So sorry to learn of Walter’s passing but a privilege to be able to join the livestream for the celebration of his life. And what a great life he lived as a follower of Jesus. Wally was always a champion in whatever he did. I have many fond memories of our days together as members at Balmoral Baptist Church where we belonged to an amazing youth group and sang in the church choir. One year he and I travelled to Christchurch to attend a Baptist Youth Conference. Wally and I were leaders in the 4th Auckland Boys Brigade and we had many adventures especially taking the boys to Battalion Summer Camps at Ohakune and the Bay of Islands. And of course we ran together with Baptist Harriers for a while until I left to play hockey with the Baptist Hockey Team. Condolences to Elaine and the family. PS – I wonder if there is competitive sports in Heaven!!!

One story about Uncle Walter has stuck in my mind since it happened around 40 years ago. It was before we went to Papua New Guinea so am guessing I was 10-13. Our family was all at your place for a big occasion and at some point in the day we walked over and played soccer on a field nearby (school?). Walter was being his usual competitive self (as mentioned by almost everyone speaking today), running hard and trying to score as much as possible. In the later stages of the game he pulled a muscle and was hobbling around. I thought he should/would stop playing but no, he kept running as hard as possible trying to win just with longer pauses in between to rest and stretch a bit 😆

Dear Elaine, What a blessing it was to watch the zooming of Walter’s funeral. Each child, Grandchild and yourself Elaine made lovely contributions that confirmed what a beautiful follower of Jesus Walter was. Always he was faithful and obedient in his discipleship even when it came to learning Chinese language in his “retirement”. Few would tackle that. It has always been a joy to catch up with Walter however many years have passed in the more than 50 years since Bible College days where we met God’s choice of partner for our lives. May God give you the strength and grace needed in your mourning. “ Eye has not seen, nor eye heard, neither has it entered into the heart of Man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Cor 2:9 Love from Pam and Alan Utting.

Walter -it has been our privilege and joy to do life with you and Elaine over our years together in Tauranga. I have fond members of hearing that you and Elaine were to join our homegroup and I was in awe knowing you both had done a YWAM DTS at a mature age . And then to hear you both had gone as Missionaries to China … my jaw dropped . Walter displayed a gentle ,quiet nature with a smile that lit up his whole face . He was a man of few words but when he did speak ,his words were gold . I smile as I fondly remember his enthusiasm when helping build a fence with his neighbour and his pure joy and delight in playing pétanque . Thank you Elaine and family for sharing Walter’s funeral and celebration of his life through live streaming . We have been enriched by knowing Walter in the small way we did but hearing your eulogies and words from your hearts has enlarged our love for him… a son ,brother ,husband ,father ,grandad ,friend and above all else … a true reflection of Our Fathers servant hearted love in action .

A wonderful man who was loyal to Jesus and his family. I had the privilege of meeting Walter a number of times through the Baileys. His legacy of living Christian values is very visible through his children. Go well good and faithful servant. Love & blessings Jason , Sou ,Max & Grace Montgomery ❤️❤️

To the extended Dixon whanau, our condolences and love at this hard time. Walter’s life has been translated from this realm into the next - more alive than ever before. Love to you all.

Walter was the first person I knew who was a Baptist Harrier. I don’t know whether he did the Auckland-Wellington road race, but a Peter Bromhead cartoon stored in the National Library has this description “A motorist is trying to pass seven runners at night. The last one holds a sign '14 sore feet to pass'.” When I read the funeral notice with “You have finished the race, you have kept the faith", I thought about how it was second nature for Walter to embrace this aspect of Christian faith, and how he had done it unerringly, cheerfully and energetically through all the years I have known him. It was hardly surprising to learn that when he and Elaine decided to up sticks and join YWAM’s China mission, he settled in well with language studies and friendships through his love of running. More recently at their new home, he has been able to pursue his outdoor pursuits and always looked fit and healthy. For Walter, the race has not been in vain, his struggles are over.

My heart is full of memories of this man since he shifted to Levin nearly 40 years ago. From watching him read the Bible with his family around the dinner table each evening to the raucous games of canasta we played in the late evenings and the kids played spotlight outside. Hearing this humble and gentle man pray with his undoubting faith in God, brought strength and safety into the room and hearts. He opened his home to me and my babies. He’d come in from the office and pick up a baby and find a bottle to feed them. We now live in this home surrounded and filled with the years of prayers and continual praise in the goodness of God. Walter- your love, your laughter, your integrity and your unwavering faith in God - left an indelible mark on many, many lives

One of the wonderful things about being brought up in a Christian home is the wonderful friendships that are formed in church. I was blessed to know your eldest Amanda, and through our close friendship, it meant I spent half my weekends at your place, when she wasn’t at mine. I was utterly surrounded by faith filled Christian values, that were role modelled to me inside and outside the home. Which has played a major part of laying the foundations of my faith today, and has had a flow on effect to my children. Thankyou so much for being another father of the faith in my life at such a crucial time. You and your beautiful family blessed me, in ways I am eternally grateful for. Well done, good and faithful servant!!! Petrina xxx

Walter was a stalwart brother, there when I needed help with my maths homework, a great example in rugby playing, and exemplary model of the Christian faith. Walter led the way for me in many ways, from attending the Bible College of New Zealand, and leading in our Balmoral Baptist youth group, to marrying well to a committed Christian bride. All through our marriages we have kept in touch and watched the Christian journeys of our respective children. Walter I'm going to miss your wisdom, humour and committed faith. God go with you. I look forward to catching up with you when my time comes. As you said to me last Wednesday; "I love you", back at you; "I love you too!". Kid brother Grant.