague. Our thoughts go out to Graham´s family.

He aroha mutunga kore ki a koutou ko tō whānau Clare. Shocked beyond words, here whenever you need. Arohanutia xx Haley (Maitai), Hikairo, Rihan and Āniwa.

I first met Graham when myself, my twin Sarah and a friend joined the Lindfield venture scouts. Graham was already a member. That group was an amazing part of our growing up and we all formed a great friendship together which continued throughout our teens and beyond and we had many fun times and adventures. His great sense of humour was ever present. Graham is the most long standing friend from that group and even though moved to the other side of the world Facebook kept that connection there. It was great to catch up in person with Graham on his visits back to the UK. Graham, my friend will be greatly missed and I feel so sad he was suffering so much. Photo is of Graham and I in 1996 at one of out group get togethers - always fun. X

I’m so sad Graham is gone. Much love to his family during this time. Graham was the first person I met at Oxford Volleyball Club, 26 years ago. His kind cheerfulness always stood out and he always made an effort to get in touch when he visited the UK/Oxford. I loved the cheesy Christmas letters he used to write. May he rest in peace. (The photo was our last meet up in Oxford in 2022)

I couldn't have wanted for a better "best mate" Clever, funny, loyal, unselfish, the list goes on... So many scrapes, so many laughs So much more I want to say but I can't find the words right now... Please forgive me! So until our next pint of IPA together upstairs Rest in peace my dear friend Forever your best man Pete

As cousins we very rarely met mainly due to the distances that we lived apart , but when we last met was when we were at our furthest apart and we dropped in to port near you and spent a day together . It was great to see a very small part of your life in a snapshot of time .. and we only made it back to the boat with minutes to spare before it left port…RIP Cuz say hi to mum and dad

Graham so many fond memories of you and our time in Rotorua especially in the Pig and Whistle after you beat me at badminton! You were a true gentleman with a back catalogue of dad jokes and one liners! You will be missed. Sending love to Clare, Chloe and all friends and family xxx

Goodbye old friend. We may have lost your physical presence but will never lose the treasured memories. 20+ years since you joined the Hocking social badminton club, (how many Friday afternoon sessions did we squeeze in?). How many Saturday morning runs through Whakarewarewa forest as we prepared for all those half-marathons? (I still have on display the framed photograph of us completing the 2006 Taupo half-marathon, which you presented to me.) And, when my old bones showed wear and tear how easy it was for you to persuade me, we should segue into mountain biking through the forest. You created the Redwood Warriors chat group so, with Greg and Steve, we could always co-ordinate our Saturday morning routes. How many times would those rides culminate back at Thelma Place, me watching the start of the EPL highlights, while you prepared the cups of tea and your specialty, grated cheese and Branston pickles sandwiches accompanied by a bowl of chips. A wealth of fond memories. Sadly, yet another totara has fallen in the forest of Tane. Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane Dave Parry

A valued (former) colleague and friend who had a passion for teaching and especially in the sciences. A kind and generous teacher who was well liked by his colleagues and students. Rest in peace Graham.

Dear Graham, it was an honour to meet you and for you to share your light and skills with us. Although it was brief, it was lovely to know you - haere atu rā e hoa. Go well friend. Aroha tino nui, Ngawai xxx

It may have been a long time since we were playing volleyball together, but all those great memories and laughs come flooding back to me like it was yesterday. You were always the most upbeat, positive friend with that cheeky grin who brought a real sense of perspective to our oh so serious volleyball games….... often telling me to get that grumpy frown off my face and to cheer up … its only a game (you would say) and the bar will be open very soon! Often refusing to go to bed while we were on tour for fear of missing out …..and subsequently falling asleep mid-sentence, whilst still holding a full pint of Guinness …... but not spilling a single drop… now that takes real skill 😊 But most of all Graham, you were simply a genuine, all-round nice bloke. Gone far too soon …. Rest In Peace Richard

A all round nice chap. My favourite memory is of him leading the family group singing along to the Jungle Book movie at a cinema in Brighton. His jest for life and fun was infectious. Rest in peace my friend

So sorry to hear of Graham’s passing, he’ll be missed by everyone. Graham - you were a great bloke and one of a kind. The world has lost someone special.

So so sorry for the loss of this wonderful soul. My love and prayers to your family - I hope that one day happier memories will lift you up. I will always remember Graham dancing around the living room of my Sydney home and for all the great times on the volleyball court. Manaaki te atua. Joey x

I have known Graham for most of my life, a friendship formed in the scouting movement, and although our lives moved on to opposite sides of world we kept in touch, he and Claire even hosted us when we visited New Zealand. But whenever we met up there was always smiles, hugs and much banter. RIP Graham

To the family in New Zealand and those across the ocean, my heart aches for your loss. May you take comfort in the knowledge that he meant so much to so many. Love Natalie Matthews-Christieson