Craig KINNIBURGH Obituary

Craig Kinniburgh

By Steven the son in law

The first time I met Craig was very brief. He shook my hand and simply said Can't stop watching Cricket

When I asked Craig for Meredith's hand in Marriage, he was mowing the lawn. He stopped the mower and said. I have one piece of advice about women. Never try to understand them, they are wired up completely differently. And went back to mowing the lawn.

The second great piece of advice was regarding our wedding arrangements. Craig said, I Have one more piece of advice, have no opinion. Let them have whatever the want

Craig had strong faith but also respect for other people's faith. He was generous to a fault, happy to give to others even when he did not have much to give.

Most of all I remember Craig and Diane for their warmth. Their home was always open to me, their ambition was always for their children and grandchildren. Their concern was for others above themselves. I was welcomed into the family and made to feel a part of it, even though I didn't watch cricket.

I will remember Craig for his Kindness and for his very sage advice.

Hard to believe you have gone after such a long long time waiting. But know you will be just over the moon to be with the Lord that you have been so close to for much of your life. And to be with the rest of the family.
It was such a blessing to have some great end of life conversations and for you to say "see you on the other side" instead of "goodbye". Yep for sure.
One of the things I think about when I think of you was your amazing generosity. I could list so many many things you gave us from cars to chocolates!
So glad you have no more pain and you are at peace.
RIP my brother.
Love from Smee xx

Our deepest sympathy to Craigs family.We also have wonderful memories of Craig.bought many vehicles of him always a pleasure to do business with absolute Gentlemen.I also did a lot of brickwork for Craig over the years.We saw him last time we were in Palmerston North as we left he called out I will never forget you Bricky,I will never forget you Craig.Yours Sincerley Graham @ Diana Hamilton from Hamilton.

Craig Robert Kinniburgh

We were there to farewell my Mother, He grinned at me and said, well I won't be coming to your funeral.

The comment went right over my head, thats a bit harsh I thought, I should have looked at his head, why was he wearing a skull cap?

Craig was known to be phrophetic, but that was a little close to home.

I left Palmerston North when quite young, so lost close contact with Craig, but here are a few early memories.

Craig was a great swimmer, and once when a young boy swam round and round his distressed little 5 year old Sister, who had waded into the MANAWATU River.. way too far, Craig kept her safe till adult help arrived.

My wife Stella and I once visited one of his Caryards in Rangitiki Street, we found him reading his Bible, a couple of Maori lads had just been into the yard sadly down on their luck, and after kicking a few car tires, tapped Craig for a loan

Ok boys, no problem I've got $10 bucks each here, but first you have to sit down and listen to this story written by a man called John

Craig, the Salesman, from a family of Salespersons, not all of them Biblical, but mostly in one way or another.

Craig left home very early and headed off to Australia where he gained his cooking skills becoming a chef on the Snowy Mountain Hydro Development.

Craig also became a very sucessful member of the Jolly & Mills Vehicle Sales division In Palmerston North, and could drive most vehicles. I remember him bringing a tractor home at lunch time one day, with a big grin on his face at our suprise!

Then there is Craig the fisherman and Sailor, treding water off the Coromandel Peninsular for several hours, before being rescued after his boat was wrecked on the Tairua Bar. He had always loved the water, but not on that day.

Craig met and fell in love with Diane McSweeny, a local Schoolteacher with a love of
Children and a kind and gentle nature,

I remember him arriving at the family home one evening, with a big smile on his face to tell his parents that he was engaged, much to everyones suprise.

As time went by the family became five with daughters Joanne, Meredith and Tracy.

There is a lot more that could be said, but sadly in the current lockdown of our whole Country there will be no funeral, perhaps a memorial at a later date, this is why I am posting these few thoughts now, along with some memories from his son in law Steve Parsons.