Dearest Gary,
What a beautiful man, what a gorgeous heart. Thank you for being in my life, thank u for ur love, your deep kindness, ur listening ear, and your wise presence.
Much aroha ki a koe as you journey on dear friend.
In gratitude
Love to u Bevan n all ur friends n whanau

I lived with Gary from 1986 to 1995. It was a traumatic time for gay men to be alive because of the devastation and community changes AIDS brought. Gary and I were at the heart of our community’s response. Under this ever-present cloud, life went on.

We lived with his close friend Jan, and Mingus the cat in Grey Lynn. Gary continued working in astrology and naturopathy and branching out into art as he became more connected to his Tongan roots, something he was both proud and terrified of. He went from photography to brightly coloured, enormous, canvas-backed paintings.

We had a few years on Waiheke Island where in the summer he could be found baking in the sun on Palm Beach, having deep discussions with friends over for the weekend, cooking Irish Soda Bread for lunch, or rescuing his mum from the long drop toilet when the hole gave way beneath. A somewhat idyllic life.

Then back to the chaos of K’Rd and an enormous basement area in which he created a world fit for Kings and a medieval court banquet, beautiful in summer and bloody cold in winter.

But life changes. We went our separate ways and he settled with his beloved Bevan on their beloved Rakiura. It was bittersweet that he spent his last couple of weeks in Chch where I was fortunate to keep him company and supply his daily hit of coffee.

Those ten years were the closest I have ever been to family in the true sense. A family created by Gary and his friends. He was a remarkable person. Incredibly handsome, softly-spoken, intelligent and loving and I am incredibly proud to have known him in this lifetime.

Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai ra e hoa!

Gary,
I treasure the times we had together, working with you and then over the following years spending time around the table for coffee, tea and scones. It was such a privilege to know you & have my life enriched by your friendship.
You shared your love, wisdom and generous spirit in a quiet way.
Your kind eyes glowed with humour and you had a fantastic laugh that lit up the room, these times I will remember with love forever.

I am so blessed to have known and loved Gaz for close to 40 years. Through him I have met some incredible people and had some great experiences.
Stand out memories were when we dug up the backyard in Fisherton Street, in Grey Lynn, and put down an umu for 100 people. This was to celebrate Gary's 30th birthday. The house was heaving and the food was stunning. Fish curries in whole pumpkins etc. A great night, although one the neighbours wouldn't have appreciated. The Fisherton Street cottage benefited greatly from Gaz's talents. Over a few wines the floors would be painted, lounge walls given a fresco look, mood lighting added, and always colour, lots of colour.
Gaz was always years ahead of his time around healthy eating, making nut milks and wheat grass juices, vile smoothies, bircher oatmeal, going sugar free etc.
The medieval banquet for Ray's 40th birthday was another great event (St Kevins arcade flat, in K Rd). Months in the planning. I remember trying to source quail and quail eggs and making costumes for the event. Again fabulous food.
Spending weekends on Waiheke Island with Gaz and Ray. Soaking up the sun on Palm Beach, swimming and reading. Heaven.
Travelling to Rakiura for Gaz and Bevan's wedding was a highlight. Walking into the local dairy and seeing a big decorated chalkboard sign over the counter congratulating Gary and Bevan on their wedding day. Such a nice touch, showing they had been accepted into the small close-knit community. I watched in amazement as friends rocked up to the house at Ringaringa with sacks full of fish and mussels to share. The greenhouse, at the back of the house, full of lush, beautiful vegetables grown by Bevan. The food at the wedding carefully chosen by Gaz. Art on a plate. A really special happy, loving day for everyone.
I will treasure the time we spent with Gaz and Bevan on Rakiura in early 2023. My friend Rowena and I thought it was one of the best holidays we had ever had. Fabulous hosts, great food - paua pies, fish curry and we even saw seven kiwis. Superb.
Gaz lived life to the full. He never settled on mediocre. Always learning and trying new things. He was multitalented, creative, kind, positive, generous and so warm-hearted.
It was eight years ago yesterday that X Rays picked up lung cancer in Gaz. At that time he was given a few months to live. He was so determined to beat the cancer and get well. He put up a great fight and crammed in lots of travel and adventures. Even a few days before his passing he was trying to get home to Rakiura and Bevan, his love.

Gaz you will be so sadly missed.
XXX

To Gaz’s community and especially, his closest family. It’s hard to sum up a friendship that dates back to maybe the late seventies, just as it’s hard to imagine never speaking with such a dear friend as Gary ( Gaz) again !! – my thoughts are with all those for whom he was a dearly loved family member, husband, brother, artistic collaborator, and devoted ‘dad’ to Olivia and Loki, the cat.

I’m not sure when Gary became Gaz to me and others, but it feels like almost forever. Such a dear man; a gentle spirit about him; someone always with his finger on the current culinary pulse and health trend… it was on Waiheke that I believe Gaz served up a chia pudding – who’d heard of such a thing. He was an inspired whole foods cook but his cooking was never stodgy or bland – always infused with the freshest of ingredients and chocka full of fresh herbs – every meal was a discovery.

The time at Palm Beach is also memorable for the ingenious way he and Ray worked out colours for their house – by each eliminating colours they couldn’t stand and painting everything with those that were left… This is a method that I’ve quoted to other couples but I'm unsure how many have taken it up…

There was also an attempt to stop mossies breeding in the water tank by floating kerosene on the surface.. it may have worked for someone else, but at Palm Beach, it meant the water – at least over our visit - was undrinkable...

However, there was always delicious food to discover and share. I recall the first time Rainer and I visited together, and we all discovered Rainer didn’t know paw paw… we gathered around to watch him taste this ‘new sensation’ and were seriously disappointed when he was frankly underwhelmed. Fair enough – it was the mango season after all!

Gaz always had frangipani on the deck…

Then later, the massive flat at the end of St Kevins’s arcade… pictures of the Medieval feast created in colourful detail, including costumes – I was living in DN then: nothing like it here! – the walk through the park down to Queen Street

Parties at Jan’s house in Fisherton Street; digging up the back yard for an umu before the deck was created and discovering all this great soil that had been there all the long, while the vege patch struggled…

Gaz’s paintings… one of which came our way sometime after 1994 ( see image) and was given the space it deserved when we moved into this new house in 2021 …

Gaz’s efforts, along with Bevan's, to create a warm tropical space in their home on Rakiura so this Tongan man could feel the warmth he so enjoyed.

Then four + years ago, the shock and disbelief of his diagnosis – how could this be? Grade four lung cancer in a non smoker?? And one so healthy… Another reminder of the randomness of genes and the uncertainty of life’s trajectory.

How hard our Gaz worked to stay alive -!! The surgeries he stoically endured, in the hopes of being able to regain mobility to make it possible to again live on Rakiura without having to rely too heavily on his darling Bevan to move him about… I marvelled at the strength of his will to live, (though I could have done without some of those post surgery pictures -while the caption said ‘it doesn’t hurt’, my eyes refused to believe it … )

Dear Gaz. So hard to accept you’re no longer of this world. We will miss your bright spirit; your generousity towards others; your capacity to accept and embrace difference in many forms. Your love for your friends, family and your husband Bevan.
We are glad to have known you; that warmth of your loving spirit lives on in us and all those you were dear to.
Xxo

It was a true honour to get to know Gary over the last year. I feel honoured to have worked beside him to present his sumptuous, teasingly beautiful photographs of Christine Hellyar's aprons from 1985 at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. I am so incredibly grateful for his time, patience, gentleness, wit and generosity. I will so fondly remember the afternoon I spent with him on Rakiura, overlooking the sea, while he recalled his career in Tāmaki Makaurau. Gary made an important contribution to the queer and contemporary Pacific art scenes in Tāmaki Makaurau in the 1980s and 1990s playing an active role in the community response to the HIV epidemic in its early days. He will live on through this contribution—through the artworks he produced, and the vision he pursued, as well as within the communities he supported and uplifted.

Moe māi rā, Gary.

Dear Bevan
So devastated to hear (from mates in London!) of your loss. What a brave and courageous battle you two had fought.
Thank God you have such a network of support around or near you, mate.
Take care, X

Bevan, I didn't know till Church this morning that your lovely Gary had died. I'm so sorry. He was a very special person and even through his long period of illness, he remained a valued part of the community. We will miss him. and your home will be feeling so empty of his companionship. You will be in my prayers.

Gary you are a true friend and true gentleman who along with Bevan showed so much love towards myself and Betty.
We'll think of you often.
Peace

Gary,
You have left an indelible impression in my life; you will continue to inspire me to face adversity with acceptance and courage, to choose happiness, to live with integrity, to love with abandon, to smile and even laugh through the pain. Your cup appeared persistently overflowing, even in drought. Thank you for letting me in and for touching my life so profoundly- I am richer because of you.
XXOO

Dear Gary,
What a privilege it was to have connected with you. A gentle, kind soul with a natural warmth, friendly eyes and lovely smile. I miss you; the coffees ☕️, the fairy lights ✨️ and the flowers 💐 fussing Loki and laughing with Bevan. I'm glad to have known you - I gained so much from our short acquaintance 💓

Darling Gary...
Kynd and gentle soul.
At last painfree
We will miss yew sorely
But will hold your precious
Memoryz close within our
Heartz
Fly high, be free.

Gary, we met all those years ago at Auckland Airport. I felt I had known you forever. Such an accepting, loving man, never a cross word (unless you were referring to a Mudie card game).
How fortunate for Rob and I, that you and Bevan decided to use our holiday home on Rakiura, Stewart Island. Like us, you both fell in love with the Island, its Beauty and relaxed way of life and chose to move from Auckland to Ringaringa (what a view you had). All those wonderful sunrises that you and Bevan were so generous sharing with the family.
We shared the love of food, creating and sharing lots of recipes. My paua pies and pav rolls, always were some of your favourites, your blue cheese and spinach loaf and seafood curry were mine.
I feel privileged and honoured that I had the opportunity to spend time, share memories and assist you during the later stages of your illness.
Love you
Mazz

GARY Such a strong and gentle soul. Always a friendly smile (or cheeky grin) with a genuine interest in how we were doing and what was happening in our lives. Your strength and determination have been an inspiration.
You will be sadly missed!! You have left so many precious memories for us all to share. Our warmest thoughts are with Bevan and all your family and friends.
Rest peacefully now dear Gary.
Sending luv’n hugs

WELL YOUNG MAN TAKEN FAR TOO EARLY IN LIFE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN, A MAN WITH A CALMING AURA AROUND HIM. ALWAYS FELT SAFE AND CALM WITH YOU MY FRIEND. WON'T FORGET ONE OF YOUR CHOICES IN HOSPITAL WHEN WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF CALLING TO SEE YOU IN BURWOOD, JUST BEFORE YOU PASSED. YOU HAD CRISPS, REAL COFFEE AND THEN A SANDWICH WAS DELIVERED. YOU TOLD ME IT WAS JUST AS YOU ORDERED. WHO SAID HOSPITAL FOOD WASN'T GOOD. I WILL NEVER KNOW WHICH ONE YOU CHOSE TO EAT FIRST, BUT YOU HAD A LOVELY BIG SMILE ON YOUR FACE AS YOU THOUGHT ABOUT IT. YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT WE HAD BROUGHT A CUP OF GOLD, THE WAY YOU SMILED ABOUT THE COFFEE. GARY, IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO KNOW YOU AND NOW MY GRIEF NOW THAT YOU ARE GONE. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE. FLY FREE LOVE TO YOU BEVAN, AND GARY'S OTHER LOVED ONES I DIDN'T KNOW. REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES, THEY ALWAYS MAKE YOU SMILE. CHEERS

The Announcement

They came, the brothers and took 2 chairs in their usual quiet way;
And for a time we did not think they had much to say.

And they began and talked awhile of ordinary things,
Till spread that silence in the room a pent thought brings.

And then they said:’The end has come
Yes: it has come at last.’
And we looked down, and knew that day
A spirit had passed.
- Thomas Hardy

A brave, sensitive and loving man. It has been an honour to have known you Gary although for only a short time, but I won't forget our chats about rugby and the old haunts of Auckland.
I will miss you as will your family and many friends. My sincere condolences to Bevan and all the family.

An incredibly kind man, who always encouraged me to pursue my passion in art. Thank you for everything Gary, you will be missed by so many.

Gary, I am remembering your mellifluous voice, your kind and moderate nature, your complete and quiet support without judgement.
Your belief, wonderful windswept walks on music point or Horseshoe bay. Your observant eye, your culinary exquisitness. I remember you well, dear Gary.
Arohanui

Gary - I've always known you to be the quiet one, the discreet fella. But with your quiet, you offered a steady hand, a firm presence and strength that were felt by all who met you. I have known you for an age, I recognise that friendly face, that signature goatee that framed the warmest smile, and I have known you to be the greatest love to Bevan. You lived a life full of adventure, of immense joy, heartbreak, and sorrow, but boy oh boy, you lived. You will be missed, Gary. May we meet again to enjoy a pint or two over the tinkle of the piano, basking in the warmth of summer, wearing colourful and bold Hawaiian-style shirts, and surrounded by laughter.

A very brave and gentle soul who has touched the lives of many.
Rest in peace Gary, I won’t forget your friendly smile.

There are so many words that come to mind when we think of you Gary, but none of them do you justice. You simply were the most remarkable man.

You and Bevan shared a bond most people don’t get to experience. For that we are forever grateful.

What wonderful memories we have, from family get-togethers where you would cook up a storm (your fish curry was legendary, simply the best), Levi chasing you around the island bench laughing so much and you loving it, Singapore and our wonderful cruise to nowhere (we may not have got to those wonderful places, but we certainly made the most of it) and lately hospital visits while you underwent another operation in Dunedin Hospital. Rest assured I’m tightening my butt cheeks as I write this.

Thank you for just being you, a man with the gift of understanding, always able to make someone feel okay. We are blessed to have known you, your body may not be with us, but your spirit will live with us forever.

Dearest Gary, where do I even begin?! Thank you for all you taught me, I feel the massive and amazing influence you have had on my life every day. I will love you and miss you forever ♥️

We are grateful that life's journey brought us together, allowing us to share in the joy and love that Gary embodied. Though our time with him was short, his impact on our hearts was profound.
We cherish memories of strolling along Ringa Ringa beach on Rakiura, where Gary's bright smile would light up the path. We thank him for his unwavering support, guidance, and wisdom, which helped us see the world in all its vibrant colours.
Gary will be deeply missed, but his spirit will soar on the wings of our memories. Whenever we think of him, we will remember his kindness, love, and the beauty he brought to our lives.
Rest in peace.
Love to Bevan family.

Gary
The love inside you take it with you
To live in our hearts to leave behind is not to die.
Such a beautiful man.
Rest in peace
You will be sorely missed in our Stewart lsland Community
Love to Bevan & family ❤️❤️

You were part of our adventure when we boated across to our little shack next door to your house.
We will miss you.
Our hearts go out to your loved ones.

Gary
I never meet you but I have memorable photos of you which express joy and happiness. These include you and Bevan in Father Christmas suits playing up over a tipple, Christmas a few back; both you and Bevan escorting Olivia up the aisle to be married to Paul. Joy, celebration, happiness are all evident on your face. Even the picture that heads this page of tributes conveys to me the same notions.
To know and express joy in the midst of suffering shows your spirit and resilience.
I am the poorer for never meeting you but I am enriched by connecting through these images of you.
Peace, rest, Aroha and blessings Bevan

I am sitting in my car on the side of a mountain while the sun is setting and the shadows are sliding across and through the damp air. Its a mountain with a different name on each side, as if 2 different peoples came together and joined down the middle. Just like us,  the afa kasi neither one nor the other,  you know, blended . Its been raining, feels like forever and we were hit by a freezing cold snap when you passed. My brother. Our brother. Gary.


We first met you at Waipu Cove, when we were kids. I always remember you as the kind one . I still remember where we sat. On the stairs at the top of the drive . You and Darryl came , dont know if Kevin was there? Maybe . (We all thought Kevin was pretty special, he could blow smoke out his ears and do chinese drawbacks) . So exciting for us to have older brothers. (Especially for Steve, the only boy in our batch)
Then I met you later on, as a teenager when I was older and had a girlfriend,  you were the top astrologer in akld probably NZ and a naturopath and I was flitting around the community with all the other butterflies, and there you were , our brother , a peaceful pause in the tumultuous excitement of unicorns and rainbows and Dorothy's.  You were always so supportive of me and no doubt many others.   And you loved my singing So I sang at your bday in greys Ave  on the stairs . Standing on Shaky Ground and then the painted warehouse in krd with Ray and a 40 course feast for his bday queens gliding about on rollerblades , And vixens dressed in leather cutting meat with super sharp knives,  what a party that was and what a fantastic space. All that work painting the floor like a tapa cloth. And then Garth and the giant dog who nursed the kittens when the mother cat got post natal depression . ❤ so lovely. And then you found your own peaceful pause,  with the wonderful Bevan . The waves pounding you to sleep and the kaka knocking on your door for breakfast . The occasional midnight flurry of kiwi legs flying past the back door. Who would have thought they could run that fast. And tho I cant sing for you now , there is always a song in my heart for you . And I hope if there is an afterlife you are there with Dad and Steve and Doris, and it is always warm, like your house with Bevan on Rakiura
I know how much you hated the cold.
We will all miss you, our brother.

Lovely Gary, I truly admire your courage and the way you kept a positive mind. You had a welcoming smile that would also be a twinkle in your eyes. Such a gentle soul gone too soon. Rest in peace, you will be sorely missed by all who loved you.
Lots of love to Bevan and family 💜🩷

Sending our deepest love and condolences to Bevan and whanau.

The deep connection and love that Gary and Bevan shared was so wonderful to be around, truly uplifting.

I loved bumping into you both at Ringaringa (except when you were walking your cat and I was walking my dog!) and I cherish our chats and tales of your travels.

Gary, may you rest peacefully you adorable man. We will miss your warmth and kindness.

It was a great honour to have been able to interview Gary on his life and art practice. I appreciated his openness, and honesty, as well as his enthusiasm to start a book project with me. Gary’s art practice had significance, his photography for a seminal exhibition ‘Queer Pictures’ (1985) of art by LGBTQ artists pushed boundaries, as did his photographs of artist Christine Hellyar’s apron sculptures which he places on the sun-kissed naked bodies of friends. He was an out gay artist at a time when many others did not have the courage. Focusing on his Tongan ancestry, Gary took up painting and became a key figure in the emerging contemporary Pasifika Art scene in New Zealand. He is significant in art history as one of the first contemporary Pasifika LGBTQ artists. One of his proudest moments was having his art exhibited in Tonga.
What was important about Gary was the compassion and open friendship he showed to others. He is remembered for the care he gave friends who died of AIDS in the 1980s, in particular Denis Gubb and Simon Morley. Gary even features in a movie, taking a small part in the film ‘Death in a Family’ (1986), Peter Wells and Stewart Main’s groundbreaking film on AIDS, based on the death of one of Gary’s friends Denis Gubb.
Moving to Rakiura (Stewart Island) with Bevan, Gary recreated his life, making new friends. His kindness, quick wit, openness to new experiences and sense of humour continued to touch everyone who knew him. Gary will be sadly missed by many people.

Dearest Gary how I loved having you as a big brother. I would boast of your many talents to friends. Such a kind, gentle and wise soul. You will be so dearly missed by all. May you rest now in loving peace ❤️

We can ‘see’ the two of you walking around the point - collecting seafood, doing the traps, checking the sheep - with your faithful follower Loki the cat close behind. Our parents Nancy and Murray really valued your kindness and neighbourly friendship, as we do. Gary, we will miss you. Our condolences to Bevan and Olivia. You were such a team. RIP Gary

Gary, you will be dearly missed at the Mudie gatherings and they will never quite be the same. We really enjoyed your love of cooking though Syd won’t miss the blue cheese loaf. You have touched all our hearts and it has been so nice seeing Bevan so happy and the joy you have brought to his and all our lives. Your courage and determination in how you faced your illness was inspiring.

Uncle Gary, a man whose kindness, quick wit, and sense of humour touched everyone who knew him. Uncle Gary had a calming spirit that could soothe even the most troubled heart, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

One of my fondest memories with Uncle Gary was when my husband and I had the opportunity to travel to Stewart Island and spend a few nights with him and Bevan. It was a remarkable time, not just for the breathtaking sights of the island, but for the precious moments we shared as a family. We reminisced about our family heritage, and Uncle Gary delighted us with stories of his memories of Rachael and I as children reminding me of the special role he played in our lives.

Earlier this year, Uncle Gary showcased an incredible exhibit which is a testament to his talent and passion. We had made grand plans to hopefully welcome him and Bevan to Melbourne, eager to show them around and create even more cherished memories together.

Though those plans will remain unfulfilled, the love and joy Uncle Gary brought into our lives will never fade. Fly high, Uncle Gary, and continue to watch over all of us. Your spirit will always shine brightly in our hearts. Lots of love and hugs,

Gary was a loving kind person who always had fresh hot scones served with jam prepared whenever we visited him. He adored his kitty Loki and showed him lots of love, I'm sure Loki will miss him heaps. He will be remembered with love and happiness. Lots of love to Bevan. Rest in peace Gary.

I hope you are resting in peace now Gary. You will be missed. Kua haere ia ki tōna moenga roa ❤️

We will remember Uncle Gary as a calm, kind-hearted, loving person. We are blessed to have been able to share some time with him and Bevan recently, memories that we will forever cherish. Rest in love, Uncle Gary.
Ofa lahi atu,

When we say goodbye to Uncle Gary, we remember a man who truly embodied kindness and positivity. Uncle Gary had a remarkable way of seeing the bright side of life, no matter the circumstances. His ability to find the silver lining and share it with others made even the toughest days a little easier.

I will always cherish the countless conversations we had. Uncle Gary was never too busy for a chat, whether it was to offer sage advice or simply to listen. His thoughtfulness was evident in every interaction. He had a special knack for making each of us feel heard and valued, and his caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Uncle Gary had a way of making the ordinary extraordinary, and his presence made our lives richer and more joyful. As we remember him, let’s honor his legacy by embracing his outlook on life—finding joy in the small moments, offering kindness without hesitation, and being there for each other, just as he always was for us.

Uncle Gary - Although you are no longer with us, the warmth and love you shared will continue to guide and inspire us. Thank you, Uncle Gary, for being a beacon of light in our lives. You will be missed always.

Lots of love always,

It has been a real privilege to have worked with Garry during his early days on the island, he was both a Gentle Man, and a Gentleman, and I was also lucky to have been able to call him a friend, he was always so positive and accepting, and took life as it came, and always saw the best in everything and everyone.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Bevan, Olivia and the rest of his wider family, RIP Garry, your happy smiling face will be so missed. 🥰

Missed Gary on our last visit but always looked forward to a quiet talk or wave.
Gary & Beaven have been part of our life since we have been able to visit our house at Ringaringa. A lovely couple who we looked forward to seeing. We knew our place was safe when we were not there. We were keen to swap cod for lettuce and onions from their plastic house.
Gary was so staunch in his fight for good health, quiet and a very keen walker. Very much admired.
Our sincere condolences to Beaven and both families. We will keep you in our thoughts.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote to Gary, and his reply turned out to be my last message from him. “At this moment I am just aware of the sunshine on my face. Xx”

Gary was one of my favourite people on Rakiura. For me, Bevan and Gary’s sunny kitchen has always been an oasis of laughter and excellent conversation. We talked about everything under the sun and moon: politics, news, art, music, food, travel, and family. I loved Gary’s honesty—he spoke with such openness and frankness about his life experiences. He had the most beautiful, honeyed voice (I always thought he would have made a good radio host). He was an intent and thoughtful listener. If my conversation veered toward an unkind take on someone, it was often Gary who steered me onto an empathetic path. He was a loving, sweet-hearted man; but he wasn’t boring! He had twinkly eyes, a wonderful, mischievous laugh, and great style. He was an accomplished artist – I just read an article about his fascinating work which was recently exhibited at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

My boys loved Gary too, and we all looked forward to our visits to Ringa Ringa, especially if Gary had cooked up a batch of scones. While Gary was in hospital, the boys and I took turns reading and recording poems to send to him. Gary especially liked Charlie’s rendition of Yeats’ ‘Song of Wandering Aengus’. He wrote: “Thanks Charlie, your reading is excellent and oh so appropriate. That poem is one of the earliest I can remember reading ~ maybe I would have been 9 or 10. I have always remembered the last lines since that time.” I cherished my friendship with Gary, and we will miss him fiercely. It seems so unfair that he was one of the good ones, yet he left us too soon. The solace is knowing he lived a life shining with the best of being human: creativity and love.

The silver apples of the moon
The golden apples of the sun

Much love to Bevan and all of Gary’s family

It was a privilege to have such a beautiful, kind, caring and brave soul as a member of our family. You will be missed Uncle Gary.

Your special presence will be missed along the Ringaringa shoreline, that you embraced.

To our dear friend Gary, he was a humble, creative, quiet, deep thinker who has been a loving loyal partner and mate to Bevan and dad to Olivia, he will be deeply missed, "Kua wheturangitiakoe, mihi ke Te hungamate, ka aroha hoki" heaps aroha Dave Ruth AJ and Lea xxx

Gary, you were such a calm, patient (yes Bevan, patient), creative and adventurous spirit, not to mention popular with the boys. You will be missed, leaving behind a human-shaped hole for all the people you've helped through your work or just by knowing you as a decent person. Always the rainbow.

LOL (lots of love)

My path crossed with Garry's, whose kind eyes conveyed a depth of compassion that spoke volumes. Our first meeting left a lasting impression, as he selflessly pushed me in a wheelchair up the ramp to attend Tai Chi. What struck me most was learning he had recently returned from hospital, yet his concern for others took precedence. But perhaps the greatest testament to Garry's heart was the love he shared with Bevan, a bond that radiated warmth, devotion, and joy. Together, they embodied a beautiful partnership that I found inspiring and uplifting. Garry will be deeply missed.

Bevan, my dearest of friends & dearest of Dads, & Olivia, I send warmest love & care to you both at this saddest of times.
To Gary, I send gratitude for the love you gave my family.
How I wish you had been closer in person but I sure felt you were not too far.
May you rest in peace & still somehow know the joy you gave.
To Gary's family & friends, I send my deep condolences.
Viki (Olivia's Mum...named after me but primarily after my dear Mother Olive now 102 years of age.)

In loving memory of Gary, his kindness, genuine nature, and caring heart touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered fondly.

Gary was a loving and kind person who made the best scones. I loved having visits with him and will miss him a lot. Rest in peace Gary.

A love shared is a mighty gift, and you gave so generously, always with that wonderful smile. I felt loved and accepted. Such an honour to be your friend. So brave a man who fought with kindness and courage through it all. And now, the peace and the love you have shared remain with us all.

Gary will be a dearly missed Uncle and Great Uncle of the Miller extension of the Mudie Clan. He was always so friendly and caring making sure to ask after everyone. Rest in peace! ❤️

I remember the first time I met Gary (and Bevan). We were at Doughboy and two energetic, full-of-life middle-aged guys came strolling along the beach, having hiked over from Rakeahua. We made our acquaintance with them and donated a bottle of wine and half a birthday cake to their tramping kai before saying “See ya round.” Jumping on the wee plane ✈️ and heading back to the Bay. RIP Gary knowing that we’ll do our best to look after Bevan xx