As Grand Master of Manchester Unity of New Zealand on behalf of members , I extend to the family of Brother Earnest William( Ernie) Pailthorpe PDGM, our heartfelt sympathy and condolences on his passing. I remember him well and would like to acknowledge his dedication and loyalty to Manchester Unity, giving his time and energy for over 60 years. He was a valuable and respected member.

Hello Norma and Ernies Family I worked at Manthel Motors in the 70s and early 80's Servicing Lychgate and Wilson's Hearses. Earnie was a lovely bloke and was a very genuine and sincere man, and appreciated our care looking after the cars. I loved working on the Hearses as well as his HQ Holden, and treated that as a privilege. We often chatted about early Wellington history which he and I were both interested in. He seems to understand the cars better than most and now I know why. After watching Earnie service I see he was a keen Vintage car man. I often momentarily thought of Earnie in later years, even though I had moved away from the "hands on" Motor Industry. It seems he lived to a good age. RIP Earnie Best Regards, Graham Quinlan

Dear Norma Catherine and I were saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. We got to know you both in 1996 when I started working with Ian at Pinewood and our friendship continued through the years. We are thinking of you, Mark and Ian at this time. Love from us both Catherine and Alan Marston

Dear Norma and family. We have just watched the livestream of Ernie's farewell and extend sincere condolences. We will miss his many stories at Vintage Car events. Ernie: Thanks for the memories and the insights you shared. Kay & Murray Hislop

To Norma Sincere condolences from the Whitehouse Many happy memories of our fun trips away with the VCC RIP Ernie.

To Norma and family 89 years young, Ernie never seemed to age. He was always cheerful and quick for a chat - and often a delightfully long one! We were lucky to see more oof him after his retirement to Paraparaumu we got to see a little more of him. Ernie was truly one of those revered senior figures in the funeral profession who left a lasting mark on us all. Ernie you will truly be remembered

Sad news Norma .. one of the 'old Guard' was ern, along with the Ian McIntyres- Basil Gees- Noel McKnee- Alan Irvine- Peter Strong- Jack Ninness- the Francis Days and Derek Hopes and Lindsay Helsons.. those stalwarts who did so much to founder and form our education courses at the C.I.T. They pushed and got specialist tutors on board in the likes of Dave Cathcart - Ernie was such a welcoming person in the Wellington fraternity - and not only in the educational field but also at our FDANZ meetings and seminars throughout the years. New Zealand Funeral Service has lost a special and colourful member of its clan, as indeed have you his family. My sincerest condolences to you Norma and to your family.. arohanui Ernie- R I P.

Hello to Ernies Family - I always enjoyed my time chatting to Ernie , He certainly had some interesting stories of his job, setting up life in Paraparumu and enjoying life. His fun and enthusiam will be missed by many. He certainly was an interesting character !!