Bruce GICHARD Obituary

My memories of Bruce go right back to when we were just kids. At large family gatherings where a bunch of cousins - all about same age - got to meet and play and more particularly the Uncles and Aunts mapped out who was going to stay with whom and for how long in school holidays. I fondly recalled those gatherings in Palmerston North and Fielding. I remember staying with Bruce (we were brave 5- 6-7yo) and camping out in a tent in Pongaroa with Bruce and I having a 'midnight feast' of mostly fruit and chocolate (but coming inside when it got cold or because possums were roaming around). Not sure we ever made 10pm. Our mothers (Phil and Marie) were close - as were that bunch of cousins. We reciprocated with his visits to Hunterville, but somehow his farm seemed more of an adventure!
I moved to Australia 50+ years ago. Some time back Bruce and Jeanne called in and saw us in Sydney and we had a lovely afternoon chatting about times long passed. I never got to see weddings and children or the like ... but we exchanged Xmas cards for many years until that became unfashionable. Over time lost touch ... my own kids live now in the US so our heads turn that way most times. But I remember Bruce from those early years with great affection. My Mum held him in the highest regard and I am sure he was much loved. Sincere condolences to his close family and friends

With love, to Jeanne, and family, and thank you for allowing us to share familiar memories, and new ones, of Bruce, through this service. His eyes are sure to be twinkling on.

To Jean and Family
Our sincere condolences to you all so sorry to hear the passing of Bruce our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Pam and Rod Henricksen

Bruce, I was told at quite a young age that, had I not come along, my mum and dad would have adopted you, their nephew. Circumstances changed with my arrival, as they also did for your mum, and instead, I gained an `almost brother´.
Apparently, little Bruce would joyfully announce, "It´s Bardie, come to play" on occasions when our parents got together. And happily play we would, for hours.
Being a year older than me gave you license to guide me in our late teenage years. You regularly told me you gave up smoking when you left school. . . an unspoken directive that smoking was not a necessity of life. You knew a good, social crowd in Palmy from the Flying School and they were very helpful in sussing out the evening drinking venues in those days of six o´clock closing. Great guidance `brother´ and fun times.
The years have gone by and our distance has meant we have rarely seen each other, sometimes for years at a time. We did, however, usually manage to make contact for March birthday wishes - either yours on 10th, or mine 10 days later.
I will miss you Brucey. One day Bardie will come and play again. In the meantime, rest in peace.
Barbara Henricksen

Our thoughts are with you all on the loss of Bruce.
Always such a genuine and nice guy.
With our love
Gary and Judith Parkes

Jeanne, Jonathon and family - so sorry to hear that Bruce has passed away. He was one of nature´s gentlemen and will be missed by many. His passing will leave a huge gap in your lives. You are all in our thoughts at such a sad time.

Max Johnston

So sorry to here the news of Bruce passing our thoughts are with you all.
Life is way to short. Rest in peace.
Maurice & Jo Free

Bruce tested our cattle for many years - it was a pleasure to know him. Keith & Carol Leary

Rest in love Brucy.
Was honored to have met you.