Brad posted this minions meme during lockdown ... his sense of humour

Brad Milne - Milney

“A Canterbury school teacher who has died suddenly has been remembered as a “'visionary educator, colleague and friend”.

Unfortunately during the early hours of Wednesday 30th September, Brad passed away without any warning. He left behind his wife Anna and two sons, Oliver and Grayson.

One of the first things people noticed about Brad was how tall he was, however that would quickly fade from people’s minds as it was outdone and outshone by the size of his heart. Brad was the best husband, the best father, the best teacher and simply put - the best of us. He impacted many people’s lives either from his teaching, his involvement in secondary school sports or simply his friendship.

Reflections:

I knew a guy once, tall in stature, big in presence, a deep, powerful voice that penetrated the air. He liked to be a leader, he liked to be at the forefront, an ideas man, an innovator. He was a guy that looked for energy, he brought energy, he brought it all. This guy I knew, was a man who did things for the greater good. A sportsman and super competitive bugger, winning was the only goal when he competed. 

A while back we had a doo. Out on a farm, with men who admired him, it was a sendoff, one that we were not ready to have. The night went late, the yarns were great, and what a way to say good bye. 

I knew a man once, Brad his name, and a good guy his game. R.I.P Milney

You made a huge impact in this world Brad …

A legendary father, husband, leader, educator, colleague, mentor and friend. You touched the lives of many and inspired us all to be better. I reflect fondly on the great memories and I'm so thankful for the time we shared...we had a blast! Sending all of our love to Anna, Ollie, Grayson and your whanau.  

I look forward to seeing what you have in store for the next de-function...

Fly high my bro, Manuia lou malaga

Gone too soon

Just not right for guys like you to leave this world so early mate. You were always a friendly face with a good yarn, who always showed interest and care for those around you. We need more people like you in this world, I guess they really needed you up there. Go well and rest easy, we will all catch you again one day. We are all still trying to comprehend how this gentle giant is no longer with us. Anna...our thoughts are with you, your boys and loved ones.

College Captain to Colleague

I first met Brad back in the mid 90's when we both attended St Thomas's as students in the mighty Marlow house. He was a student leader on my year 10 camp (St James Walkway) and our Marlow house captain in his last year at the college. He always stood out as someone who was full of pride for our college. A tall slim lad whose laugh you could hear from a mile away. It seems our paths were always destined to cross as I began my journey at university studying the same degree as Brad to also become a teacher. Nearly ten years after re-connecting at Teachers College and we were colleagues working back at the school where it all started for us. A small team at the start has now flourished and grown beyond our dreams to achieve great things. You made a huge impact in this world... A legendary father, husband, leader, educator, colleague, mentor and friend. You touched the lives of many and inspired us all to be better. I reflect fondly on the great memories and I'm so thankful for the time we shared...we had a blast! 

Rest easy my mate, your memory will always live on. AA

Brad was a tall man with a big heart.

My first impressions of BM when I first started at STC was the thought of his strength and perseverance who loved grey dress pants. He was a man on a mission at all times whether that mission was in the classroom or chasing up staff members about their bi-weeklies. As time went by I got to learn of Brad's drive and passion, with sights set on achieving any ambitions or ideas that he had. He was a game changer for STC.

During the later years I had the privilege of sharing some court time with big Brad every Monday night as we stood side by side representing the 'Sockburn Tropics' made up of STC staff members. Today the 'Tropics' carry that legacy on, where you will find ❤BM printed on our playing tops in remembrance of our fallen brother. Will miss him under the hoop during the basketball season. Gone in person but always in our thoughts and hearts uso.

What a man he was...

When reflecting on Brad as a colleague and mate some important traits stick out. A man that always had the best interest at heart for me, a man that always gave me positive affirmations in everything I did and a man with humour at the forefront and always up for a yarn and a laugh. RIP brother.

Brad was a man of integrity who was always willing to listen to your problems and offer great advice. He was personable, always one with a big smile and ready to crack a joke. His energy and welcoming nature is something I will miss.

Milney inspired me to be the best educator I could – something he modelled through his words and actions. He challenged me on numerous occasions to try different approaches, think about things from another perspective or just gave some helpful advice.

He was also an awesome mate, we shared a love of golf, social basketball and the occasional doo. He often got the better of me on the greens and was a tough force to stop on the basketball court. While I only knew Miney for a short few years, these are times I will always remember.. from that booming laugh, to him hitting the ground in the middle of the fairway after getting hit by a golf ball in the ankle. These thoughts will always bring a big smile to my face and remind me to always be grateful for the relationships and time we are blessed with.

“O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice. He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice. May we follow his example of faith and generosity. Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.”