Melvyn GALBRAITH Obituary

I watched a TV programme where he was a major contributor in a series on NZ 's conservation of our Taonga! I instantly recognised his pic in the newsletter from Pukorokoro Miranda, written by Keith Woodley. It must have been very fulfilling being Whanau for such a dedicated and passionate individual. May his legacy increase conservation of what is most important in this world.
God bless! Faye Goggin Wellington.

Arohanui from a colleague at Glenfield College.

Heartfelt condolences to Mel's family and friends. He will be sorely missed by the community of secondary biology teachers too. For many years he provided free PLD updating us on research findings in ecology and conservation. This kept us connected with the work of scientists and also provided a networking opportunity for teachers. A great totara has fallen.

Dear Sonya and family,
We hold fond memories of our families growing together for a few years as neighbours and friends in Holyoake Place four decades ago. We had two feisty teenage sons back then and, on our return from sailing on a Sunday afternoon I would pray that Melvyn would be around to instil his calm onto our two lads. Most times he was there to work his magic. He was such a lovely man. We are deeply saddened to learn of Melvyn's passing and send out love and warm thoughts to you all.
Pam and Allan Greenwood

Condolences to the Galbraith family. I was lucky enough to have Mel as a lecturer at Unitec, his calm, gentle demeanour and passion for conservation science inspired me to keep working and volunteering in the conservation world. A great tree has fallen, you will be missed Mel. I was lucky enough to have Mel as a lecturer at Unitec. His calm, gentle demeanour and passion for conservation science inspired me to keep working and volunteering in the conservation world. A great tree has fallen, you will be missed Mel.

Mel's quiet, firm, presence has benefitted both the Kauri Point Centennial Park and Chatswood Reserve Management Committee, and the Chelsea Regional Park Association, immensely over the 35 years I have been privileged to share with him as a member of these organisations.
Fly well Karearea.
PETER DODD
Chatswood

Dear Sonia and family, my deepest condolences to you all at this very sad time. There are people that enter your life whether for a short time or long time, and their presence has a profound effect. Mel was one of those people for me. During my work life at Unitec and as a student, Mel was a valued colleague, friend, mentor, listener & teacher. A kind, generous, fun, passionate and inspiring person. I have had experiences and changes to my world view that only happened because of Mel. I am grateful that you have played a part in my life journey. Thank you Mel, I will always treasure these times and experiences and your memory will always live in my heart.

Huge heart, warmest hugs and a smile to light the room. Your knowledge and patience were legendary. You will be missed so much.

Our condolences. We always enjoyed a good chat with Mel at Ornithological Society meetings. He has a living legacy on Tiritiri Matangi.

Ka tangi te kura, ka tangi wiwini
Ka tangi te kura, ka tangi wawana
Ka tangi te po, ka tangi te ao
I te hinanga o te totara haemata i Te Wao-tapu-nui-a-Tane
E kore e whakaruruhau nga manu
Ka takitahi atu te titiro ki te putahitanga o Rehua
E te rangatira, e te hoa, ko koe tena kua riro
Haere, haere, e moe.

The world is a better place because you were in it!

Fois dhut dear friend and colleague. Thank you for the everything. You were one of those very special beings. My deepest sympathy and love to the family. Beannachadh airson a-nis. Slange var.

My heartfelt sympathy and love to Sonya and family from Sue in London. Sonya and Melvin were at my wedding in 1975 at the little chapel at Lady´s Bay Auckland- Melvin played his accordion during the service - A treasured memory a lovely man . God Bless. Sue Mudiemonk xxx

Moe mai ra e te rangatira. Kua hinga te totara o Te Waonui a Tane. Kei te tangi te ngakau, kei te tangi nga manu. Ko koe ta matou manu matarae, nga manu pirere matou.
Sleep well, our leader. A mighty totara has fallen in the forest.
Our hearts cry, as the calls of your beloved birds resound. We are but fledglings next to you.
Vale, Mel. You'll be missed. You have changed the lives of many.

A gentle man much respected for his achievements in education, and for his leadership in environmental and wildlife issues. Vale.

Vale Mel

GALBRAITH, Melvyn Peter. We loved Mel's warmth, gentle presence, bear hugs and his great knowledge and passion for the natural world. We've lost a great brother-in- law and uncle. We will miss him deeply. Krys and Tony Lanigan, Krysia, Ben, Therese, Matt, Mark, Johanna and family.