Neil CHALMERS Obituary

Dear Bridget
Just seems like yesterday I caught up with Neil for chat at a principals hui in Nelson. A real shock to hear of his passing. Neil contributed so much to education here in Marlborough and he continued in the same vein in Nelson. He was a good man who had a real passion for kids and education. Our lives a richer from knowing Neil. Rest In Peace.

Dear Bridget,

We are saddened and stunned by the sudden death of Neil.

Emily, Emilian and I have very fond memories of him because he welcomed the children so warmly to Mapua School and made it so easy for them to settle in.

Our thoughts are with you and your daughters during this difficult time and we wish you much strength and fortitude!

Warm wishes
Emily, Emilian and Ulrike Meissner

I was saddened to hear of Neil´s sudden passing. Neil will forever be one of my most favourite teacher colleagues. He was one of the best. I was fortunate enough to teach with Neil at Fairhall and Tua Marina Schools. He was a wonderful classroom teacher, firm yet gentle and always had a ready smile. Students loved him. He was a calming presence, an active listener and he brought these things with humour and joy into the staff room. Bridget and family my thoughts are with you, may these and others sentiments add weight to your memories as you navigate the days to come.

Dear Bridget. Before you arrived at Tua Marina School our Neil (or Mr C.) was a founding member of the Wairau Diversion Group, a small bunch of local principals whose schools were part of a sporting and cultural activities group that included Neil's Tua Marina school. The group met on a regular basis ie: almost every Friday afternoon at the Grovetown Hotel, to provide work support and share the deeds of the week. Neil was the calm and reassuring presence at these meetings, as well as having a ready laugh that always made the jokes seem better than they were.
Our group also had sporting activities that included fishing, pool, bowls and other things that we were not much good at. Neil always denied in his modest way, any skills in these things, but when we introduced a trophy his name became a recurring feature on the Champions shield. His charming laugh and smile made his participation an enjoyment for all the group.
However his Friday attendances become intermittent, and we worried. It took some time before it was realized we were having to share Neil's company. Soon he revealed he had met someone special, and that she had a much greater appeal than pool on a Friday night. When Neil eventually and shyly introduced you we understood why he smiled even more at the "second jug" jokes. We enjoyed and shared his happiness of being with you, and how he found a renewed purpose in his life.
Although time and circumstance have dispersed the WDG, the experience of that time is so valued. Neil's teaching and social friends from our group have many fond memories of that period, and we are able to understand and share your grief of his passing.
Members of the group are planning to reunite for a special Neil occasion where we can pay tribute to him and again appreciate the contribution he made to all our lives, and the standards we could aspire to. A special mate.
From Kevin, Bill, John, Dave, Arnie, Red Top, and others.

I was shocked to hear of Neil's death. Neil was a loyal and supportive friend since our days of teaching at Blenheim School. I enjoyed his sense of humour and has always impressed by his dedication to teaching. Condolences to Bridget and family.

He nui te aroha ki a koutou te whanau pani. To Bridget, tamariki and mokopuna much aroha to you all.

Sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Please accept our condolences We will not be able to attend the service much and all as we wanted to because of road closures. Our thoughts are with you all at this t

Dear Bridget, l am so sorry to hear about Neil's passing and extend my condolences to you and the children. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending much love and light from Colorado during this difficult time.

To dear Bridget
We extend our deepest sincere condolences to you and your whanau on the very sad passing of your beloved husband Neil.
He was always up for a chat or a wave of hello as he watched his pupils cross over the road safely from school, and we know you´ll always be very proud of his work and achievements.
Neil was generous in his time, encouragement and aspirations for his pupils at Mapua School. Our son Sean was very saddened to hear of his passing and sad not to be able to attend Neil´s service.
Neil´s loss will bring numerous challenges in the days ahead but know that you and your lovely family will always be supported by the Mapua community in any way it can to help you all through whatever the future brings.
In lieu of flowers, we will make a donation to the mayoral fund.
He tangata he tangata he tangata
Bill, Pam & Sean Stinton
Mapua

Please accept my condolences to you Bridget and the children for Neil´s sudden passing. I remember our fun talks and laughter I had with Neil . I will miss him

Rest in peace Neil - we are so sorry to hear of your passing and send so much love to all those who will be grieving so hard at this time, especially your precious family.
Thinking of you all and sending love
Em, Jon, Jake, Ollie and Daisy xxxxx

I was so sorry to hear of Neils death. I remember fun times with him and the wonderful conversations we used to have about the education system when he was living in Blenheim. A great neighbour and friend.

Dear Bridget and whanau.
I was shocked to hear of Neil's unexpected passing. I knew Neil as our paths crossed often in various roles when he was teaching in Marlborough. He was so passionate about education and was such a caring gentle soul. A man of integrity and highly respected by his colleagues. Rest in peace Neil. My deepest sympathy to you all at this sad time.
Nicky Halligan

Dear Bridget and whanau, So incredibly sorry to hear about Neil. He was a true gentleman and a man of real integrity. He also clearly adored all of you. He will be very much missed by so many young people, their families and the Mapua community. I no longer live in the area and won't be able to be at the service on Saturday but Neil and all of you will be very much in my thoughts. Rather than send flowers, I have made a donation to the Mayoral Relief Fund in Neil's name. Aroha nui, Sally Thomas (mother of Bethan and Anna Thomas).

Bridge, we are so sorry we can't be with you to give you all a big hug. Our thoughts are with you, the girls and family. We feel privileged to have met Neil - he was such a loving, dedicated, quietly witty and positive man, so clearly loved and loved by his beautiful family. Sending you all the love and strength we can muster. Julie, John and Innes.

Rest In Peace Neil . I´m so sad to hear of your unexpected passing . I spent many years with you at Tua Marina School. My condolences and sympathy especially go to your family at this sad time . You will be remembered with fondness by the children you have taught in your many years of teaching . We had many years of great memories at Tua Marina School with you as Principal.

Dear Bridget and whanau. I was very saddened to read of Neil´s passing. I have many fond memories of his support as a fellow Principal and mate during my time at Spring Creek. I know he gave everything to his chosen vocation and his family. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Much love and deepest sympathy.

Dear Bridget, Sam, Emma, Niamh & Isla, we were saddened to hear of Neil's unexpected passing. We have such great memories of Neil's time as Principal at Tua Marina and hold him in high regard. We will forever be grateful for the time and energy he gave to Gareth, Lisa, Melissa and Brody's school days. Many fond memories we will all hold close. Much love and deepest sympathy to you all from the Thompsett Whanau xxx RIP Neil