Barry GARDINER Obituary

I was devastated and deeply saddened today to find out that my very good teaching friend Barry had passed away last October in Queensland. His Christmas card was returned to me from the Cashmere View Retirement Village. I first met Barry in the early eighties when he was appointed to the Rotherham School in North Canterbury. I taught at Waiau and we combined our resources, skills and enthusiasm to run our annual outdoor educational excursions together. Quite a Team I must say!! We were in touch with one another from then until 2024. He used to say to me that I was the only one of his real mates still alive. He had our photos on his wall and over the years he took them down one by one. In his day he was a very good sportsman and played rugby for Nelson Bays. He wore their jersey to all the Markos games he attended.., and there were many. He stayed with me in 2021 and we went over to Hamilton for the NPC final that year. I will try to attach a photo. I am devastated to have found out he has passed. Will forever remember you old mate!