It is with great sadness that I inform you that Rev John Grundy passed away last Monday 14 August. He served as a minister in the Methodist Church from 1955-1968 at Stoke in Nelson, Carterton in the Wairarapa and Woodlands St. Church in Timaru. Following that he was Director of Christian Education based at Taranaki St in Wellington and also spent time with the church in Melbourne.

Any messages of condolence can be sent to his daughter Jeannette Grundy at jeannette.grundy@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is with shock and sadness that we have been advised of the death of Karen Harris. Karen and Ian were travelling overseas and during the flight Karen suffered a significant medical event. Despite the best efforts of cabin crew and medical assistance on board, she was unable to be revived and died. Please keep Ian and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

We will advise in due course where messages of condolence can be sent and any funeral details.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would like to advise the connexion of the death of Dr. Owen Prior. Owen died on the 17 August at Lansdowne Park, Masterton, aged 95.

Owen was a pillar of the Masterton and Wairarapa community and active in the life of the Methodist Church. Owen was actively involved with the Wesley Methodist Church, then following Wesley combining with Knox Presbyterian - with St Lukes Union Church in Masterton. He served on Parish Council, Synod attended Conference. He served the connexion being on the Board of the Methodist Children's Home in Masterton, and then for fifty years the Wellington Methodist Charitable Trust Board, including 7 years as chairperson.

His service in the community was first as GP in Masterton before becoming a Surgeon and Acting Medical Superintendent at Masterton Hospital. He was of considerable assistance to St John's in the Wairarapa, and his service to St John's was recognised in 1981 when he was admitted into the Order as an Officer.

Owen is survived by his two daughters, Anna and Jane. Seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

We give thanks for the life of Owen, who has left Masterton and the Wairarapa a better place for is involvement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is with sadness that I inform the connexion of the death of Lani Tupu this afternoon following a short illness.

Lani held office as the Vice President of Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa in 1986. He was involved in leadership in the Wellington Synod area and a member of the Wellington Methodist Parish. After retirement Lani and Beryl moved to the Wairarapa where they worshiped with the Samoan Methodist Church at Crossway.

Lani died well with a wonderful family gathering around him and singing. His funeral will be held on Saturday 16th September, 1pm in First church Martinborough with a burial to follow. Details of where messages can be sent and the funeral will be circulated in the next few days.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------