Mr Graham Leslie Gillies

25 November 19614 September 2024

Notice by Legacy Funerals

Funeral service held at Legacy Tauranga

Tributes

So sad you have passed away Graham. I learned a lot sitting next to you in my early IBM years. I will always have the deepest respect for you. My condolences to Graham’s family and loved ones.

Prash Pandya

I was heartbroken to hear of the Grahams passing today. Like many IBMers, I was also fortunate to have worked with Graham in the last few years and enjoyed his deep technical knowledge, sense of humor and overall wonderful attitude. He will be greatly missed! My sincerest condolences to Grahams family and friends.

John Mullin

My deepest condolences to Graham's family. I was fortunate to work with Graham for a few years and always enjoyed our interactions and talks about many topics outside of work. Until we meet again, RIP

Jeff

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Graham’s passing. He worked with me at IBM in the UK in the mid to late 1990’s but I consider him a friend rather than a work colleague. My condolences to his family. RIP Graham

Neil Hawkins

While like many others, I worked with Graham over many years at iBM in Kyndryl in a variety of IT areas, my best memories are of a group trip to South Africa. In 2001, another colleague, who is a native South African, asked who wants to tour his country. Seven hands went up, including Graham's. I look back on those three weeks as one of the best vacations of my life. Our group bonded immediately, and every day was another chance to have fun. Graham and I were the designated photograph "cullers," as even back then, everyone took far more pictures than were necessary to capture the experience, so we were in charge of going through the day's take and objectively deleting all but the best. With a beer and a cigarette, Graham was a relentless judge of quality and the resulting album is still being enjoyed in our household. From helicopters at the Escarpment, to elephants at sundowners, to Table Mountain, to the Cape of Good Hope and to Stellenbosch, we laughed, drank wine and saw a beautiful country. RIP, GG.

Peggy Bovaird

I was deeply saddened to learn of Graham's passing. During the time we worked together, I was always struck by his remarkable work ethic and his genuine willingness to help those around him, especially those who were less knowledgeable. He had a unique way of sharing his expertise with patience and grace, always lifting others up. Graham wasn’t just a dedicated professional—he was a kind-hearted person who made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him. His generosity of spirit and commitment to others will be remembered fondly. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Domenick Fusca

Working with Graham was always an interesting experience - he had so much insights to share and a unique way of seeing through the challenges. He equally enjoyed a beer at the end of the day. So happy for him when he returned back to NZ to live. Very sad news to hear of his passing, my sincere condolences to his family.

Christine Butler

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Graham at IBM and Kyndryl. Very shortly after meeting him, a few things were immediately clear; Graham was someone who was always happy to approach challenges without fear, took his passions seriously, and treated his teammates as friends, with some truly genuine and fun conversations to boot. - My condolences to Graham's family in this difficult time, he will be greatly missed.

Christopher

I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Graham for over 25 years. Graham and I worked very closely together at IBM and at Kyndryl, and he was one of the smartest and most genuine people I have ever known. Graham always had brilliant ideas to share and never shied away from a challenge. I learned so much from Graham, not only about technology, but about brewing beer and being a good person. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye as he was take from us to soon and he will be dearly missed. Here's to your memory, Graham. Cheers.

Dave Archuleta

I was lucky enough to work with Graham for many years at IBM. Always happy, always helpful and always dependable. A truly wonderful person. I was also fortunate enough to be able to sample several of his brews over the years. I'll have a beer for you tonight my friend. Graham, I'm grateful to have been able to share part of your life - you will be missed

Andrew Maclatchy

Thankful our paths have crossed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this most difficult time. We had many laughs during our team meetings across many time zones. Graham was able to make a challenge easier to endure.

Darren

Tokoroa. For those of us who lived there just saying the word brings back so many stories, life lessons a lot of them. Graham was a school friend - East School, Forest View High. Graham was one of the brainy ones, the one with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, the one to lead you astray but would also take you back to the right path. Most of the time. Last time I met up with Graham was the last Forest View High school reunion, we shared an ale, talked the talk and we danced. Yep danced! My love and condolences to his family and many other friends. Robyn , Noravile, NSW

Robyn Ashworth

Joining a new team at work is always an interesting time. Graham made it easy and was a friend from early days in my new team. He was always available for a chat, despite the distance. Graham and I would talk most Monday mornings. It was a good time, before our international colleagues started their week. Monday was also beer brewing day for Graham, I seemed to time it just right so the boiling was done and we could talk about the style of the week. When I did manage a trip to Sydney, we would meet near the office. He did not want to surprise people by meeting in the office, but a nearby pub was a good meeting place. After Graham moved back to New Zealand, the Monday calls still happened, but the beer brew was at a different stage. I was lucky to visit Graham in June before he passed. Despite his condition, Graham was up beat, welcoming and the happy guy we all knew. I already miss the calls and friendship. I am sure you are making friend’s and catching up with those who went before you.

Andrew Bernoth

Graham was so much more than just a colleague or leader—he was a true guide, a mentor, and an inspiration to everyone around him. His ability to see the unique potential in each of us and lead with such compassion, wisdom, and heart was unparalleled. He didn’t just lead us; he believed in us, encouraged us, and stood by us in ways that made a lasting impact. His support shaped not only our professional lives but also touched our personal journeys. It’s hard to imagine a world without you Graham, and your absence leaves a void that cannot ever be filled. We will always remember the kindness and insight you brought to every interaction, and we will strive to carry forward the lessons you imparted. Thank you for everything you were and everything you helped us become. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of care and leadership will remain with us always. You will always be in our hearts, in our precious memories forever

Rita Dey

A friend, work colleague, bloody good person and pretty handy with his brewing endeavours, unfortunately something I was never able to sample. He was always willing to help and give people kicks in the rear to encourage them when needed, myself included. You will be greatly missed Hamish

Hamish

Graham was a delight to be around at work and play. Always had a cheerful smile no matter what the circumstances. He had a unique way of seeing across the challenges ahead and always ready to jump in and getting things sorted. He loved his beer and NZ. A sad day for all of us Peet Kerjan

Peet Kerjan

My deepest condolences to Graham's family. Graham was a great person and a source of knowledge to many of us. I'm glad we got to work together again, after many years. He will be greatly missed. Rest easy, friend.

Deb

I had the pleasure of working with Graham for many years at IBM. He was a trusted expert and often a beacon leading us to success on many a project in our data centers. I was also a member of the Fun Club. And I’m lucky enough to have several pictures of Fun Club excursions to bring a smile to my face with fond memories. Graham holding our purses at the bar, Graham copying our modeling poses at top of Marina Bay Sands, me spilling beer as he tried to teach me how to pour a proper beer from his home tap setup. Good times! Great man!! He will be missed

Shannon Kurtz

Graham was a great friend and mentor. I will miss our talks and joking around. I was honored to be your friend! Blessings and comfort to ask family and friends.

Bill

Such sad news. I have been reminiscing on the times that I spent with Graham. We worked hard and partied hard. There were so many laughs, great chats and good times. We even made the “Fun Club” which had “exclusive” membership. My heartfelt sympathy to Graham’s family and friends xx

Lee Collard

Graham was a colleague with sincere outlook to life. With utmost sadness I pay my respect for this loss to the family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Karim Virani

With deepest sadness, I lost a dear friend and mentor who is forever be remembered for his intelligent, kindness, respectable and generosity. The world is truly a darker place without Graham. Rest in Peace and keep the beer flowing up there!

Bung Chung

Unfortunately I’m not going to be able to attend Graham’s service as I’m out of the country. Sending love and support to Graham’s family and friends; he is fondly remembered. I enjoyed spending time with Graham throughout our school and adult years, as well as over the past few months in Tauranga. I caught up with him recently and he was in good spirits. Shared a brew 🍻🍺. You will be missed Graham. A life taken too soon ❤️.

Lynda McCalman
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