Received the sad news today. Heavy heart, profound sense of loss... I met George at the AIMS centre in 1996, a newcomer to the country, like many of us there. I didn't have much English, ambitious and desperate to make it here. His genuine interest and willingness to help were like a piece of bread to the starving. His problem solving was exemplary, his advice-often out of the box, valuable food for thought or a quest for action. A lot of what I have achieved in this country I attribute to getting to know him, to our conversations. He loved people! Very different people, from different walks of life. He walked me down the aisle since I had no father, he gave a speech at our wedding that started "Marriage is a contract..." which has won my kiwi husband's heart :-) Crying... George has touched many people's lives like he has touched mine. I am sure hundreds of people will miss him. I will miss him. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, energy - to envy, laughter - unforgettable. One VERY special person... Forever thankful to have met him.

We have had numerous discussions over many years, from Freemasons to Christianity. We attended a Chuck Misler Conference, and he personally shook his hand – Chuck Misler was probably New Zealand’s foremost prophet and author of eschatology – a Christian study of the End Times. He was the proud to have bought the whole series of Chuck Misler sermons of every book of the Bible. They were on tape, and he would listen to some every day. Yes, we often discussed money matters, and would often challenge me on my knowledge as a Financial Adviser. Politics, yes, he was very knowledgeable about, having been the Secretary to National MP Doug Graham. In fact, he had an opinion on just about everything. We even went to a movie together, which is pretty good for being a neighbour – obviously we were much more than neighbours. George invited me onto his Board as one of the Independent Advisers, and Karen and I were rewarded with many Christmas meals with other Independent Advisers and their partners and AMES staff. He trusted me enough to refinance the mortgages of AMES Training and Resources, that is until I uncovered that one of the other three Directors had been stealing from the school, and it went to court. That took a couple of years off his life, with the stress and uncertainty for the school. In more recent years George build a Bitcoin machine, comprising of about a dozen hard drives and causing power surges in his house. George even found time to ring my son Benjamin, in London, to see how he is doing. George of course has known Benjamin all his life, with Stephanie being his baby sitter. Liley Place will never to the same – where will I go to get my documents witnessed now? George was always so obliging with his time and flexible. Farewell my friend. Sorry we missed your funeral – but this was what I would have said, to share the precious memories of our dear friend. Love from Karen, Stan and Benjamin.

I first met George in 1987, after we drove up to our new house across the road from George and Jill and Stephenie was waiting next to our letterbox. In 1989 I bought my first computer and George helped me to upgrade it. We shared many drinks whilst he taught me to build computers over the following years – I ended up doing the building and he ended up doing the drinking. He was at my house so regularly that Jill would ring and say “Is George there?”, which progressed to “Tell George dinners ready.” We played a first-person shooter called “Wolfenstein” (an all-American hero creeping around a German castle in the Second World War) and had turns. When one of us died after being shot he had to vacate the seat the have a drink whilst the next one took over. This went on until Jill rang! In the late 90s George started a computer school in Shortland Street, which rapidly expanded to AMES Training and Resources in Queen Street. I would visit him after my late client appointments on Friday nights, and we would go to a pool hall and play pool – and have a drink. We used to share Guy Fawkes nights every year, alternating between our houses. During one New Years Eve BBQ my sister Shirley said “Where’s George?”, to which everyone repeated “Where’s George?”. Everyone knew George was not in earshot, as one would normally be able to hear him. A search out the back door, and shining in the moonlight was the reflection of George’s glasses – we had found him, unconscious on the lawn. I helped him up and walked him out the gate, but he couldn’t make it across the road to his home – Jill had already gone home. So, I sat him next to my tap outside my house, where he remained for some time. George was a regular at the Remuera Baptist Church men’s breakfast at the beginning of every month. He loved the opportunity to fellowship, and make friends here. Continued in next tribute.

Thinking of you all, sending love. Wish we could be with you today to celebrate Georges life. A lovely service, he would be very proud xxxx

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we remember our dear friend, George. George was not just a friend; he was a pillar of the community, a devoted Mason, a proud member of the American Club, and an active participant in his church. For those of us fortunate enough to have known George for the past 35 years, we were blessed with a friendship that was marked by earnest discussions on a myriad topics. George had an insatiable curiosity and an uncanny ability to delve deep into any subject, from the complexities of world affairs to the intricacies of our daily lives. He approached every conversation with an open mind and a genuine desire to learn and understand, and was not shy to express his innermost views on any subject. George was a forward-thinker, always searching for problems to solve and ways to improve the world around him. His dedication to community service was unwavering, and he selflessly gave his time and energy to causes he believed in. George's commitment to making a positive impact was evident to all who knew him. In his younger days, George took to the skies as a pilot, and his adventurous spirit left an indelible mark on his storytelling. He regaled us with tales of soaring above the clouds, navigating through storms, and witnessing breathtaking sunsets from the cockpit. George's passion for flying not only enriched his life but also provided us with captivating narratives that will forever live on in our memories. Beyond his accomplishments and contributions, George was a friend who could always be counted on. He had a warm smile and a natural laugh that could brighten the gloomiest of days, and a kind heart that radiated love and compassion. George's presence was a source of comfort and reassurance to us. We have a deep sense of gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing George. His legacy of intellectual curiosity will always be what I remember most, as he enriched our lives.

Dear George, you will most certainly be missed by everyone . It has been a honour to have you as part of our family and you will never be forgotten. RIP George you definitely deserve a rest, you have been so brave, strong and courageous. Thanks for the memories lots of love Karen, Morgan, Zara, Jake, Sam and Dan xxxx