Chatham Funeral

Jun 9, 2011

Today we buried Charlie Preece at his Kopi Bush Hill home. 

Large number of family and friends joined with the Island community to pray, to support Pat and the family, and to commend Charlie to God.

It was a privilege to lead this service with Revd. Rewai Preece of the Anglican Church, and the blessing at the graveside with Rewai and Ollie Seymour (Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri).

The weather responded with sun and wind, drizzle and rainbows throughout the day.

The people of islands bury their dead with much dignified ritual. Included in this process is many hours of story-telling, memories and food with conversation. The last moments of the graveside service see a dozen men working together to fill in the grave.

It is good to be here.

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