I am deeply saddened to learn of Leighton’s passing, so sudden and at such a young age. I will always remember his vibrant passion for life and his infectious energy for fun. He consistently demonstrated kindness and patience towards both students and colleagues, lighting up any room he entered. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.

So very sad to hear of your passing. From the Victory Square days, to the sleep overs we had. I remember the times in Maitland street when Trev and Shena and Marg and Murray were on the Gin. So amazing times. RIP my friend

I wish you to Rest In Peace, Leighton. You were an amazing young talented man, taken away far too soon!!!!! It was my privilege to have the honour of teaching you to drive!!! Such a lovely young man, a real pleasure to teach.

It’s incredibly hard to put into words the deep sadness I feel with the loss of someone as extraordinary as Leighton. In moments like these, words seem so inadequate, but please know that my heart aches with you, and my thoughts and prayers are with all Leights family, loved ones and friends. Leights gifted us with so many beautiful memories, pure moments of joy, laughter, and wisdom that will stay with us forever. Even though he’s no longer with us in person, his spirit and the love he shared will continue to shine brightly in our hearts. His kindness, his strength, and the way he touched our lives will never be forgotten. I feel so deeply honored to have been able to call Leighton my friend since we met in Brunei when I moved there in April 1998 (26 years ago) to start teaching at Jerudong International School. His presence in my life was a true gift, and I will cherish that always. Sending you and your family all my love during this incredibly difficult time. With deepest condolences and love Denise xxxx (UWCSEA - Dover, Singapore)

Leighton, I’m so sad you’re gone. You were a great friend. I’ll never forget that funny morning at McDonald’s. in Bintaro, Jakarta. You said, “You look familiar,” and made me laugh. It was a simple thing, but I’ll always remember it. Thank you for being such a good friend. Selamat jalan! With sadness, Dani

The last couple of days all I have been thinking of is the good times Nicole and I had with Michelle and Leighton when we were kids, Leighton taught me how to head a ball into the net, he would get me to stand in front of soccer goal and blast the ball pass me a thousand times, just recently we have been in contact and his wise words made me and my family go home and catch up dad, Sheena and Mish which was great Miss you mate, until we meet again

I was so broken hearted to hear the news of Leighton’s passing. Such a great guy - although I still remember him mostly as Mish’s cheeky little brother who used to enjoy winding us up when we were kids. Didn’t see him much over the years but heard what an impressive man he had grown into. You are missed, Sir. And my heart is with Mish who is weathering another devastating loss, Sheena and Gina who lost their little boy and all of his whanau. Rest in peace.

I'm so sorry to be writing this Leighton I have known you just about all of you life, I lived with You your Mum & Mush when you were about 8 . The one things that stands out for us you always wanted Jim to go to Broads Park to kick the Rugby Ball around, And you had that smile firm a little Boy Rest in Peace Leight love you forever Lou & Jim Nelson

It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the time spent with a remarkable colleague and friend, Leighton. He was the embodiment of kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand and share his wealth of knowledge. I will forever cherish the countless stories he told—each one filled with wisdom and warmth, making our time together truly special. Who could forget Leighton teaching PE with a chair and umbrella in the scorching heat, his dedication unwavering even under the toughest conditions? Working alongside him was a privilege, and I learned so much from his experience and generosity. His presence brightened our days, and he will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Leighton. Your legacy lives on in all those whose lives you touched.

Sending condolences to Leighton's family. Rachel, Riley and Nate. Sheena, Michelle and other family. He will be missed and remembered by many people. Farewell. He will join Uncle Philip Maclean in Heaven who passed away in March 2024. Bye from Brisbane Queensland. Aunt Ida and cousins Holly and Carina.

Thank you for allowing those of us who live overseas to watch and mourn with you from afar. Love from all of us here Uncle Leighton. you will be missed. Aunties Michelle and Soraya, we love you both. Uncle Aotea, we love you, the last of my koro's siblings. He whānau mō ake tonu.

You're big heart will be very missed.

Sending my love and condolences to all Leighton’s friends and family during this difficult time. I feel privileged to have worked with Leighton the last two years in Singapore. He was larger than life and such a welcome wave of positivity. I always really enjoyed our chats and friendly Trans-Tasman banter. One thing was always clear, he was so proud of where he was from and his heritage. You will be missed mate and rest easy.

We were deeply shocked to hear of Leighton's passing. I have really fond memories of so many laughs with Leighton trapped in China, but we also have Leighton to thank for the fact that Rich and I were able to be reunited in China during COVID. Thank you, Leighton, and all our thoughts with Rachel, Nate, Riley and the rest of Leighton's family.

Leighton was a wonderful man, rugby coach and a dear friend, always bringing warmth and joy to our neighborhood gatherings with his love for rugby and our lively conversations. His memory will forever be cherished. Thank you, Leighton. Alofa atu and love from your Beijing family! Beijing Devils Rugby Club

Leighton's smile and cheeky humour made us laugh and lit up any room! Working with him as part of the very special bunch in Brunei at JIS then again in Jakarta at BSJ, the energy and passion he brought to any job he did made our lives easier and for sure enriched the students! As a friend of Leighton's the memories are endless and are cherished. As a teacher who believed in kids and nurtured their passions your impact lives on. Rest in peace dear friend, colleague, and deficated teacher well beyond the sports field. Deepest condolences to the whole family.

It was a huge privilege that our paths have crossed. Thank you for being a great teacher and mentor for Paris and Portia, especially your enthusiasm and influence on them as an athlete; giving them the opportunity to play, enjoy and learn from sports. Thank you for being a great colleague, it was such a pleasure to have worked with you. I will never forget the gossips, jokes and laughs that we had. You will be dearly missed, Leighton. I am sure our paths will cross again in another world.

Big heart , laughter, and caring, I’ll miss our chats about sport. You lit up the coaches chat room and always reached out to me. Rest easy ehoa!

Thoughts and best wishes go out to Riley, Nate and all of the family. It was an absolute pleasure to have met and worked alongside Leighton. A true team player and gentle giant who radiated positivity and energy. You always knew he was close by when you could hear his familiar laughter, 80's soundtracks and whistling! Rest in Peace Leights x

In memory of an amazing one-of-a-kind man a person we were blessed to know and love! Leighton will never be forgotten. We will treasure our memories of him! I'll always remember the joy that Leighton brought into our lives. We mourn his loss along with you. 紀念一位了不起的、獨一無二的男人。一個我們有幸認識和尊敬的人。 Leighton永遠不會被遺忘。我們將珍藏對他的回憶。 我會永遠記得Leighton帶給我們的快樂。我們一起哀悼他的逝世。

Sending much love and my condolences to Leighton’s family and friends. Leighton was a delight to work with. He was thoughtful and caring and would always put people at ease with a joke or kind word. He made people feel included and valued. With his infectious laugh and sense of humour he helped make even boring jobs fun. We had a lot of mutual friends and if Leighton’s name was mentioned people’s eyes would light up with a memory. He was truly a legend, who loved his family and will be missed xx

You're forever in our hearts. Rest in peace Leighton Trips and Activities Team BSJ 2016

Leighton is a very outgoing and humorous person, and many students like him very much. He left a very deep impression on me by teaching students how to dance the Maori War Dance. RIP Leighton

A big man with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Leighton was extremely generous in the way he shared his expertise, good humour and compassion with all of our rugby players and us as coaches. A man who really understood that listening is more important than talking and that shouting has no value at all. Much missed already. Take it easy big fella.

Leighton was all things to all men - he was tough if needed, soft when required, but always loving, supportive and caring. Everyone loved him because he embodied love and positivity in a way that meant you couldn't not love him. He was a doting husband, a loving and supportive dad and a true, unconditional friend. Even though I am much older he was almost like a big brother to me andI am grateful for everything he gave me. He will be terribly missed but never forgotten xxx

Dear Rachel, My deepest condolences to you and your boys and Leyton’s family. I will always remember Leyon’s kindness and professionalism as a colleague and his care for students. Take care of yourself. See Kay

Leighton was a kind, generous, and respected colleague and friend. His love and passion for sport shone brightly through his work with young people and fellow educators in the international school sector over several decades. I had the privilege of working with him at TES in Taiwan. On our family’s departure, he honoured us by performing a traditional Māori Haka, a moment that touched our hearts and one that I will never forget. Leighton’s positivity and can do attitude were infectious, his presence, work ethic and leadership contributing so much to the school communities that he became a part of. Mr Ed, as he was affectionately known, touched the lives of so many students and colleagues through the years. A gentle giant of a man with a heart of gold, he will be remembered with great warm and affection by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest easy my good friend, in your beloved home of New Zealand. Stay strong Rachel, Riley and Nate.

My favourite Leisure Twin. Gone far too soon babes! Leighton’s big smile and kind heart was a massive comfort when I moved to Brunei. His mischievous nature and zest for life was infectious. Nearly two decades later and I reunited with him and Rache in Jakarta, he hadn’t changed one bit! Rest in peace my friend. Ridders xxx

It was a privilege to spend three years as neighbour, gym buddy and rugby spectator while in Beijing. A huge energy and special way with people that always left a mark. Often spoke about your excitement about a return to Nz and always a proud father. A loss that will be felt far and wide. Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane.

Wishing Leighton's family our love and condolences, all the boys at Phoenix rugby are thinking about you guys. Leighton was a special person, who left a massive lasting impact at UWC. He pushed us to be better everyday both on and off the field and was an incredibly kind and caring person. I will never forget the time we spent together, after school at trainings, in and about the school and of course winning games and tournaments together. He will be greatly missed by many, and never forgotten. Thank you for everything Leighton. ❤️

Wishing Leighton's family our love and condolences, all the boys at Phoenix rugby are thinking about you guys. Leighton was a special person, who left a massive lasting impact at UWC. He pushed us to be better everyday both on and off the field and was an incredibly kind and caring person. I will never forget the time we spent together, after school at trainings, in and about the school and of course winning games and tournaments together. He will be greatly missed by many, and never forgotten. Thank you for everything Leighton. ❤️

There is so much words I don’t know how to say it. I still remember. I just like a child to call you Mr. Ed ~Ed~ Ed and go around you. And sometimes jump on your back. It like happened yesterday. I will never forget your kindness to me and all wonderful memories. Hope you will be all good in another world. Miss you Mr.Ed!

There is so much words I don’t know how to say it. I still remember. I just like a child to call you Mr. Ed ~Ed~ Ed and go around you. And sometimes jump on your back. It like happened yesterday. I will never forget your kindness to me and all wonderful memories. Hope you will be all good in another world. Miss you Mr.Ed!

Leighton, what a guy, one in a million, charasmatic, big heart, big smile, soft gentle giant, will always remember you and your laughter and fun light hearted nature, so sad to see you leave so soon, you will be never forgotten and forever in our hearts and memories. love your sister Mish and will always be there for her and know your friends will be there to support your sons forever and always, you are loved by so many, one in a million kinda guy. Kia Kaha to you, fly well lovely man, may the angels surround you leading you home for eternity, god bless you always and keep your spirit in his loving care.

I will never forget your kindness and compassion for others. You had a big a heart and smile. A great listener and always had a piece of wisdom to offer when we spoke about life’s challenges. It was a pleasure to have got to know you. Rest easy my friend Love to all your family and friends X

I only knew Leyton for a short time through staff football (a very reliable goalkeeper!) and occasional conversations over lunch. He was a truly lovely person, absolutely glowing with goodness. He was curious about other people, encouraging, kind, devoted to his family and proud of his Kiwi heritage. He has left us too soon but touched many lives with his gentle, caring nature. <i>Ka aroha hoki</i> to his family.

My condolences to Rachel and the family. It was a pleasure to work with Leighton and have him coach the SheDevils rugby team. I learnt a lot from him and his positive and enthusiastic energy will be greatly missed. Xx

Remembering Leighton and all the fun we had with him, Rachel and the boys up the mountain in Taipei. RIP Leighton David, Nicki, Emma & baby C xxx

To a kind, warm, caring, positive person and a wonderful teacher, who was well-loved and will be greatly missed by friends around the world.

Sending my regards to Ms Rachel Edwards. It was my pleasure to have worked with both of you. Leighton was a nice and generous person and his smile will be missed.

Farewell～ My dear friend and mentor. Your wisdom, guidance and mentorship have been invaluable to me. Your kindness, dedication, and positive attitude have been an inspiration to me. I will miss your wise words and your friendship. Would you like to try your favorite meal “Chicken rice” again?! Miss you xxxxx

Sending our love and condolences to Rachel and the boys. We have many fond memories of Leighton at DCB, Devils Rugby and socialising. The world will be less fun without him in it Xx