19 May 1928 – 17 August 2023
19 May 1928 – 17 August 2023
PRIOR, Owen Fordham (Dr) - peacefully with family on 17 August 2023 at Lansdowne Park, Masterton. Aged 95. Much loved husband of the late Helen and father and father-in-law of Simon (deceased) and Rob, Anna and Ian Pike, Jane and Murray Blandford. Much loved Docca of his grandchildren; David and Niki, Sarah and Tim, William and Meagan, Oliver and Salsabil, Elliot, Simon and Zara, Sam and Philippa. Much loved Docca of his great grandchildren; Luca, Manka, Ada, Rex, Harry, Poppy, James, Luke, Eleanor, and Phoebe. Much loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews, and a long standing friend of Tenick Dennison, and so many others. Special thanks to Lansdowne Park and John Gordon for their care of Owen. A service for Owen will be held at Rosewood, 415 Queen Street Masterton on Saturday 26 August at 2:00pm. No flowers by request. A donation in Owen’s memory may be made to Wellington Free Ambulance, www.wfa.org.nz. Private Cremation. Livestream will be available on www.rosewoodfuneralhome.co.nz/funerals.
Funeral service held at Rosewood
Our thoughts are with the Prior family following the death of Owen. He was always such an inspiration to me. I always loved seeing his smile when he performed with the Wairarapa singers. His was certainly a life well lived.
condolences to the Prior Family. I first met Owen as a lecturer in the Hospital training center. I was studying to be a nurse in the 60's. Back in the days when you learned to be a nurse 2 days a week and then worked in wards the rest of the time. I will never forget Own bringing in a jar of cancerous lungs to our lesson. He plonked it on the table ( in its black-tarred state) and told us if we took up smoking, you too could have a lovely pair like this. I NEVER took up smoking and those that did gave up immediately. Both he an Tennick were amazing tutors, along with Helen Douglas and Sally Eastwood.
Owen was a leader by example in volunteering to see Ararangi Camp become a reality and from its inception till the day he died he served as a trustee with enthusiasm and energy. From 1960'ss to 2023. Not only a trustee but also a hands on worker with a particular penchant for the chainsaw. My wife and I also appreciated his open mindedness in the 25 years that he attended XploratioNZ sessions to discuss the realities of Christianity in the modern era.
wonderful to be able to join you via livestream. I have many memories of sharing thoughts and helping to shape the future of health for the Wairarapa. Owen was always jolly and committed to the best for all TO all Owen's family thank you for sharing his life with us.
Funeral service held at Rosewood

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