Barry VERCOE Obituary

We will be forever grateful to Barry for his support of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir by way of the provision of boy chorister scholarships. Our son Alex was the recipient of a Barry Vercoe scholarship thereby enabling him to participate fully in the choir and its associated preparatory school. What particularly impressed us about Barry was his genuine interest in the young choristers and their development. At Barry's invitation we, including Alex, met and had a most enjoyable dinner a few years ago when Barry was in town. While Barry was very modest about his own achievements, he spoke passionately about the project he was involved with to make laptops available to children in deprived communities. He also spoke proudly of the professional achievements of Andrea and Scott. Our Alex's love of choral music has continued at his high school and more recently at the age of 15 he has returned to the Christ Church Cathedral Choir, now singing in the "back row" as a tenor. Thank you Barry for the significant part you played in Alex's love of choral music.

Saddened to hear of your passing, Uncle Barry. I wish we'd had a chance to meet in this life. Rest in peace.

I was in the same class as Barry at Te Awamutu College in 1955.I knew his Dad George who played for the school dances. Barry was quietly brilliant at college and he would pass me on his bicycle every afternoon as we returned home. We didn't exchange greetings but I would have loved to say hello but we didn't in those days. He had 2 good friends, Alan and Ian whom I also admired I met Barry and Alan some years ago and heard about the remarkable life Barry had been living in the States. He told me about the computer programme he intended setting up in NZ for low decile schools. and what he wanted to do in NZ Barry, coming from the small country town of Te Awamutu, should go down in history for what he has done in the area of education. I salute you Barry and thank you for the part you played n my life, fleeting as it was. May you go in peace on this next stage of your journey + Kaye