Dear June and family, What an absolute treasure You had with Ernie . He was a great friend to my Dad, Les Moratti and when we visited from Australia we loved to tease him about drinking Dads good whiskey . We will always remember Ernie with fondness, He sure was a great bloke . Regards Gail and Graham Turley

What a lovely service and celebration of Ernie's life. Thank you June for sharing Ernie with myself and the many others who loved him. I am so grateful I was able to come and say my goodbyes. He holds such a special place in my heart. I will forever remember the excitement I had every time I would arrive home from school and he was working in our garden. The stories he told, whether they were true or not haha, have added great character to my life and my personality. He really did know how to make a person feel special. I certainly feel special for having known and loved him. My love to you all as a new normal forms without him.

Colin Tapsell & Lorraine Rau- Also offer their deepest sympathies & Kindest Regards to;- June & the rest of Ernie`s family- gone but not forgotten. Ernie;- Hope you have a Famous Grouse, for me- when you catch up with Uncle Fred!!

To June & Family, I was saddened to hear today the loss of your beloved Ernie. We will remember him as a ray of sunshine, always so happy to meet you & with that trade mark wonderful smile on his face. Rest in peace Ernie you will be missed by the many people that had the pleasure to know you. Kind thoughts are with you. Jan Brett,Troy & Lane Harold

Words cannot say how much we are going to miss you our buddy/ Uncle. Just devastated and so sorry we cant be there to help our fellow team members give you the fantastic send off i know they will be giving you. Love You Heaps and big loves to our June - Alan-Paul and late Carol and family

Our deepest condolences to Aunty June, Alan and Paul ( and Carol ) you were dear friends of our parents Ray and Nola. We shared many great times together especially those early years growing up together, enjoying beach days, Athletics, Rugby, Netball and Basketball and staying on the farm. All fantastic memories of a caring lovely man We are unable to be at your service tomorrow but will get to see it via the video link. Much love Tony, Cheryl, Jane, Julie and Steve Laurent and our families.

Rest in peace Ernie. Love Dale and Charles.

Dear Aunty June, Alan and Paul (and Carol always in my heart) Thinking of you at this sad time. I saw you briefly a few months ago and although unwell Uncle Ernie smiled and chatted. He always made you feel special. I have lifelong memories of staying on your farm, our families together at the beach and Athletics . Rest in peace Uncle Ernie. I will tune in for your service From Brisbane.

So many great memories of you Ernie. One of my favourites was playing with you in my very first bowling tournament. I was very nervous but your sense of humour and walking arm and arm up the green soon eased my nerves..The most special memory was having you and your son visit the farm a few months ago. It was a pleasure to show you your old farm. Thinking of you June and family. Rest in love my friend. Colleen and Aaron Hodges

Condolences to June and the Family on losing a great man, husband, father and grandfather. I remember the day I met Ernie playing a bowls tournament at the lepperton bowling club 1st thing he said to me was when are you joining lepperton to play bowls I said I'm already playing for another club then he goes OK goes away and comes back with a application to join up and play at lepperton gave it to me and said just sign at the bottom and give back to me at the end of the day then a year later he saw my partner playing in the non bowler bowler tournament with me and won her over so I signed the bottom and gave it back to Ernie a year later. I am gonna miss seeing you at the bowling club and listen to you story's RIL Young fella.There is a Maori saying that goes Kua hinga te totara I te woa nui a Tane (The Totara has fallen in the forest of Tane) Good bowling up there with all the greats

Rest In Love my friend Mr Ernie Ward. I thank you so much for drowning me with your charm and passion for this game of bowls that I now love. I do chuckle every so often since the day you managed to get me to sign on the dotted line because I really can't believe I let you talk me into it. I still have my favourite shorts that were smoothered in wet paint when you painted the seats at the club and didnt tell anyone, I'm going to wear them on muftis days so I can tell everyone the story when they ask why I have paint covered shorts on. I am really going to miss your cheeky smile and warm hugs. All my love to you Mrs June Ward and family. He will have heaven rolling in no time.

Ernie has been sadly missed at the MenzShed. He enjoyed being involved in the activities that went down and was always looking for more to do to keep himself busy. Please accept our deepest sympathies June. Waitara MenzShed

Deepest sympathy on Ernie's passing. He was a kind man and always pleasant company. Sorry unable to join you on Thursday, but our thoughts are with you.

Dear June Please accept our deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Ernie. He was a such a friendly guy to meet up with Kind regards Rayleen & Ken McDonald

Dear June and family Deepest sympathy on the passing of Ernie. A life well lived. Sorry we will be unable to join you in the celebration of his life. May you be surrounded by memories of all your good times together. Kind regards Bruce and Jill Young.

Deepest sympathy to June and family