Ruth and Ngaire, I'm sorry this is late - I've only learnt of your dad's passing today. I only met you a couple of times, but I was touched by the way your parents included you for a meal when I was visiting. I will always remember my first visit when they decided to introduce me to a local outlet store. Your dad dropped us off and then went across to the nearby hardware store to hang out while we ladies shopped. That was such a lovely surprise as I had wanted to go there but didn't expect to have time to be able to do so. Your parents were always prayerful and generous supporters, and I'm grateful to have known them. May you know the Lord's comfort at this time.

Hugh was the very first person I came to know from Emmanuel Church. I still remember when he rang me to chat about my interest in becoming their pastor. That first conversation led to Joy and I being invited to Emmanuel, meeting the leaders, ministering at the services, and eventually receiving the call to serve as pastor. Looking back, I can see how God used Hugh to open that door in a very significant way. Over the years, I grew to deeply appreciate Hugh and the wisdom and discernment he carried. He was a man who loved God’s Word and diligently studied it, drawing his strength and direction from Scripture. Hugh was a man of integrity, unwavering in his Christ-centred values, never compromising on what he knew to be true. He was a true defender of the Christian faith. I always found Hugh to be supportive of the ministry Joy and I carried. There was great comfort in knowing that he and Nola were faithfully praying for us and standing with us in the work of God’s Kingdom. He had such a steady and dependable presence, whether through his encouraging words, his prayers, or even the simple act of ensuring we received the Emmanuel newsletter, first by post and later by email. It was one of the many ways he kept us connected and showed his quiet faithfulness. Now, Hugh is with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully, the One he so often defended with conviction and grace. He has entered into his eternal rest, receiving the reward of a life lived wholeheartedly for Christ. I count it a great blessing to have known Hugh and Nola. Their friendship, faith, and support have been a gift, and Hugh’s life leaves a lasting example of what it means to walk with integrity, prayer, and a steadfast love for God’s Word.

Sending my love to you and your whanau Ngaire 💛 I know how special your dad was to you. Emma Baker xxx