Memories of Graham go back to the 1980s when he joined the burgeoning IT department at Thames TV. He was a key member of the department and revealed a dry wit amongst his close colleagues. We were delighted to have been invited to his wedding to Cath in 1988, after which the four of us enjoyed trips away to the Lake District and Yorkshire. Despite the controversial loss of Thames TV’s broadcasting franchise and the scattering of its staff, we kept in touch. Our respective children arrived and the focus of our get togethers then centred around trips to play parks and games in the garden. (One of Andrew’s favourites was “duck, duck, goose”, although he may not remember!) After the Spencer family’s move to Auckland, the years rolled by, but we stayed in contact. Graham’s seemingly short illness and sudden passing have been a complete shock. We send our heartfelt condolences.

I worked with Graham at Datasolve in Worsley in the early 80's, I was new in the organisation. Although not in the same team, he and I worked many shifts together and had many laughs. Both of us had a shared interest in motorsports so could talk for hours on the subject. I remember the two of us cleaning our cars at 04:00 am on a couple of occasions during the breaks, Graham proudly shining his astra GTE and me my Mazda 323. He imparted a lot of technical knowledge which really helped me in my early career. Sorry I haven't been in touch often enough my friend. Ibbi Giga

Graham we may not of lived near each other for a long time, but I always looked up to you and felt like you were the knowledgeable one, even though you were my little brother. We are all absolutely devastated at losing you and you will always be in my thoughts. Andrew and Alistair did you proud yesterday. My heart goes out to them and Cath at this sad time. Love you always Julie 💔💔💔

As a long time friend of Andy's, I met Graham on a number of occasions and always found him to be an interesting, intelligent, friendly and eloquently spoken gentleman. My most heartfelt condolences to you Andy and your lovely family at this difficult time. I am certain that Graham would have been immensely proud of his two sons, both of whom got his handsome looks and have done very well for themselves. It is a prize for any father to raise two sons such as Andy and Alister and I'm certain he was so very proud of you both. May he rest in peace and in our hearts.

Dad I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for you. You showed me the true meaning of living a purposeful life—encouraging me to find quality in both the company I keep and the pursuits I engage in. You also taught me the value of not taking life too seriously and to cherish each moment as it comes. The feeling of swimming in the ocean, the sensation of drinking a cold beer, the glow of sun on your skin, the rush of wind in your hair and laughing with both friends and family. Thank you, Dad, for being the extraordinary man you were, for your unwavering presence during the times I needed you most, for always being proud of me, and for your boundless love. Your kindness and integrity weren't just traits; they were the essence of who you were. Thank you for being my Dad. Rest in peace, you will be deeply missed, but you will live forever in my heart.

Such a sad time for you all. You all spoke beautifully. I remember your father as a very calm man and a wonderful father. Andy I’ll never forget the time he gave you a pep talk at our place in Castor Bay after you and George had over imbibed the night before. He was calm, firm but also rational. I was impressed. He will always be with you. Much love to you all ❤️

Graham, thank you for the lovely memories of both working with you and playing music together. As has already been said, you were a true gentleman and an inspiration and will never be forgotten.

It was a privilege knowing Graham as both a friend and work colleague. My thoughts are with Cath and the family. RIP, Graham. Till we meet again. Peter.

I worked with Graham at Thames TV when we were both part of the then new IT department. I was his manager, but have to say that I think he supported me more than I him, especially in the aftermath of my own personal loss early in the time we worked together. Graham was totally self-motivated and a total asset to the department. He quickly became a dear and respected friend, and we kept in touch after he and his family moved to NZ. My thoughts now with Cath, Andrew and Alistair.

I first met Graham in the mid 1980s when we both worked for Datasolve (although based at different sites) on the Thames TV project. We both then joined Thames TV until I left then eventually went to the US for a few years. We then worked together again at CCA from 1995 to 2001 as part of a very small team. I really enjoyed working with Graham and he was a valued colleague as well as a good friend. He was supportive, knowledgeable and I learnt so much working with him. We went to each other’s weddings back in the day, then stayed in touch once he and his family had moved to NZ. I’m so shocked at the news and sad that we won’t get to catch up again. I’ll miss Graham and am thinking of Cath, Andrew and Alistair xx

Our mums were life long friends who met when your family returned from an exotic country where your father served in the Army. Our friendship began over 60 years ago and appeared to end a few years later when my family emigrated to Australia. But as karma would have it, we reconnected by accident some 50 years later proving real friendships never die. I was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing and send my love and condolences to your wife Catherine and boys. Perhaps we'll meet again my friend, Beth

A gentleman who was part of our first and last go at stardom which lasted only a year with the band oasis.Last saw Graham playing his bass guitar with Phil Yorke which took me back to being 15 a lovely man

I met Graham through Salford Players theatre. I am so sad he left us so soon. Even though we were rarely in contact once he moved to Auckland I still consider him my best friend in my life. Like so many other folks here he introduced me to the musical artists I still listen to today (Bowie !) and he made a "mix tape" for me when I went off to college. We spent sooo many evenings in his Mom's house in Swinton watching the 30 min F1 race highlights and cracking up over the Murray Walker commentary. Prost or Senna - which do you think he would he have voted highest ? Huge shared interest in cars also, although at the time he had Ford RS2000 with Webers and I had a Morris Marina (which I would screech the tires every time I turned the corner to get to his house) Sadly I missed out on the "pints" when he visited UK as I moved over to Seattle in 1987. We did manage one Christmas "zoom" call and it was great to see everyone, and we were lucky to host Alistair for a few days after he walked the PCT Huge regret that I didn't make it to Auckland - it always seems like there is more time than we have...I will miss you my friend !

Graham lived near me in Swinton, near Manchester, he lived opposite one of the best pubs, The White Horse. We became friends at Eccles college and though our interest in amateur dramatics at Salford Players Theatre. We were more interested in the technical side of theatre, light, sound and set design and building. I would like to think we worked really well together and we were well respected for some of the amazing things we did. Graham, well he was just a really decent guy, a great friend, very talented, always very calm. It was a great loss when he moved to NZ. But we all spread our wings and moved on. We did meet a couple of time for a 'pint' on his trips to the UK. Truly a privilege to have Graham as a friend. He certainly was a positive influence on my life. Rest in peace. My condolences to all your family and friends, worldwide!

We first got to know Graham when we were all working at Thames Television in the late 1980's. As a fellow Northerner Graham and Fran hit it off immediately. Graham was a nurturing colleague and mentor, not only in the world of IT, but also in the skill of making the best cup of instant coffee. Many lessons were learnt. All habits that are retained to this day. Happily, once we all became parents, we were able to enjoy outings and holidays with our young families together. Such great memories. We were sorry when they emigrated to NZ but we were happy that we were able to maintain our friendship across the globe. A wonderful man, taken much too soon. RIP Graham. Love Sean, Frances, Amy, Keir and Faye.

Graham we may have lived very separate lives for a long time but you have always been a very special brother. Last year you said to me, I can beat this Julie things have changed so much since mum died and I wanted so much for you to be right. I know you were so determined and I hoped that you could. Matthew, Claire and the boys were so looking forward to seeing you all in 2 weeks time. Graham you have worked so hard for a better life for your family and I am so sorry you have been robbed of all your plans for the future. I will love and miss you forever Julie. 💔 Sending all my love to Cath, Andrew and Alister of which I know he adored xxx

Graham was a great friend. It’s so sad to say goodbye so early into his retirement. I’m so glad we were able to see each other in recent times. He was always a good listener and happily shared tales of our time at College. I first met Graham at Eccles College where we found we had many common enthusiasms that we explored together. We both played in bands. We were both involved in making demo tapes for local bands as well as recording a variety of music and sound effects for amateur drama at the Salford Players Theatre. We made many recordings. We even made an LP. I shall always be grateful for the joy of our friendship. My condolences to Cath, Andrew and Alistair.

I first met Graham in 2005 when he had just hired me on the recommendation of his friend. I didn't know what to expect when first meeting him, and I certainly didn't expect to meet one of my best advocates, manager and friend. He would listen to my moans and gripes (about all things) as we walked "bog-laps" of the carpark. Often we would joke about being prisoners as part of the movie Great Escape, pretending to drop bits of gravel from the tunnel we were digging as we snaked up and down the bays of the prison compound at Favona Rd, pointing out all those who had obediently reverse-parked as required. Later, those walks were replaced with a more scenic loop around the Auckland Viaduct. Graham still listening to my whines and complaints. And that for me was the core thing about Graham. He was genuine! He wanted others to do well, he would listen, not just to reply, but to give you advice. He wanted to genuinely help you. He was firm in who he was, but not so firm that he couldn't be proven wrong. My thoughts, condolences and best wishes are with you Cath, Andrew and Alistair. Thank you for sharing and secretly sculpting a good man. As others have said, he was a true gentleman and I will dearly miss him.

Graham Spencer was a true gentleman and very principled from an early age, having known him since we were 11 at school. I’ve never known him do anything wrong or bad mouth anyone. He always stood for what’s right. He certainly had his groovy side though as anyone who heard his supreme talent on the bass guitar will attest - the nearest stylistically to Bowie’s Trevor Bolder I ever heard although Graham had a musical identity of his own too - well explored through collaborations with other top musicians. It’s been a lifelong joy to know Graham as an unstintingly loyal and kind friend. It was his idea to get our first band together in in ’73/’74 - “Oasis” (named by Baz Roberts). He was the first to be into David Bowie: - bravely entreating us whilst still at school to journey down to London to be sure to see the last ever Ziggy Stardust gig. We had a shared passion for hi-fi too about which he was very knowledgeable and discerning. Other friends will know him for his considerable passion for motor racing. A hard working dedicated guy, he got even better with age and his love for Cath and the boys of whom he was so proud. Such a tragedy and shock to lose him so well before his time.

How sad I was to hear of the passing of Graham, Ive known Graham since we were both at Moorside Junior School together in the late 60's, you could say Ive known him almost all of my life, he also lived very close to me in Swinton. I'm just glad that most of his schoolmates from High School managed to have a drink and reminisce with him on one of his last visit over to England. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. RIP Graham.

Graham, a much respected, admired and very special cousin. I valued our friendship and your views, and will greatly miss our chats and reminiscing. I will always treasure the time Rick and I shared with you, Cath, and your family while visiting New Zealand last year. It was amazing to hear you play Bowie on your electric guitar and experience an excursion in your Porsche. You will be missed. Rest in peace lovely man. Lynne Sherwood XX

A true gentleman with a sense of humour and empathy for others. Graham has left this world a better place, and it was a privilege and an honour to be part of your journey Graham. Cath and the family our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Life has to end love doesn’t. ❤️ From Kevin and Shelley xx

I had the privilege of working with Graham, when he was at Thames TV in the UK. An ideal client, knowledgeable, modest and never flapped when things want wrong. We never managed to extend the friendship outside of work, which was a shame as he was one of life’s real good guys. Rest in peace mate.

Graham was a true gentlemen. I worked with him over many years as a supplier that turned into a colleague and friend over time. He was so good to work with, straight up, and honest, and so dependable. He worked for so long to enjoy his retirement, and travel. It is such a loss to us all that he is gone before his time. I will miss our chats over a beer, and his views on life, the world and what was going on in the IT industry. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, whom I know will greatly miss this great man. Rest in peace Graham.