6 September 1951 – 16 December 2022
6 September 1951 – 16 December 2022
Peacefully, after a courageous battle with lung cancer at Taranaki Base Hospital on Friday, 16 December 2022 aged 71. Dearly loved husband of Faye for 42 years. Cherished Dad of Joel, and Brooke & Richard. Loving Grandad of Alicia (Perth), Alexis and Charlotte. Much loved by all the extended family. In preference to flowers please consider a donation to Hospice Taranaki.
Messages to the Earley Family may be left on Michael’s tribute page at eagars.co.nz/Michael.
A service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Thursday 22 December 2022 at 10:30am followed by a private cremation. For those unable to attend, Michael’s funeral will be livestreamed via his tribute page.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
To Faye and all your family please accept our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you at this time. Colin and Rina and family
To Faye & Family - thinking of you all at this sad time and extending deepest sympathy. Karen, Angus & Family
To Faye, Joel, Brooke and family. Our deepest sympathies to you all. I met Mike 38 years ago, when I started with Western Bottling - a mad buggar, and a good mate.Unfortunately we can’t be with you all today, but will be watching online. Love from Steve and Christine
Faye and family Sorry we can't be with you as you farewell Mike Our thoughts are with you and your family
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to you Faye and your Family at this time of loss. Rodney and Elizabeth Hancock.
To Fay and Family So sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and precious father. Our thoughts are with you and all your family
We are so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. We have such great memories from Bell Block swimming club days. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Murray and Margaret Dalton
To Faye and Family, Sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to you all. Thinking of you. Rest In Peace Mike.
Faye, Joel, Brooke and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Mike. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Rest in Peace Mike.
Dear Faye, Our thoughts are with you and your family with the sad passing of Mike. With love from Helen & Eldon
Dear Faye , Joel , Brooke & family, Our deepest sympathies are extended and thinking of you all at this sad time. We have lovely memories of Mike and all his charisma and humour at all the Eichstaedt family parties and functions over many years. His kind heart and friendliness touched us all. Big hugs from Stephen, Karen, Hayley and Nicole Eichstaedt & partners Boris and Mark xx
So sorry to hear of Michael passing. Thinking of you all.
To Faye and Family. My sincere condolences for the passing of Mike. He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him. Sending love ❤️ and hugs xxx Linda
To Faye and family. Very sad news. Such a good man, and lots of fun! RIP Mike. You are in our thoughts and prayers - Rosie and Peter Fastier XOX “He is not lost, just gone ahead before you” ♥️
To Faye, Joel, Brooke & Families Our deepest condolences to you all in the passing of Mike, a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Rest in peace Mike and enjoy the great golf green in the sky. John, Fran, Shaun, Anita & Chris Waugh and families
We had a lot of good times together in our rugby days and golfing days. It’s been an honour to be your friend. Sending condolences and love to Faye, Brooke and Joel.
Dear Faye (Mrs Early), Joel and Brooke, we are so sorry for your loss. It seems not that long ago we were having barbecues on your deck, learning to play golf, having pot-luck dinners, shooting hoops and much more. How time passes so quickly! Thank you all for being great friends and making for a memorable childhood. Rest in peace Mike, you will be remembered and loved by many. Warren, Miriam, Lillia, Howie and Victoria.
24.04.1980 We didn't light the fire but it was certainly the spark that has lit an enduring friendship. We send our love to you Faye, Joel and Brooke at this sad time but treasure lovely memories. David, Dawn, Danielle, Maria and Douglas Norman. No 58.
We met in person but a few times but always at happy events. A good Dad, a loving husband and good friend. Lots of laughter always even if the knee was “talking”. You will be sorely missed but memories live in for ever. RIP.
Farewell Mike. You put up a great fight. Thank you for your friendship over the last thirty odd years. You are such a gentleman, great host, wonderful storyteller and of course fabulous golfer! Rest in peace xox Love and hugs to the family xox
sympathy love and thoughts go to Mike's family Now at rest and free of pain etc Take care Moya Pitcaithly and family

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

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