Richard and Heather the king and Queen Have left the earthly world where they’ve always been In uncharted territory to somewhere remote One thing for sure they’ll still have a boat Their boat was their downfall when crossing the bar Something they’ve done so many times afar We mustn’t dwell on what could have been A day on the water was what set the scene Now its time to celebrate Richard and Heather’s lives’ From Marriage to a family it all became alive They saw their family grow up and grandchildren appear A generation for the kings’ takes fewer years Richard always said he wasn’t ready for his wooden overcoat He wasn’t going to jump the que but got foiled by the boat Time celebrate two lives that lived so full We’ll miss you Richard and Heather you were so cool

Thank you for all the lovely memories shared in paying tribute to my Uncle Richard and Aunty Heather. I am grateful for the wonderful times I shared with them. Our sailing adventures and time spent with them both on the farm. Thank you for enriching my life with your joy and generosity. I will always cherish those memories. My sincere condolences to my cousins, family and extended relatives. Love, Michael

I remember Richard from my time in brydone I left not long after Richard and Heather left. They had the perfect view of everyone's place new what we were all up to and always there for q helping hand if needed. Very knowledgeable couple and such a power couple at that if one of them had a issue the other would back them no matter what weather the other was wrong or not they were side by side. To this day I think of them and the look Richard gave Heather was completely and utter love that was true love there.

Richard and Heather have always been a part of the McHardy family, from the time we had the farm in Oamaru to Dads last days in Timaru.Mum would always remind Heather how naughty she was when she was a child Dad and Richard would talk about politics and everthing else under the sun over a bottle of Irish whiskey. As I was unable to attend the service please except my deepest sympathy on the loss of Richard and Heather, a lovely generous couple soulmates for ever

A lovely service, great to be able to share with you all. They will be greatly missed

Richard & Heather, Thank you for generously hosting us at your house in the "Riviera of the South". We ate, laughed and we enjoyed your stories. Richard, your love of family and "Lindy" was a joy to experience. Your professed adoration of Heather was so sweet. It is rare to witness such a committed husband, father and grandfather. Heather, your kind heart and spirit showed us what a truly special person you are. We loved seeing your special bond with your girls and grandies, and your rescued kitty. Our hearts break for your family's loss, Kia Kaha to them all. Rest in peace together. With Love, Alex & Miranda Wheatley

Hello, my name is Carolyn Bailey from Winton, I am not attending the funeral of my old friends on Tuesday due to mobility problems, but all the family will be watching the livestream. TRIBUTE My family and I first met Richard and Heather when we moved onto the farm next door to them at Motumahoho (near Morrinsville) in 1985. We soon became firm friends, often helping each other out at those times like docking, when an extra hand was appreciated. They eventually moved to Cambridge where they established a factory where they made woollen underlays, then bought a large farm at Pukeatua between Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. We wanted a small acreage, and they told us there was one in Pukeatua. We bought it, and continued our friendship, 10 odd years went by, and both families both moved back to Southland. We will all miss Heather and Richard greatly. We will remember the fun times we shared with them, such as Helping handle their feisty Piedmontese cattle – Oh those rope burns! Helping with veterinary procedures such as embryo transplants and AI (ai) Richards humour Jovial games of 500 with them Hunting opossums in the driveway trees at night with their possum mad dog “Chloe” Richards venison patties Heather superb seafood chowder My son, Michael, then aged 8 experienced his 1st trip away from home without Mum or Dad with Richard as he drove his trusty old Toyota from Pukeatua to Brydone and back. He had a ball!! Heather and Richard were the most warm and outgoing, lovable people. Farewell dear friends. We are proud to have known you. Carolyn, Michael, Archie and Megan Bailey

My loving thoughts are with you all today as you attend Heather and Richard's funeral. The news of their unfortunate accident is still shocking all of us State side and no doubt will for a long time yet. The one thing I keep thinking about is that they were out doing what they loved together. My deepest sympathy to the whole family. They will be sorely missed.

I am in complete shook of this terrible news. I remember when the kings moved to brydone when I was a lot younger I must of been heading into my high school years when I first meet Richard and Heather. They were always good to me and always said hello and had great catch ups with them when I could as I got older..I do remember when they brought the place at brydone and converted if from sheep to dairy me thinking that is just a waste to good sheep country but they made it work then all of a sudden the sold and moved and that property got converted back to sheep but they were running dairy sheep on the place and used the dairy shed Richard build and mandid that shed know what to do it was in amazing nic. Anyway that farm at brydone is still doing the dairy sheep but I always think of Richard and Heather every time I go past it Juanita

To all the families please accept my deepest sympathy in a tragic loss of your loved ones. Trish Murray

To Linda, Shirley, Barbara and families. Mum and I are truly devastated as we reflect on the cruel loss of your parents. JD, mum, John Jnr and I had countless hours of fun with Richard and Heather on their Waikato farm. All those memories were made last century and yet it feels like those duck shooting expeditions were just last week. It seems like only yesterday I was pretending to enjoy Heather’s muttonbird stew. I was always in awe of the laughter and stories being told at their dinner table. I especially remember Rich, as a jolly raconteur who shared amazing life advice and observations. Just days before reading the news of this tragic accident I was sharing my own stories with mum, of my recent family holiday in Japan. She immediately reflected on Richard’s love of Japan and mentioned that she couldn’t wait to share with the Kings that I’d just had a wonderful time there… My goodness, your parents were such good-sorts and tremendous life-long friends to mine. They checked in on my mum regularly after dad died….. Cush and I want you to know how special they were to us and the tremendous hole we feel in our hearts. Your loss is unfathomable. We send you all our love ❤️ Kath and Cushla Dunn

Heather and Richard were two of the most giving wonderful people we have had in our lives. The effort they made to take us out to Doubtful Sound gave us some of the best memories of our lives. As wonderful as the fishing and scenery was, it was really the time we got to spend with them that made it special. Our hearts broke at the news of their accident. They were a remarkable couple whose love and dedication to each other was inspiring to everyone who met them. Sending our love to everyone in New Zealand. Suzannah Sharp and Zachary Zundel (Niece)

Condolences to Heather and Richard’s families. I also attended James Hargest and often biked up Racecourse Road with the Kings. Alan, Mary and Bev my thoughts are with you through this difficult and tragic time. Shirley Pankhurst

Heather and Richard were two of the most giving wonderful people in our lives. The effort they made to take us out to Doubtful Sound gave us some of the best memories of our lives. As wonderful as the fishing and scenery was, it was really the time we got to spend with them that made it special. Our hearts broke at the news of their accident. They were a remarkable couple whose love and dedication to each other was inspiring to everyone who met them. Sending our love to everyone in New Zealand.

Sincere sympathy for your tragic loss of Heather and Richard to all the family. As sailing friends in Trailer yachts on the Hauraki Gulf for many years. Many happy memories of those days. June and Bob

To the extended family of Heather please except my sincere condolences, we had many a good laugh on the golf course from Riversdale to Riverton over the years. Keep your memorise close to your hearts as they will help in the days to come

Went to Hargest where I met the King brothers, Alan and Richard. This is a special message to Al and Bev, friends since that day. Sympathy message to you and all the family.

It was with great shock to hear of this very tragic boating accident on the bar at the entrance to the Riverton harbour and so on behalf of my mother Kathleen Mennell, Richard's aunty, and myself we offer our most sincere condolences to all of the many family members of Richard and Heather. May all the of the many happy times you all shared together help give you all comfort, strength and understanding at this immensely sad time. Respectfully Peter Mennell

Linda,Shirley,Barbara and extended families. With great sadness we heard the news of your Mum and Dads passing. We remember with great fondness the many times we spent with them at Waikouro, Riversdale, and Riverton. Hold on to your memories and take care.

The firm is very saddened on the passing of two great clients and friends. We have fond memories of Richard and Heather and will miss the stories and wise words from Richard on the phone and when coming in for meetings. They were a passionate couple that gave so much to the business and local communities and will be sadly missed. Expressing our heartfelt sympathy to Richard and Heather's family, from James Harvey & team at McCulloch + Partners.

I met Richard and Heather, Allan and Bev as school mates at James Hargest High School in 1959. There were 180 students at this new co-Ed school in Layard Street. It was almost countryside. I remember Richard as a friendly, reasonably intense, intelligent person. I’m going back 65 years so my memory might not be as sharp as it used to be. Richard was a second year student that year I remember Heather Bell as quite athletic. Heather may have been in some of my classes Allan was in my starting class 3AL but I dropped Latin at the first exam. Allan was one of the stand out “kids” in an outstanding class of smart students. Bev came to us from a school up north in her other school uniform which had a green blazer and she joined the class I was in I sold clothed door to door and met Richard on a farm out Riverton way, years ago. He had a bus that he was going to turn into a Campervan I have lost track with them all since I left Invercargill over 35 years ago. They were good people, community minded and to their families I extend my sympathy. They are missed but will remain forever in my memories as long as I have a memory Blessings to you all in this terrible time of sadness Love David Bews NSW Australia

We met Heather and Richard on a small ship cruise in Alaska in 2009. We were delighted when Heather invited us to visit them in New Zealand, which we did in February 2011. They not only opened their home to us, but also took us to visit many places around Riversdale and Gore, and to Doubtful Sound. Their kindness to us will never be forgotten. We were devastated to learn of this sudden tragedy, and mourn their passing. However, we take solace in having been privileged to know Heather and Richard,, and treasure the memories made with our Kiwi friends. Carol and Larry O'Melia - Ohio - USA

I have many fond memories of my Uncle Richard and Aunty Heather. In particular the great day out at the Riverton Races we shared. I always enjoyed visiting them. I am deeply saddened to not be present at their funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with all my cousins and their families. Love Sharon

Sending love to all the Family. We meet Richard And Heather in 1964 in Wellington and become good friends. We both had young children and would have so much fun together. We all moved to Invercargill and then onto Dunedin ...My Husband Grant and I think Richard both worked for AMP Insurance. The world has taken two precious humans and my heart is broken for you all. I'm in a resthome and can't make the funeral but hope to catch in online. All my Love LOIS XX

Our deepest sympathies to all the families at this extremely difficult time. Sending much love to the king family. Thinking of you all Rebecca and wazza old owners of colac bay tavern.

To the family of Richard and Heather, I would like to extend our sympathies and condolences to you all,, on behalf of Richard’s cousins. Hylma, Elaine, Jade, Neil, Stephanie and David. We all have memories of the kindness shown to our mother Catherine, and our family. I personally remember the conversations with Richard and Heather who made us feel very welcome. Now is the time to comfort one another we extend our love to you all. Neil and Helen King

To all the families, please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Sandra McKenzie Otautau

To all the Families please accept our deepest sympathy in your tragic loss. Treasure all your times spent together.