FUNERAL HOME

H Morris Funeral Services

31 Ocean View Road

Northcote, Auckland

Graham FORTUNE Obituary

FORTUNE, Graham Charles CNZM Former Secretary of Defence. Resident of Wadestown Wellington. Died suddenly 19 March 2016 in Auckland. Loved husband of Kate, beloved father of Jacki and Chris, devoted Grumps to Ben and Nicolas. A service for Graham will be held at Romaleigh Chapel, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote, Auckland on Thursday, 24 March 2016 at 10am. Followed by a memorial service in Wellington - details to be announced at a later date. In memory of Graham, donations to retina.org.nz would be appreciated.



Published by The New Zealand Herald from Mar. 21 to Mar. 23, 2016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Graham FORTUNE

Sponsored by H Morris Funeral Services.

Not sure what to say?





19 Entries

Deeply saddened to read of Graham's passing in 2016. A splendid boss, compassionate, caring and supportive during my time in Public Affairs, at the NZHC Canberra Australia. My belated but heartfelt sympathy to dear Kate and family.

Leontine Ruth Kirk Baillie

September 24, 2019

Dear Kate and family , Graham was a significant mentor in my early years at MFAT. He was always clear in his advice, maintained a sense of humour and driven to always do the best. Such a vital person who helped my professional direction. I'm so pleased I saw him last year - timeless, full of energy with the same sharp wit. A loss to all but memories remain forever. Thoughts are with you. Mary-Anne Crompton

April 17, 2016

I will always remember the kindness of Graham and Kate in taking me to orienteering events when I first arrived in Canberra to explore the job market. Vale Graham.

Ken Dowling

April 11, 2016

Kate and Family,
So sorry to hear of your very sad loss. We always valued Graham's easy going friendship and Terry will miss competing against Graham at orienteering events out in the forest.
Elaine and Terry Brighouse

March 24, 2016

Dear Kate and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, as well as the extended family members, here and overseas.
Clare and I were so shocked and saddened to hear of Graham's sudden passing.
We were so great-full having caught up with you both recently.
Condolences from Mark and Clare.

March 24, 2016

Dear Kate, thinking of you particularly today, and I will be at your Wellington service when it is held.
Graham, as Secretary of Defence, was a marvellous manager, and he was particularly well regarded by women in the Public Service who had worked with him, as he had always done a lot to ensure equal opportunities for women, and to encourage them to take such opportunities. He also was a kind and caring manager to all of the people who worked there.
John and I always enjoyed meeting you and Graham on Te Ahu Mairangi, as you raced by, and often came back to say hello on your way down the hill. It is how I will remember him.

Merus Cochrane

March 24, 2016

To dear Kate and Family
our heartfelt thoughts are with you all at the sudden loss of Graham. It was so special to us that we caught up with you both at your home in December.
We will look forward to attending the Memorial service in Wellington. Condolences from Denise and Mike, Napier.

March 24, 2016

We met Kate and Graham on a walking holiday in Spain just a few years ago and rapidly became good friends. Graham was always so well-informed, interesting and fun to be with; we spent many hours in happy conversation with him and Kate on our hikes or over a long meal together. Graham loved New Zealand and put together a wonderful itinerary for us when we visited the country in January 2015. It culminated in the Tongariro crossing, done jointly with Kate and Graham; an unforgettable trip and an unforgettable man. We are shocked and saddened by his sudden death. Our hearts go out to Kate and his family. You are in our thoughts.

Penny and Martin Horner

March 24, 2016

I was one of many junior officers at MFAT that had the privilege of working closely with Graham Fortune. It was an extraordinary thing to watch entire rooms sit up and pay attention when he began to speak or, in the case of one gathering, when he raised an eyebrow in consternation. There was much in his manner and intellect for junior diplomats like me to aspire to and we are grateful for having had that opportunity. My deepest sympathies to you, Mrs Fortunte, and your family at this time. Tessa Te Mata

March 24, 2016

Hi Kate

Pauline and I are so saddened by the news of Grahams sudden death. We remember the short time we had with you both in Ottawa many moons ago and I recall the many great times Graham and I shared at KHS.

Athol @ Pauline Meder

Athol Meder

March 24, 2016

Kate it is with sadness that I send you this message. It was a shock to hear of Graham's unexpected death, and I will miss catching up with you both usually at national events. My sincere thoughts are with you and Jacqui, it has been a priviledge and a pleasure to have known Graham for so many years.

Jill Dalton

March 23, 2016

Kate
We were very shocked to hear of Graham's sudden death. It was always a pleasure to catch with Graham and you at Orienteering events around NZ. Judy always enjoyed reminiscing with Graham about Dunedin. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Dave & Judy Browning
Taupo

Dave & Judy Browning

March 23, 2016

My very sincere condolences to you and Jacqui, Kate. I will miss the surprise of catching up with Graham at random O events around the globe, and wish you both the very best for the coming years without him.

Yours sincerely,

Jan Harrison (nee Davies)

Jan Harrison

March 23, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, Kate and all. Murray and myself( Belcher) will be in attendance for Grahams service, with the energy and intention of Maurice and Beverley Fortune , Passed Aunt and Uncle of Graham. My dad Maurice Fortune always held Graham in the highest esteem, as do Murray and myself. Our condolences are with your family at this time.

March 22, 2016

Dear Kate,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Graham's sudden death. Our thoughts are very much with you and your family. Graham will be missed at our orienteering events. From your orienteering team mate and friend, Royce Mills and Owen too.

March 22, 2016

so sad to here loved nephew of mona an tim healy our thoughts are with the family

March 22, 2016

Hi Kate and family please accept my condolences on the loss of Graham who was a good friend during my time with the NZ Defence Force. I met him a few weeks ago in Lambton Quay and we had a nice catch up and a bit of humour - it was really good. Graham always had a word of sage advice in relation to the affairs of the day and for me that was often most valuable. He will be sorely missed and I regret not being with you in Auckland for Thursday. My fondest regards and sincere condolences - [email protected]

March 22, 2016

Kate and family,
Sandra and I were saddened to hear of Graham's passing. What a loss to orienteering and NZ society, not to mention the Canberra orienteering scene. I remember organising events with Graham while he was in Canberra. His administration abilities were in evidence. We were evenly matched in orienteering skills and had many tussles together. And there was also the after run discussions when the competition was finished comparing what we had done right and wrong. He was generous with praise and helpful hints.
He was my colleague, my friend and my rival. I will miss him in all 3 categories.
Darryl Erbacher

March 22, 2016

FORTUNE, Graham Charles CNZM Former Secretary of Defence. Resident of Wadestown, Wellington. Died suddenly 19 March 2016 in Auckland. Deeply loved son of the late Harry and Winnie Fortune. Much loved brother of Lindsay and Lorna (England), the late Marilyn, and Alison and Evan Jones (Mosgiel). Treasured uncle and wise man to all his nieces and nephews. A very special person.

March 22, 2016

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Memorial Events
for Graham FORTUNE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

H Morris Funeral Services

31 Ocean View Road PO Box 36273, Northcote 0627