Timothy WINGATE Obituary

Dear Timmy,
It has been just over a year, since you left us. I want to tell you how much I miss you. I have some good news for you...last month I came to Vietnam to celebrate the 50 year reconciliation. I wish you had been here to watch an incredible drone show and endless fireworks in Ho Chi Minh, which is former Saigon. I was in Yr 11, when the fall of Saigon occurred. The Vietnam war had an impact on me, as a child and I use to think about children my age. Now, being here for 3 weeks I have met these former children, who are now my age. It has been a beautiful, yet moving and emotional time. I have heard many personal stories from them, as children growing up in the war. Many lost their parents, siblings, pets, homes, schools and innocence. Now today t is a booming country which has many beautiful beaches, mountains and river, busy cities and rural towns, which are filled with much laughter, music and festivals. I want you to know, I spent time with a Chinese Activist, who has a You tube Channel. He asked me to choose an English name for him. I told him about you and he decided to be named after you. I think this is really great.

Timmy, I am now leaving to work in Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma) for a few weeks before I head into China. I wish you were with me, however I know you are in my heart always. xox

Good Night

Tim sadly had an undiagnosed condition called Lymphocytic Thyroiditis. He became very ill from it, and sadly blood tests did not pick this up. He was given iron tablets and his symptoms were put down to teenage growing pains as well.
He was a very bright bubbly energetic child. Always on the go. He spent his time learning about many diverse subjects and excelled at quizzes.
He loved Lego and was an avid collector of the Harry Potter / Star Wars / Super Hero series. The Lego company wrote "Our light Sabres are raised for Tim".
He had a variety of sports to try growing up, and excelled at fencing and jui jitsu.
An avid climber of trees, and once the Foxton windmill blades much to the shock and horror of the locals.
Always laughing and joking around. He gave the best bear hug cuddles.
There is so much more I could say about my boy.
He was very protective to the younger kids at school, I taught him to always protect and look out for the girls, he befriended the special needs children and took them under his wing.
He enjoyed listening to his grandma Joan's poems and jokes and always had a new joke to tell for every visit.

Towards the end, he felt so tired, sore, and alone. His personality changed due to his illness and it impacted him a lot.
His funeral was beautiful. With Lego displays the children made in tribute to him. So many people turned up that day.
I want to thank everyone for their love and support to our little family.
He will be missed.

Devestated. Rest in peace bright and handsome boy. Don't forget to keep throwing those water bombs. May God hold you and your amazing family in his care. I'll always remember and love you And family. Rest in peace, trooper. Arohanui.

So terribly sorry to read of the loss of Tim. Sending you love at this sad time.

So sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts are with you at this sad time Maureen

So sad to hear of this. I remember many times in the old Foxton Library when Rose and Tim would come in. He was such a bright young sould

So sorry to read about Tim, Remember him well from his days at Foxton Library. he was a young boy who was always thinking about what to do next

Aunty Joan will be smothering him with hugs and kisses.
RIP Timmy.