Frederick GRAHAM Obituary

To Fred's family - my sympathy to you all on losing a dad and a grandfather.
As well as being an amazing sculptor Fred was a family friend but in particular a good friend of my late husband Donald Hunt. They shared a friendship dating back from their time on the staff together at Papakura High School. When our children were young we shared visits to each other's home. I feel very privileged to have the beautiful wooden hawk sculpture carved by Fred and presented to my husband when he retired from PHS. Fred will be missed by his family, friends and the art world but his heritage remains.

I'm a tennis friend of Norma's, so when Joan Thomson and I visited her, we'd then take Fred out for his usual lunch of pie and coffee.
His usual saying to us was he's all good as he woke up this morning

So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. An amazing artist, and friend to us for many years. We remember fondly Fred & Norma visiting us in Timaru after Keith suffered a Stroke 20 years ago. Our deepest sympathy to you all. From Ethel (Norma's ex badminton partner) & Keith Elliotte & Family.

An amazingly gentleman, generous in spirit, and an inspiration to so many.
A wonderfully talented artist who I had the pleasure of working with on artwork installations for three public building projects. I loved working with Fred, experiencing the expression of his ideas and stories. I loved his humility - sometimes a rare trait amongst artists - his calm disposition and his lovely smile.

Started ordinary ended outstanding. Brilliant artist because of hard work and sensitivity to knowing how people feel and then crafting those emotions.

Kindest thoughts
Malcolm, Susan, and Hood Whanau

The forest has fallen silent while the birds guide you back into the arms of Norma. Then, the fantails will sing and dance again.
Your teachings will live on through your awe-inspiring art and the precious stories of each work, a taonga for our country.
In recent chats you always expressed gratitude for the simple things, but spoke of how deeply you felt the suffering of the little children in adult wars.
Long ago as I paddled, waiting for the school bus at Port Waikato, the river was alive and clear. Who will fight for the Waikato River Delta with me now?
Thank you for your wisdom and long friendship.

Farewell my dear friend to you and your lovely Norma. Much aroha to the family

Such sad news but what an amazing legacy and life. We will miss Fred and Norma as part our extended Dargaville cousins. All our love and condolences to Gary, Kathryn, and Brett and their whanau from Marion, Michael, Fiona and Adrienne and their families.

A very talented man with an amazing legacy in art and sculptures across NZ Aotearoa.

An amazing , and very clever man, always happy to have a chat. Safe journey Mr Graham.

It has always been great over the years to catch up with Fred and Norma. They have always so lovely and interested in what the extended family have been up to. Fred has always been highly regarded by his cousins-in-law as well as their children on the Wilkins side and I pass on the condolences from Norma's cousins Maureen, Graham, Robin, Rosemary and Rosalyn to Gary, Kathryn and Brett and their families.

Kia aroha Hoki. What a sad day for you Kathryn and Brett and also the rest of your whanau, A great Totara has fallen, but what a great life and huge contribution you left as a legacy for your whanau Fred.....Fred, I will always remember those days at Te Taumata Gallery when you visited and your amazing and beautiful body of work you exhibited over the years. You had a great inning and lived a full life so you can rest in peace knowing you'll never be forgotten by those that knew you or got to see your art... I hope your spiritual journey over the next few days celebrating Fred's life and to preparing for his final farewell.

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing Kath. Will be missed by everyone. His artwork is amazing.

Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane.

Much love to Kathryn and the whaanau.