5 July 1970 – 7 September 2024
5 July 1970 – 7 September 2024
McKENZIE, Craig Alan:
Unexpectedly while out walking in nature on Saturday, 7 September 2024 aged 54. Loved husband of Ros. Proud Dad of Finn, and Allie. Son of Lex and the late Peter. Loved companion of the dynamic Labrador duo Max and Leo.
In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to KidsCan NZ.
Messages to the McKenzie Family may be left here on Craig’s tribute page.
A service to celebrate Craig’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Saturday, 14 September 2024 at 11am followed by a private cremation.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
I am very saddened to find out about Craig's death. I always admired him. He brought honestly and value to every interaction I had with him. His contribution to his chosen field was full of value. I will miss him and his many personal qualities. My condolences to his family and work colleagues Steve Harvey
I have only just learned of Craig's passing and am shocked and very saddened to hear this. I knew Craig through work, having attended many Compass seminars and workshops over the years. I admired and valued the work he did - it was always of such an excellent standard. Craig was always very helpful and willing to accommodate my requests for workshops on specific topics and to work with me to bring workshops to the health and social service providers in small towns. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and to his work colleagues. He will be so sadly missed by so many people. Sincerely, Annette
I know its been a short time since Craigs passing but was just now,checking Compass seminars for early 2025 and just found out.I am shocked and very saddened to hear this and I only knew/know Graig through compass but this is stretching out 20 years and we would always have a good catch up and shared some good chat(I was one of his recidivist attendees,he would joke).He always came across as this happy ,very capable man who loved what he was doing and those around him I will miss your friendly face at the future events Graig but your legacy lives on in your family and your work. All my thoughts and warm wishes to those close to you and you indeed touched a lot of people's lives.
I remember that blonde curly haired young man who caught Ros's eye and heart and it is with great sadness that I learnt of his sudden passing. What a life he has lived! A life of love and kindness that now becomes his legacy. Ros, Finn and Allie, my thoughts and prayers are with you all as you continue to live your lives from the foundation that this amazing man has laid for you. Arohanui Richelle x
I am so sad to hear of your premature passing Craig. It has been a privilege to reconnect with you and Ros again in recent years, and all the tributes spoken at your funeral echo the Craig I knew - kind, supportive, energetic, sporty, funny and all-round good guy. I can't begin to imagine how hard it is for you Ros and for the gorgeous and talented Finn and Allie. Craig has left a great legacy in the love you all share for him, along with the impact he has had in the field of health and wellbeing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the wider whānau as you navigate this unexpected leg of life's journey. Arohanui xx
Oh my gosh, I was devastated to hear of Craig's passing. What a beautiful human being! Although I only knew him in a professional capacity, one only had to talk to him for a few minutes to know his passion for people. Once, when we had a flight canceled, he offered us a ride from New Plymouth to Auckland. He was a fine example of who we should all be in life, and I am sure he will be a huge loss to his family, his colleagues, and all the people who were privileged to be part of his heart. My thoughts are with you all.
Tena koe Roz, Finn & Allie My condolences to you all for this tragic loss in your lives. I have only become aware of this and am shocked by this news. I know Craig leaves a big gap in your lives as well as in the wider [training] community. I pray the comfort of whanau, friends and our heavenly father to keep you and hold you at this time. RIP Craig Arohanui Tosca
I am so shocked to hear this news. Craig was a very vital and lively member of the student and Christian community in Palmerston North, and his vivacity and sharp analysis filled people with delight and respect. I grieve for Ros and the family. My very, very deep sympathy. Peter
I'm currently livestreaming to the DDP Worldwide Conference and was absolutely shocked when I heard Kim Golding remembering and honouring Craig in her opening address for all he did bringing DDP to NZ. This has been such a huge part of my journey and I have Craig to thank for all the opportunities this has given me. It was always a pleasure to come to New Plymouth and to get to know you too Roz. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and send so much love to you and your family. Craig has left a legacy behind him that will never be forgotten by so many people. He did such important mahi and always had such great energy, passion and enthusiasm. It feels so surreal so I can't even imagine what you're going through but I know Craig will always be with you and his spirit will live on in so many ways. Arohanui
To Ros and kids. I am so sad to hear of Craigs passing,my heart is sore for you. Craig was such a vibrant, lovely guy. He certainly made a huge impact on whoever he came across. Love Sue (rubyblu)
My thoughts go out to Blair and the Mckenzie family. My sister Shelley and I grew up with Craig at Everett Road Christian camps, youth groups and YFC in the 80s. Craig will be so missed he was always cheerful and helpful I last saw Craig enjoying a band at the Tsb showplace. Gone too soon. Warm regards, From Megan and Shelley Coradine
Dear ROS, FINN, and ALLIE, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Craig. It has been a huge shock to all who knew him. We were just talking to him on the phone previous night. We remember him as a dedicated family person, an All Round Top Guy, taken far too early in life. Our thoughts are with you all. Love, Rod & Nancy
Dear Ros, Finn and Allie We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Craig, he will be very sadly missed by everyone whose lives he touched. Thoughts to you all. RIP Craig.
Dear Ros Our hearts go out to you Finn and Allie. Sending our prayers and care as you all navigate the enormity of losing your precious and delightful Craig. His enthusiasm for life was irrepressible. Love to you in these coming days. Jane and Digby
I met Craig as a teenager at YFC in the early 1980’s in New Plymouth. We then connected again through both being Registered Social Workers via his training business Compass when he came to run a course in Tauranga. It was so great to see him after so many years. Such an outstanding human, he had a smile that could light up a room, and a passion for his profession. Such a loss. My sincere thoughts go out to his family.
To Rosalind, Finn, Allie. We are so sorry for your loss. Craig was a pleasure to be around from his funny stories, Netflix chat, fishing chat and more. He was so knowledgeable and inspiring. I am grateful for the time we got to spend with him. Georgia Patterson & Pattersons Team xx
Much love to Finn and family on the very sad loss of your Dad xx I worked with Finn and he will be a great social worker. Much love Wendy
To Finn, Ros, and Allie, Craig was an awesome man who always looked after me and the rest of Finns mates whenever we took over your house after high school. I’ll always appreciate him and Ros for giving me one of my first jobs - and for you all welcoming us into your home over all those weekends (not easy with so many teenage boys) One of my fondest memories of us all was the big Parents vs Kids paintball match we all got involved in, and how he always had a joke to share every time he saw us guys. My deepest condolences to you all.
Ros, Finn and Allie We are all thinking of you and sending out love and biggest hugs. We all remember Craig so fondly and know how much his family meant to him. If there is any way in which we can support you all, please reach out, we are all here for you all. All our love, Kim, Kylie, Heather, Demi, Courtenay, Georgia Xxxxxx
Dear Ros, Finn & Allie and all of Craig's extended family. My heart is with you all as you process this unexpected sadness in your lives. I will sincerely miss my annual trips to NZ to work with Craig when we spent many wonderful hours chatting - mostly about his much-loved family and the dogs! He will be so very missed. With love, Judith Howard
So very sad to hear of Craig’s passing. You will surely be missed. My deepest condolences to you Ros, Finn & Allie.
Eighteen years ago you marched into the studio with a smile and cheery banter. I can't ever recall you not sharing your time with others and having a good time whilst working out. You are one of life's good guys Craig and you will be missed.
Having just moved back to New Plymouth I was looking forward to reconnecting with you Craig! I'm so stunned & crushed. I will always remember your laughter and smile. You were one of those positive people I always enjoy being around. I think we were second cousins; my late Mum & your late father being related. My thoughts and prayers are with your whanau.
Craig was one of life's very special people, and I will always treasure the memories of so many happy times with him at Massey University. His enthusiasm for life and huge sense of fun were never far from the surface then, and stayed with him. My heart goes out to you Ros, Finn and Allie. Craig will never be forgotten.
To Ros and the McKenzie family. Please accept our deepest condolences on Craigs passing. Craig was a regular with the Saturday early morning boys and we thoroughly enjoyed his companionship and friendship as he added to the banter which allowed us to have a great time in each other's company. We will miss him.
Some people come into your life that you never forget. Craig was one of those people. Just a genuinely good guy with warmth, enthusiasm and charisma. Really sorry to hear of his passing and I know he will be greatly missed by so many. All my love to Ros and family. Jane Lineham
Ros, Finn and Allie, we were so shocked to hear of Craig's passing. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. He made such a contribution to mental wellbeing in Taranaki. Matthew and Zoe Manderson
I am so sad to see this, Ros and Craig you opened your arms with your aroha and connection when we moved to New Plymouth. My heart is with you all and your beautiful family at this unfair time. Arohanui x Jess Patrick
Ros, Finn and Allie. We are very sorry to hear of Craig's passing. Our deepest and sincere condolences. I have fond memories of working with you both in the early days of Compass. Andrea & Brent Fraser & family.
I’m so very sorry to hear that Craig has passed away. Like Jan, I also worked with Craig and will never forget his dedication and courage in the face of immense challenges in some of the work he did. My very best wishes to Roz, Finn and Allie. Your dad was one of life’s good people who will be very dearly missed. Take care, Paula.
I worked with Craig many years ago at CYFS. He was one of the bravest social workers and ethically based people I had met. Be proud beyond words. Such a loss. Ngāmihi nui te whanau pani.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

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