George was a true Mamaku gem, and I will always treasure my many memories of visiting and staying with my dear friend Sally at his and Nora’s welcoming home, and of course holidaying with the Hall family, and tucking into freshly-speared flounder at the beach. George was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and one of the hardest-working, stopping only to watch his beloved soccer matches on the tellie. He always had a genuine care for others, no matter their background. Just weeks before his death, and despite his own ill health, he took the time to phone my mum, Jan, to have a good chat about Mamaku, as they reminisced about their time there. Thanks, George, for your warmth, sincere kindness and for being a top bloke. Sorry I can’t attend the funeral as I live in the UK, but condolences to the family, and I’ll watch the service online XX

I’m really sad I can’t be there but I wanted to share a few words about my Grandad, who meant so much to me. On my birthday, just the day before he passed away, I got to talk to him on a video call. I told him I loved him, and in a way, that was my goodbye. He told me he was looking forward to seeing me in a few weeks’ time, and I was so excited for that too. It breaks my heart that I won’t get that chance, but I’m so grateful we had that moment together. Grandad was such a sweet soul. I loved hearing his stories about how he grew up, and even the little things about his day. He had such a happy-go-lucky outlook on life and showed so much kindness in everything he did. Some of my favourite memories as a child are of him reading us bedtime stories. I’d get so excited to choose the book he was going to read. It wasn’t just the stories themselves it was the way he gave us his time, his love, and his warmth. I’ll miss him so much, but I’ll always carry him with me. He was a light in our lives, and he always will be.

What a lovely, lovely man George was. I will always remember him and Nora standing in their driveway, ready with a tray of eggs when our family would routinely drop by after church on Sunday to collect our usual two dozen. My parents would stay and chat with George and Nora for ages on that driveway. I was often invited to remain and play with Alison, and so was introduced to the chook‑farm’s sawdust piles (endless fun) and to the art of egg collecting and cleaning. George was such a kind soul, always genuinely interested in others. Even when I met him later in life – sadly at funerals for our shrinking circle of old “Mamaku‑ites” – he would always be eager to talk, to enquire after people, with a memory as sharp as ever and conversation that stayed bright and positive. I’m deeply sorry to say that I must be in Auckland on the day of his funeral, but please know that my thoughts and heart will be with the family. I am very saddened that he has passed.

I was saddened to hear of George’s passing. Good innings though George! So many memories of wonderful times with the Halls at Port Waikato and at their Mamaku home. George sitting on the kitchen counter seemingly in constant conversation with someone. Making ‘Taties’, the enormous microwave oven, the soda stream, and daily Milo’s on the way home after school! You all showed such kindness and generousity toward me, and toward our family - in multiple ways. Thank you - I’m very grateful for that. I’d like to have joined with you in celebration of George’s life - unfortunately I will not be able to be present, but my thought is toward you Alison, Greg, Sally and Vicki…. And your own families. Much love to you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace”. Numbers 6:24-26 Ken Gilchrist