What’s On Invers Funeral Notices – Saturday 29th April

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AGNEW, Norman Campbell:
Peacefully at Calvary Hospital on Friday 28 April 2023; aged 82 years. Loved son of the late Ewen and Eileen Agnew, loved brother of the late Patricia Milne, Thomas Agnew, and Kathleen Duggan, a loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held for Norman at the Eastern Cemetery on Thursday 4 May at 11.00am. Messages C/- Agnew family P.O. Box 1345 Invercargill 9840.

ARMSTRONG, Selwyn Norman:
Peacefully, after a courageous battle, Selwyn passed away on April 9, 2023 at Rowena Jackson Retirement Village, Invercargill, aged 81. Very Much loved Husband of Denise for 52 years. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Keith and Marie, Loved father of Glenn and Gregg, loved father-in-law of Katie and Sarah. Loved Granddad of Wylie, Sam, Isla, Jacob and Gabriel. Loved brother-in-law of Barbara, Doug and Jennifer and uncle of Peter and Faye (UK). Loved uncle of Megan and Hayley. Many thanks to the kind staff of Rowena Jackson Retirement Village for their care of Selwyn over the last two years. A memorial to celebrate Selwyn’s life will be held on Friday, May 5, at 2.00pm in the Mararoa and Whitestone rooms at the Ascot Park Hotel. Messages to 115 Salford Street, Invercargill.

BENSON, Ruth Cathrine:
28.6.1944 – 26.4.2023
Peacefully with family by her side, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, aged 78 years. Loving wife of Joe, loved mother and mother-in-law of Chay and Shelly (Kaiapoi), Tania (Invercargill), and Grant (Dunedin), adored Nan of Paige, and the late Jade, Nana Penguin of Liam, and Joshua, and loved great-Nan of Gage, Ava, and Levi. A service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at Southern Funeral Home Chapel, 106 Hokonui Drive, Gore, on Tuesday, May 2, at 2.00pm, followed by private cremation. Family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Helen, and Amelia (Hospice Southland), the District Nurses and other medical professionals for their care of Ruth. Donations can be made at Ruth’s service for Hospice Southland. Messages to 23 Robertson Street, Gore 9710.

BLAIR, Robert Andrew:
The fight was long and hard fought with courage, dignity and hope. Another marathon however this one he couldn’t finish. Rob died at home with family peaceful and quietly as he wished on April 23, 2023. In his 75th year. A loyal and supportive husband to Shona for 53 years, father of Loren and Dougal, father in law of David, and grandfather of Caleb, Bill, Emma and Mark who were all his pride and joy. Grateful thanks for all the ongoing and generous support from the Queenstown Cancer Society, Southland Hospice team and Queenstown District Nurses. Your help made coping through these last three and a half years more bearable. Rob’s request was for no funeral, however donations can be made to Hospice Southland, Queenstown Cancer Society and the District Nurses social fund.

IRWIN, Barbara Elizabeth:
After a long and inspirational battle with cancer, our beloved Barbara finally passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at home with Norman by her side. Her motivation during this dark time was always the ones around her. On behalf of Barb’s family they would like to thank everyone for the unrivalled support and respect shown to their beloved wife, mother, nana, aunty and friend. With special mention to the team at Southland Hospital, Hospice Southland, Cancer Society, District Nurses (especially Sara) and Bluff Medical Centre.
She will be sadly missed by all and forever in our hearts.
A private cremation service has been held. At a later date Barbara’s ashes will be laid to rest at Greenpoint Cemetery.

JONES, Clayton Robert:
July 3, 1940
Peacefully hung up his nail bag for the final time on Monday, April 17, 2023 in the presence of family. Devoted partner of the late Beverley Evans and friend for life to the mother of “his boys” Elvera (nee Frye). Loving and loved father and father-in-law, and continual font of wisdom and knowledge, to Darryl and Helen, Brendon, and Craig and Claire. Adored southern grandad and kite flying king to Sebastian, Brooke, Jake, Kathryn, and Jacqui. Son of the late Mabel and Robert, and legendary prank playing brother and brother-in-law to Russell (Trussy Boy) and Valerie, and to siblings Kay and Ray (both deceased). And, an endless source of “family yarns” to his nieces and nephews. As per his wishes, Clayton was cremated privately and will be celebrated with a family memorial service. The family wish to thank the staff of Clare House and the Southland Hospice for their care and support. Messages may be sent to PO Box 428, Alexandra 9340.

NAYLOR, Raymond Frederick (Ray):
(Late of Five Rivers), passed peacefully in Cromwell, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, aged 93 years, with his treasured wife Nola (nee Gamble), of 63 years, by his side. Beloved father and father-in-law of Travis and Penny (Five Rivers), cherished Grandfather of Nikasha and Bevan Webster, proud great-Grandfather of Lucian, and Naveya. Loved brother of Albert* and Ethel, Joyce* and Allan* Lake, loved brother-in-law of John* and Annette Gamble, Diana and Scott* Henderson, Robin* and Virginia Gamble, respected uncle of his nieces and nephews. To Respect Ray’s wishes, a private farewell will be held. The family wish to send a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Ripponburn Hospital and Home for their care and kindness showed to Ray in his time of need. Messages to 96 Neplusultra Street, Cromwell 9310.

O’DONNELL, Joan Grace (nee Millard):
2 April 1931 -23 April 2023
It is with saddened hearts that Maree and Stuart; Blair and Kate, Max, and Leo; Chloe and Campbell, Evelyn, and Lucia; announce the passing of their much-loved Mum, Nana, and Great-Nan. Joan was wife to the late Erlwyn, sister to the late Peg and Fred, sister-in-law, aunty, and friend to many. Our heartfelt thanks go to Rowena Jackson staff who have all given wonderful care over the years she lived there. Our special thanks to the staff in the O’Byrne Wing who gave exceptionally kind and compassionate care to Joan in her final tough battle. Thanks particularly to Dawn Acker. To Nigel and the staff at Avenal Park, we appreciate your kind and respectful care of Joan and our family at this time. Thank you also to Ann McDowall for taking Joan’s service. A private funeral was held at Joan’s request.

PAUL, June Lorraine (formerly Davidson) (nee Sherriff):
Passed away peacefully after a short illness at Southland Hospital, surrounded by family, on Monday, April 24, 2023; aged 74 years. Beloved and cherished wife of Arthur for 36 years, and the late John Davidson. Much loved mum of Michelle, Jo and Wendy. Loved and respected mother-in-law of Mohammad and Sean. Cherished Grandma of Alexandra and Yousef, and Bridie and Finn. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Joan and Jim* Stone, Yvonne and Cliff* Ogier, and Shona and Rex Evans. Loved Aunty to all her nieces and nephews. A loyal and treasured friend to many. As per June’s wishes, a private family cremation has already been held. Messages to 183 King St, Windsor, Invercargill, or June’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes
(*denotes deceased).

RITCHIE, Garth McVane:
Garth passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023, aged 90 years, at the Wyndham Rest Home. Garth is the only son of Bryce* and Amelia* Ritchie and brother to Merle and Rod* Bruce. Garth is the beloved father and father-in-law to Gail and Greg Poole, Raymond and Debbie Ritchie, Jannette and James Cochrane, and Maria and Bazil Ferreira. Granddad of 15 and Great-Granddad of 19. As per his wishes, a private cremation has already been held in Invercargill. To celebrate Garth’s life, a service will be held at the Bannockburn Hall on Friday, May 26, at 1.00pm, followed by afternoon tea, drinks and yarns at the Bannockburn Bowling Club. Garth will be laid to rest in the Nevis Cemetery in the Nevis Valley on Saturday, May 27 at 11.00am, where we can have a wee nip for his birthday and say our final farewells. We know Garth will be enjoying a few whiskeys, lawn bowls and duck shooting with all his good mates who have already passed before him. Rest in Peace Dad, Grandad, Great-Grandad, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Messages to 90 Waenga Drive, Cromwell 9310.
(*denotes deceased).

RITCHIE, Garth McVane:
Garth passed away peacefully on 23 rd of April 2023, aged 90 years, at the Wyndham Resthome. Garth is the only son of Bryce* & Amelia* Ritchie and brother to Merle & Rod* Bruce. Garth is the beloved father and father-in-law to Gail & Greg
Poole, Raymond & Debbie Ritchie, Jannette & James Cochrane, and Maria & Bazil Ferreira. Granddad of 15 and Great Granddad of 19. As per wishes, a private cremation has already been held in Invercargill. To celebrate Garth’s life, a service will be held at the Bannockburn Hall on Friday 26th of May at 1pm, followed by afternoon tea, drinks and yarns at the Bannockburn Bowling Club. Garth will be laid to rest in the Nevis Cemetery in the Nevis Valley on Saturday 27th May at 11am where we can have a wee nip for his birthday and say our final farewells. We know Garth will be enjoying a few whiskeys, lawn bowls and duck shooting with all his good mates who have already passed before him. Rest in Peace Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Messages to 90 Waenga Drive, Cromwell 9310. *Denotes deceased.

TEN THYE, George Jan:
ten Thije, Gerrit Jan
Peacefully at Rowena Jackson on Thursday 27 April 2023; in his 90th year. Dearly loved husband of Cherry, beloved father and father-in-law of Le-anne and Ross Owen, loved Poppa George of Anne-Marie and Josh, Jarod and Jade, and Ashley Shearer. In accordance with George’s wishes a private cremation has been held. Cherry would like to extend a special thanks to Sheryl and Kay for the loved they have showed to George and Cherry over the years, and to the staff of Rowena Jackson for their special care of George. Messages to 103 Dalrymple Street Invercargill 9812.

In Memoriam

CARNIE, Peter:
God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you,
And whispered “Come to me.”
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
Always in our thoughts
Raeleen and Bob, Rex and Nola, Warren and Katherine.

CARNIE, Peter:
The moment that you left me my heart was split in two,
One side was filled with memories, the other side died with you.
I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep,
And take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek.
Remembering you is easy,
I do it every day,
But missing you is a heartache that never goes away.
God has you in his arms,
I have you in my heart.
Your Sweetie (Elaine).

Acknowledgement

Margaret (nee Ballantyne):
Diana, Karl and family wish to sincerely thank everyone for their kindness and support in the passing of a very loved mother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister-in-law, nana and friend. We have been overwhelmed but very appreciative of the many beautiful flowers, cards, gifts of food, phone calls, visits and messages. Thank you to everyone who attended Mum’s Funeral Service, particularly those who travelled far or attended via livestream. To those who gave tributes thank you for sharing your memories. A special thank you to Ian Guy for conducting a wonderful service and to Lynley at Affinity Funerals for care and empathy during the funeral process. To the doctors and staff at Lakes District Hospital, the level of care and compassion and support for us as a family during her last days was outstanding. We will miss her everyday but treasure the precious memories we all have. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement and a heartfelt thank you from us all.
Rest in peace Mum.

DUTHIE, Neil Thomson:
Glenda, Troy, Kelly, Heath, Leah, and their families, wish to thank everyone who supported them after Neil’s passing with visits, flowers, food, cards, and messages, it was greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Hospice for their amazing care, Tracey the celebrant and Kath and Dalton from Distinct Funerals for all their help and support. Please accept this as a personal thank you from us all.

SHAW, Murray Thompson:
Annette, Darin, Peter, Lisa, and families, would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us during Murray’s illness and after his passing. The visits, flowers, food, cards and messages are very much appreciated. We are very grateful to those who joined us at the service, especially those who travelled a long distance. Thank you to the staff who cared for Murray at Te Anau Medical Centre, Kew Hospital, Dunedin Hospital and Rowena Jackson. To Avenal Park Funeral Home, thank you for your support and guidance at this difficult time. To Sharyn Payne, thank you for conducting a fitting service for Murray. And thank you to the team at the Wallacetown Tavern for helping us stay hydrated after the service.