Knew Kerry (Chester) at Bible Class days in Stoke early '70s, and at Nayland College. All round good guy, easy to get along with and to be around. 🙂 Roger Hamilton Christchurch

Williams House one of the houses at Ozanam House Trust Palmerston North where residents previously unknown to each other bonded for a common cause - cancer treatment. So many laughs, disscussions, how ,treatment went each day comparison etc and lifes experiences shared with Chester & Ella. RIP Chester we will always remember your stories ,wisdom ,and sense of humor, you were truly a remarkable man. Love and hugs to Ella and family . Fondly remember by Stewart & Bev Murray & Sue Gary & Janet Neil & Marilyn Warick & Marilyn Allan & Nita and Tony.

We so enjoyed getting to know Chester a whole lot better on that family reunion in Ashurst some years ago. We even had the "privilege" of riding in the car with him, so yesterday's anecdotes about his driving resonated somewhat!! He was a true gentle man, and his passing is going to leave such a hole - everywhere, but especially in his family. It was way way too soon. Ella, Zac, Abi, Katy and other family members - so good to see you guys on screen yesterday, and my hope is that you will be very conscious of our Lord's loving arms surrounding you at this very sad time in your lives, and as you move forward and try to adjust to life without him. With love from us both, Kate and Graeme Scarlett ❤💔

Ever since meeting Chester and Ella back in the late 1970s/early '80s and being introduced to their precious family, in Trentham at the Church of Christ there, we have followed Chester's progressing career and were proud to say that we knew this bloke whose passion was for always looking at and introducing ways for a more positive healthy community. Ella, along with good memories, our caring thoughts and prayers continue to surround you and family at this time. Graham & Margaret Small

To Ella and Family. It was a pleasure to be able to work with Chester. He provided great support for young staff and his sense of humour provided a glimmer of light even in the most unfortunate of circumstances. He has lived a very full life touching many people along the way. Haere ra my friend. Love and best wishes to you all.

To Ella, Zac, Abi and Katie and families. Firstly our sincere apologies for not being able to attend Chester’s funeral. Our very deepest and sincerest condolences and special thoughts have been and will remain with you all as you adjust your lives following the loss of Chester. He has always been such a loving, caring and dedicated husband and father. Chester has been such a special special man in all of his many outstanding vocations, and community involvements and has over his lifetime made enormous personal and public differences to many peoples’ lives. His premature passing has saddened all of his many family members, colleagues, countless friends and his very close mates. Chester was a good fun bloke, a true and selfless giver who positively affected many many people during his enormously productive lifetime. He loved chewing the fat (or meat pies)on all sorts of topics, especially years ago when traipsing around the mountain with a van full of rugby kids most Saturday mornings. A true straight up and down, honest as the day is long kiwi bloke, he will be deeply missed by all whom he has touched and our whole family is definitely one of these. Rest in peace Chester, you are going to be sorely missed. Stay strong Ella, you are constantly in our thoughts and all of our very best wishes to your beautiful family.

Ella, Zac, Abi and Katy .. It was truly an honour to attend Chester's 'celebration of life' he remains a man of mana for his pursuit of 'Justice' . The words of a poet embody our old wing buddy .. When tomorrow starts without me And I’m not here to see If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me I wish you wouldn’t cry The Way you did today While thinking of the many things We did not get to say I know how much you love me As much as I love you Each time that you think of me I know you will miss me too When tomorrow starts with out me Please try to understand That an angel came and called my name And took me by the hand The angel said my place was ready In heaven far above And That I would have to leave behind All those I Dearly Love But When I walked through Heaven’s Gates I felt so much at home When GOD looked down and smiled at me From his golden throne He said This Is Eternity And All I promised you Today for life on earth is done But Here it starts a new I promise no tomorrow For today will always last And Since each day’s the exact same way There is no longing for the past So When Tomorrow starts without me Do not think we’re apart For every time you think of me Remember I’m right here in your heart Author: David M Romano

Today the world is a little worse off - we've lost one of the good guys, Chester Borrows. I have known Chester since before I interned with him in 2007. He was there for the good times and the bad ones. He was not only a friend, but also my mentor. We spent many hours discussing politics and we travelled many miles together during three of his campaigns, visiting roller derby’s and bird shows! Chester supported me in so many ways, and provided me with a lifetime of wisdom and support. Chester had a heart of gold and always had time for others. He never judged and was always there when shit got real. Go well, my old friend! The skies weep today because you are gone, but the sun will come up tomorrow because you'll be watching over us all.

So many incredible memories from my time working for him, but the visit to the "Boot" Camp stands out as Peak Chester. He learnt the name and story of each one of the young men there. He spent a good couple of minutes talking to each one individually. When he addressed the group, it wasn't a Minister of the Crown talking at a bunch of young criminals. It was a man (and a dad) talking to a bunch of young men who needed some encouragement. He told them they had been given a 2nd (or 22nd!) chance. He told them that taking that chance to change their lives would be hard, and they would make mistakes - not because they were bad, but because we *all* stumble when we try to do something new and hard, even him. He told them that what mattered was not that they fell down, but whether they got back up again when they did, and reached out for all the help that was being offered to them. He told them that it wouldn't be easy, but that he, and everyone else there, believed they could do it. It was Chester at his best - showing up and giving a damn about those who the rest of us just want to give up on. He's gone far, far too soon. Our country is a better because of him, and a poorer place without him. Go well, Boss. Go well.

Today the world is a little worse off - we've lost one of the good guys, Chester Borrows. I have known Chester since before I interned with him in 2007. He was there for the good times and the bad ones. He was not only a friend, but also my mentor. We spent many hours discussing politics and we travelled many miles together during three of his campaigns, visiting roller derby’s and bird shows! Chester supported me in so many ways, and provided me with a lifetime of wisdom and support. Chester had a heart of gold and always had time for others. He never judged and was always there when shit got real. Go well, my old friend! The skies weep today because you are gone, but the sun will come up tomorrow because you'll be watching over us all.

We have Attended the emotional feunral Of Chester Borrows.. He know us as we are living In Hãwera for last 20 years he also attended our citizenship ceremony as our MP in the council office in February 2016.. We sending our condolences & sympathies for Chester’s family.. Go easy Chester your were an amazing person for the town and the whole community.. Good Bye & God Bless 🤲🙏😍

Deepest sympathies Ella to you and the family. I managed to watch the live stream of Chester’s funeral and was moved by Zac’s, Abi’s and Katy’s tributes - a credit to both of you. It was a tremendous tribute to Chester and a genuine sense of what he meant to everyone and the community he lived in and served. May God’s presence be close to you all and bring every good remembrance to mind. God bless!

To Ella and Family, thinking of you at this sad time. Chester was a good person in every sense of the word, always wanting the best for all. He will be greatly missed.

My sincere condolences to Ella and family. I worked with Chester in Hawera, and I remember valuing Chester’s patience, guidance and humour when dealing with various police matters. Your memory will live on, Chester. Rest in peace.

Chester was a joy to know and work with. I treasure his friendship, so freely given. He was genuine, big hearted, honest, and had an authenticity that permitted others to be authentic with him. Ella -my heart goes out to you - Chester often spoke of how he looked forward to his retirement and spending time with you going on adventures and painting.

E te Rangatira, it was a privilege and an honour to be a part of your team. Your kindness, loyalty and friendship continued and will never be forgotten. Okioki i runga i te rangimarie e hoa, Rest in Peace.

Chester, I don't think I could ever thank you enough for letting me be part of your life, even for a few months. You showed me what the great things in life are, and for that I could not be more grateful. I know you were important to a lot of people, and will be missed by an entire community, and for the greatness of your character it could not be any other way. Thank you for who you were and what you did for your family, your friends, your dogs, your community and your country. You will always be in my heart. You will be missed. Saudade forever.

Chester, you wonderful, good humored and down-to-earth man: you have enriched our lives and brought us many moments of laughter. May you rest in peace and may your family feel the support of those near and far away. Stefan

Our condolences to Chesters family and very greatful to have an association with a truely understanding and caring person, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts RIP Chester. Judy and Whanau.

I feel privileged to have shared some very special moments with Chester at our Wednesday morning prayer breakfasts. His faith was a big part of who he was and it was clear to all who knew him how much family and friendships meant. My condolences to Ella and family at the loss of a good man.

So sorry that other commitments prevent me from being at his funeral in person, but I hope to watch online. Chester was without doubt amongst the finest people I have been privileged to work with and someone whom I consider a real friend. He was thoughtful, grounded in his faith and values and unafraid to express his position regardless of any negative feedback. He took his political role seriously but was always up for a laugh. I rate him as one of the worst Karaoke singers of all time but he just didn't care! Thank you Ella, Zac, Abi and Katy for sharing him with us and his community. I'll miss you my friend, rest in peace. Mx

I met Chester and Ella many years ago through Turuturu School where the Borrows kids attended way back when. Absolutely lovely family and I have fond memories of some super parent teacher conversations. How proud Chester was of you all. Rest in peace Chester. Your work here on earth is done, And to the family I send my warmest thoughts. Super memories of you all. Take care of each other in the days ahead. Trish Sheehan (Former Teacher)

We give thanks for Chester's life, so full of service to family, the local community and our nation. I well remember arriving at Nayland College in Nelson in 1972 and Kerry (later 'Chester') welcomed me to the 4th form class. He was a popular student with the boys - and girls - and prominent in rugby and other sports. A year or so later he and his family from a Church of Christ background joined my family at Stoke Methodist Church and we had some special times in youth group as we grappled with how to be real Christians and fully involved in school and soon to be work life. We joined a large group that together walked the Abel Tasman track at Easter 1974; great camaraderie for growing teens. His decision to join the NZ Police was a good one and later moving into law. He always had time for people as a well-known MP, including the special role of the church in society through his Presbyterian and more recently Anglican service. Ella has walked every step of the way with Chester and we can only imagine all she has carried these recent times. While Chester had a very busy career and service in Parliament, he clearly always loved and cherished his family first. Our prayers are with Ella, Zac, Abi and Kati and their families. Chester's integrity, Christian faith and passion for helping others will be long remembered. Farewell my friend. Richard Waugh

Dear Ella and Family I am one of the Pastors involved in a Wednesday Prayer Breakfast at Parliament of which Chester was a vital part during his 12 years as an MP. I have kept in touch with Chester after he left parliament and also during the time of his illness. I am very saddened at the passing of Chester. He was a very precious friend. We have met a few times; once you came with Chester to the church I was pastoring in Wellington. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the service in person but will join in via the livestream on Thursday 2 March at 1pm. Our deepest condolences to you and family. With all our love and prayers Pastor Rasik and Lalita Ranchord

Our earliest memories of Chester go back to Scouting and Rugby coaching days, both of which he gave his all. His dedication to his beautiful wife, family and close friends was always plain to see., as was his dedication to our community. No matter what event was on, Chester and Ella were always there. A most compassionate man who was a great mentor to many and will be sadly missed. Love to Ella, Zac, Abi, Katy and all family

Our condolences Ella and family, in the loss of a husband & father, in such extreme, prolonged & challenging circumstances. We have many memories of Chester, a dear friend, no time to expand now, all of them are fond memories even of times when you thought I had joined the dark side. Joni Mitchell’s song ‘Both sides now’ probably speaks most relevantly. “I’ve looked at life from both sides now,” …. and this was certainly you. Police, Prosecutor, - Defence lawyer; Politician – Mentor/Lobbyist; Taker of hard knocks – Friend of those who were taking & others who were giving, those hard knocks; - but always with a wish to help others, and protect & support those unable, [for the moment,] to help themselves. “I’ve looked at life from both sides now, From win & lose and still somehow, It’s life’s illusions I recall,” But here you my friend, you depart from Joni’s experience, she said, “I really don’t know life at all.” But not you, you knew ‘Life’ all too well, lived it with gusto, a big man with a big heart, who will be remembered with affection & respect by those you taught your knowledge of ‘life’ in all its twists & turns, & showed them how, through it all, to come up smiling, even when you were doodling on your desk pad!! Hope to see you again, when the judge assigns our next date of hearing as a fixture. Bruce & Gillian Millard.