Michael ANSCOMBE Obituary

3An 1975,, 4An 1976, form teacher , 1975-1978 football coach, sad to hear, at a lost , just emptiness ,awesome genuine man, I will always remember you Mr Anscombe, Condolences to Cathy and whanau, I feel for your loss, he was just more than a teacher, bless you all, RIP Michael

Mr Anscombe was my teacher at Waitakere College in late 1970s ,he was an amazing person ,through & through ..so much patience to help me understand Biology equations ..Ive just found out of his passing from a friend in Auckland. I now live in Australia. We had amazing times with him ,our whole Form 5 used to think he was so cool ..when we had our mufty days & he turned up in school uniform..I saw him at our 25th Reunion & it was very special, Thankyou for the amazing caring man you were .My condolences to your family . RIP Mr Anscombe ,Michael

Mike taught all my children at Waitakere College. They all remember him as one of those teachers who takes a personal interest in the progress of all his students. Mike went out of his way to make his lessons clear and interesting.
Mike provided the heartbeat of soccer at Waitakere, He coached both my sons in both junior teams and the First Eleven. I especially remember accompanying him to a tournament at Whanganui where we were narrowly beaten by Whanganui Collegiate in a tense Final. Mike's special attribute of course was he could always referee if required.
Mike was always a starter no mater what the activity. If ever staff members were required on stage in school musicals he could always be relied on to assist.

It was with much sadness that I read of Michael's passing. Michael and I were teaching colleagues at Waitakere College. During the 1990's Michael and I were co-deans for Matauranga school. We both strongly supported the school rules and dress standards and ensured to the best of our ability that all Matauranga pupils gained as much from their secondary education as was possible. Michael always gave 100% of himself to give pupils the very best they could gain from both academic and sporting achievements. Michael and I used to take assemblies and I can recall us telling the assembly how important it was for each and everyone to have a dream which they could build their life around and always have something to aim for. Not everyone can be a winner but your aim should be to work hard to the best of your ability and you would gain satisfaction from that.
I can recall going on a fourth form camp to the Avondale College Taurewa Outdoor Education camp. We all set out one day to walk to a lookout point. We had to climb up steps and then walk a couple of paces and climb another step. It really was quite hard going and the majority of the fourth formers were complaining. We were almost to the top when Michael suddenly stopped us all. Told us to turn around and walk back down. He had had enough of kids complaining and so that was that. I have often wondered what we would have seen from the top!
Rest in peace now Michael - no more worries - no more pain. A lot of pupils would have achieved high standards and done well in their adult life thanks to you.
I send my kindest regards to Cathy and family
Noeleen Guillard