I am so grateful for the many blessings that have come through Bernie and Rene. I was fortunate to be one of their tenants and to be treated like a friend! Bernie and Rene would kindly ask me on occasion, to join them for coffee at their favorite place on Sunday morning. Bernie loved having a toasted sandwich and hot coffee- 2 cups to be exact. I loved this about Bernie as it showed an unhurried manner. Bernie was very knowledgeable on many topics and I would always leave these coffee breaks feeling lighter, renewed and hopeful. Bernie and Rene have the gift of hospitality. When Bernie talked about their adventurous life of working and travelling he lit up. This was obviously a very happy time in his life. Both Bernie and Rene enjoyed learning as much as they could about the places they visited and have an astonishing recall of dates, place names and people. Bernie inspired others to work hard, stay focused on the result and not to dwell on the obstacles that pop up along the journey. Bernie and Rene's love and care for others is immeasurable. You will be missed! Rene, I am sorry that I won't be there in person but I know that you will be surrounded by many dear friends at this time. Lots of love Laura

Thinking of Uncle Bernie brought back wonderful memories of when I was living in Auckland as one of their tenants. Uncle Bernie and Auntie Rene treated me as their good friend. A number of times when they were in Singapore, they would meet up with their friends. my mum and me. I truly appreciate their love and friendship. Bernie was a very generous person (and of course Rene too). I remember Bernie and Rene would take me out for morning tea, lunch or dinner at various times. They even introduced me to their long-time friends. I had the great pleasure of meeting them. We had meals and laughs together.  It was great to have handyman Bernie around. One can see the garage filled with various tools for his work. I also remember he enjoyed classical music, and some cheese and crackers after meals. Bernie was very knowledgeable. I enjoyed listening to past events, and work and life in Malaysia and Singapore. Please take good care, Rene. I am very sorry that I can't be there for you. Love and big hugs to you! Christina Phua

We met Bernie and Rene in Kuala Lumpur in 1982. Bernie was the construction manager on one of the most magnificent buildings in KL. It was being built by Fletcher NZ, with a Malaysian partner. We visited KL a few months ago and Bernie’s legacy looks timeless. Bernie was a true gentleman. No wonder Rene cradle snatched him! He was such a steady enigmatic figure on site, with his toothbrush moustache, long skinny legs and work shorts. I only worked with Bernie for 2 years until 1984 and it was such a privilege to experience and benefit from his practical building approach. The work environment that Bernie fostered bought out the best in everyone. He was a mentor to so many, whether it was in administration, design, management, safety or construction. Bernie was serious in his commitment to sharing his knowledge and experience with our Malaysian workmates. I often saw him in deep discussions with our site supervisors, explaining how he thought a problem should be solved but also listening to the local perspective and constraints that our site guys had identified. Bernie was a firm but friendly guiding hand. No wonder so many of our friends from Malaysia keep in contact with him and Rene and host them for dinners when they visit and share family news. Bernie left an indelible impression on those he worked with, but he was a more impressive man to know and love outside work. He and Rene took great delight in our twin daughters Alice and Carmel, who were born in KL and their sister Nicole. They followed their lives and always asked after them. This was typical Bernie, he was interested in everyone’s families. We were honoured to be friends with Bernie. We are so sad we can’t be with everyone for his funeral. Gary and Bek thank you. Rene we send you all our love. Lorraine and Pat McNamara.