🕊️ Today’s Remembrances: Notices & Tributes 🕊️
View the latest Death Notices, In Memoriams, and Acknowledgements for the Southland region. Updated daily, Monday through Saturday.
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ALLAN, Donald Maitland (Don):
Peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Rowena Jackson Retirement Village Invercargill, on Sunday 15 March 2026; aged 92 years. Loved husband of the late Colleen, a loved father and father-in-law of Ken and Shona, Steve and Karen, and Kerry and Bruce Andrell. Loved Poppa/Grandad to all his grandchildren great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. A loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held in the Southland Crematorium Chapel, Rockdale Road Invercargill, on Monday 23 March at 11.00am. Messages to 27 Edinburgh Crescent Invercargill 9810.
BLAIR, Colin Archibald:
Peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday, 19th March 2026, in the care of Hawthorndale Care Village, aged 81 years. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Jason and Annie, Paula, Todd, and Anna*. Adored Grandad of Marcus. Following Colin’s wishes, a private service will be held. Messages to C. Blair Family, C/- PO Box 1345, Invercargill 9840.
COKER, David:
Passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in his 90th year. Much loved husband of the late Margaret. Loved father and father-in-law of Adrienne and Paul Reeves, Gary and Tania, Judy and Brian Symes, Susan and Brent Isbister. Loved Grandad of Emma and Jake, Hannah and Blair, James and Tessa, Leighton and Kimberlee, Alexandra, Charlotte, Jack and Beth, Kate (dec), McGregor and Fergus. Much loved Great-Grandad of Maggie, Gus, Erica, Elliot, Maxwell, and George. Friend to Nora. A very special thanks to all the staff at McKenzie Healthcare for their support and care of Allan. All messages to the Coker family, C/o 186 Talbot St, Geraldine 7930. At Allan's request, a private cremation has taken place.
GARDEN, Noeline:
Passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026; aged 81 years. Much loved wife of the late Eoin, devoted mother and mother-in-law of Juanita, Shanon and Shelley, Austin and Victoria, Travis and Cathy, cherished Nan of Honor, Leo, Arlo, India, Baxter, Abbey, Freddy, and Louis.
We will miss the baking, tour wisdom and guidance, and the love you shared with your family.
A service to celebrate Noeline's life will be held in Millers Flat Hall, 1665 Teviot Road, Millers Flat, on Monday, March 30, at 1.00pm, followed by private interment. Livestream available at www.centralotagofunerals.co.nz Messages to the Garden family [email protected]
GRIFFIN, Robert Ashley (Rolly):
“Finally got one over us”
On Tuesday March 17, 2026, at Gore Hospital, with his family.
Dearly loved son of the late Bob and Margaret loved Brother and
Brother-in-law of Margaret and Kevin Mills, Michael and Joy, John,
Gary, Janine, adored Uncle of Shannon and Lisa, Keirran and Olivia
(London), Wade and Carlee, Treasured Great Uncle of Oliver, Noel,
Kai, Indi, Harpur, and Arden. ‘Free at last’
At Rolly’s request a private cremation has taken place. Flowers kindly
declined. Messages to 729 Knapdale Road, Knapdale, Gore 9773.
JORDAN, Norman:
Of Rolleston Christchurch, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026; in his 88th year. Dearly cherished husband of the late Janet Francis (née McLees), much loved father and father-in-law of Allan and Gina, Anne Marie and Steve, Wendy and Tony Bradley, Mark and Karen. Wonderful Grandad of Cameron, Chloe, Max, Thomas, Angelina, Libby, Tessa, Anna and Kelly. Beloved eldest brother, of the 10 Jordan siblings, nephews and nieces of Invercargill origin, and brother-in-law of Maryann.
Norman holds a special place in our hearts forever.
The family wish to acknowledge the staff at Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital and George Manning Lifecare and Village, for their exceptional care and attention to Norman in recent weeks. Messages to the Jordan family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. A private family and friends celebration of Norman's life will be held in the coming weeks in the Hokitika area, venue to be confirmed.
MACKWAY, Kenneth:
On March 17, 2026, peacefully at Dunstan Hospital; aged 82 years. Dearly loved husband of Ngaire, and the late Helen, much loved father of Cheryl, and Nathan, loved Grandpa of Emma and Lauren, and friend of Amanda and John. At Ken's request, a private farewell has been held. Messages to Mackway-Jones Family, PO Box 31, Alexandra 9340.
MASTERS, Philip George (Worzel):
Phil passed away peacefully, with family by his side, after a lengthy battle, at Southland Hospital on Thursday, 19 March 2026, shortly before 9.00 pm. Beloved husband of Linda for 53 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Donna and Anthony, Andrea and partner Robbie. Much loved Grandad of Cody and Amanda, and dearly treasured Great Grandad of Kaia and Rhemi. A longtime friend of the Robertson family (Blackmount). A service for Phil will be held at the Invercargill Crematorium on Tuesday, 24 March at 2.00 pm. Messages to Distinct Funerals, 69 Bond Street, Invercargill, or may be left on Phil’s tribute page at distinctfunerals.co.nz Flowers respectfully declined.
MIRFIN, Marie:
Passed away suddenly at McKenzie Healthcare, Geraldine on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Dearly loved wife of John, loved mum of Andrew, Philip, Joanne, and Mary-Jane and partners Vicky, Catherine, Dean, and Al. Beloved Nana to Anna-Marie, Georgia, Ariana, Anthony, Zachariah, Sharika, Alex, Milo, and sweet angel O'cearne. Marie will be deeply missed by her brothers and sisters and their families, along with her nursing friends. A service to celebrate Marie's life will be held on Monday, March 23, at 1.00pm, at Immaculate Conception Church, 19 Hislop Street, Geraldine, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to Riding for the Disabled would be appreciated and can be left at the service. A special thanks to all the staff at McKenzie Healthcare for all their care and support. Messages can be sent to the Mirfin family, c/- Geraldine Funeral Services, 186 Talbot Street, Geraldine 7930.
PATHAK, Anita:
PATHAK, Dikshika:
As the result of a tragic accident on the 10th March 2026. Loved wife and daughter of Ramesh. Loved mother and sister of Deepa, Dip and Dristi. A service for Anita and Dikshika will be held in the Invercargill Christian Centre, Leet St, Invercargill on Monday 23rd March 2026 at 1pm. Messages can be sent to PO Box 632, Invercargill or on their tribute page at mwfunerals.co.nz/s/anita
RITCHIE, Joyce:
Passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, aged 94 years. Loved daughter of William* and Aggie* of Maitland. Loved sister of Betty*, Jean*, Bert*, John*, Arthur*, Nellie*, Anne*, and Jimmy*. Much loved and cherished aunty, great-aunty, and great-great-aunty of all her nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Lena's life will be held at Southern Funeral Home, Hokonui Drive, Gore, on Tuesday, March 24, at 1.00pm, followed by light refreshments, before leaving for the interment at Charlton Park Cemetery. Livestream link available at www.southernfuneralhome.co.nz Messages to 213 Glendhu Road, RD4, Gore 9774. (* Denotes deceased.)
SOPER, Regan Kevin:
Tragically drowned in Lake Manapouri. Adored Dad of Jessica, and Maddie, dearly loved grandad of Octavia, Maeve, Saedy, and Arlo. Dearly loved son of Roger and Noelene, brother and brother-in-law of Kerry, Nathan and Amy, Sheree and Shannon Fairclough, loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews. The family would like to sincerely thank Search and Rescue, NZ Police, The Royal Navy Divers, the Manapouri Community and those who came to support the family during this tragic time. A service for Regan will be held on Tuesday March 24, at 1.00pm, in the Gore Town and Country Club Stadium, 2 Bury Street, Gore, then leaving for Charlton Park cemetery. Messages to 17 Huron Street, Gore 9710.
SULLIVAN Patrick ‘Bryan‘:
Passed away unexpectedly at Southland Hospital, on Friday 20th March 2026, in his 85th year. Dearly loved youngest son of the late Daniel and Anna Sullivan. Much loved brother of Hetty*, Nora*, John*, Daniel*, Mary*, Dorothy, Helen* Desmond*, Norman*, Frank, Margaret, Roselene*, and their families. Loved Uncle of his nieces and nephews. R.I.P.
Requiem Mass for Bryan will be celebrated on Tuesday 24th March, 2026, 1.30pm in Sacred Heart Church, 449 North Road, Invercargill. Interment at Eastern Cemetery will follow. Messages to Townhouse 38, Rowena Jackson, 40 O’Byrne Street, Invercargill. (*denotes deceased).
WALKER, William Kaiawha (Billy):
Sunrise 01-06-1944 - Sunset 19-03-2026
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving whānau, aged 81 years. Dearly loved husband of Lavinia Walker for 59 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of Vanessa and Mike, Jason and Manu-Aroha, treasured grandad of Renee, Kiriana, Kaiawha, Josh, Reremoana, Te Ara Pounamu, and Aaria, and cherished koro of all his great-grandchildren. A proud Ngāpuhi man, Billy was known for his humour, strength, and aroha. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Billy is lying at Ngā Hau E Whā, Connon Street, until his service on Monday 23rd of March 2026 at 10am. Haere e te rangatira. Moe mai rā i roto i te aroha, te rangimārie me te maru o ō tūpuna.
WHITELEY, Dorothy:
Peacefully at Windsor Park Care Home, Gore, on Monday, March 16 2026, aged 95 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Gibson, loved mother and mother-in-law of Lynette and Ron Michel, Andrew, Stephen and Karyn, the late Elizabeth, Euan and Supannee Losakun (Lek), loving grandmother of Laura, Tom; and Amanda. Special thanks to Brenda for the time spent with Dorothy and her prayers, and to Dulcie for her lifetime friendship and support. In accordance with Dorothy's wishes, a private family service has been held. Family would like to thank Windsor Park Care Home for their care and compassion given to Dorothy. Messages to 39 Hokonui Drive, Gore 9710.
YOUNG, Robynne:
Passed away March 18, 2026, aged 77 years. Daughter of the late Leonard and Phyllis Young. Sister of Eric, Kevin, Gary, and Carol. Loved mother of Izaac, Kellie, Shane, Nicky, Damien, and Aaron. Loved Grandmother of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to express their gratitude to all the Hawthorndale Care Village staff for their kindness and support over the past few years. As per Robynne's wishes, a private service has been held.
Acknowledgements and Memoriam's:
BLACK, Murray:
1945-2025
In Loving Memory of Murray John Black
Too Dearly loved to be Forgotten
The family wishes to thank everybody attended Murray's funeral, sent cards, flowers and food after Murray's passing. Thanks to the Priests who attended in his sickness and funeral.
Love from Margaret and the Black Family.
KAYE, Janette Brisco:
Cam and family wish to sincerely thank all our friends and extended family for their love and support following the recent passing of our beloved Kaye. We are deeply grateful for the many messages, cards, flowers, food, kindness and love shared with us during this difficult time. Special thanks to the staff of Winton St John Ambulance, Winton Medical Centre, Dr White, the staff at Winton Pharmacy, Kew Hospital ED and CCU, David Fraser, the Winton Presbyterian Church and the Southland Fijian Community for their care, compassion, and support. Kaye is dearly missed, but the kindness shown by so many has really helped us through the hard times. Thank you.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
PASCO, Geoffrey:
9.2.1943 – 22.03.2025
In Loving Memory
An amazing husband, father, father-in-law, granddad, and now great-granddad, and friend to many. It's been a year since you left us and we miss you every day. We'd like to thank the very special people whose support we all received, during Geoff's illness, helping us prepare for a wonderful celebration of his life and over this past year.
Always loved, never forgotten and always missed.
You gave us so much to treasure, you will be forever in our hearts.
Loved forever
Your family and friends.