Notes from a phone call. Someone once prophesied that Ross would live to 90. That would have been 25 years ago. He believed it.

Notes from a phone conversation with Graham. Ross and family visited at Halfway bay. (On the shores of Lake Wakatipu). We started with just one hive which Ross helped us split then. His comment was that 'well if it survived you might be lucky to get a pound or two of honey'. Anne kept the bees. The marjoram flowered a bit later than most other flowers, and they did very well. Eventually we had 150 hives.

Notes from a phone call with Nikki, We first met Marg and Sandy White who had a lifestyle block in Dunback, we spent a few days working with them, as we were thinking of doing something similar. .Marg suggested we contact her brother and talk about bees with him. This is what we did, and it started a friendship lasting over many years. Ross was always very happy to share his knowledge and expertise with us which was great. Ken got a few bees, and worked a few days with Ross getting the hang of things. Ross and Claire would stop in for a cuppa on their way to 'town', and it was good to have a catch-up. They were always keen to find out how things were for us. Ken also helped Ross with his books at one stage.

Notes from a phone conversation with Paul. We were special friends. We first met them when they were first thinking of Takaka, and the Church of Christ Church service. Claire was quite taken with the name, as it had been her family church in Oamaru. And they felt a connection from the start. Paul wondered and appreciated Dad's skill in woodworking with his one hand. He and Dad worked together sometimes in the garage workshop in Takaka. Paul has happy memories sitting on the sunny porch having a cuppa, and eating grapes. Vonda shared a great love of all things gardening, and she and Dad often had long chats about plants, flowers, and vegies. All their triumphs and challenges.

Notes from a conversation I had with Pam Burkett. 'We had a lovely meal out when Ross and Claire celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, with the Clements.' Pam has a photo taken that night which she will share. Claire loved her roses, and she had all kinds of ideas on how to display them, and their history. Mum often went to the rose society outings with Pam, and had a great time.

Hi Margaret. Thank you for letting us know. We saw the notice in the paper & as we are in Golden at present we are planning to come to Ross's funeral on Friday. We were so pleased you are planning a memorial service at Tarras as your parents played a huge role in the district especially their services to the Tarras Church which I don't feel have ever been sufficiently recognised by the community. Our very deepest sympathy to you & all the Mackay family. Russell & Jeanette