Phillip LEISHMAN Obituary

Always a smile that was warm and genuine. You are an inspiration to many and we could not help but be captivated by your friendly manner. You will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences to your lovely family.

My sincere condolences to the Leishman Family. I can remember competing against Phillip in speech classes at the Waimate Competitions held in the May and August School holidays many years ago. I can't remember who did the winning but Phillip obviously made better use of his 'elocution' lessons than I did by advancing into the limelight of TV presentations, and what a superb job he did of them. He will be so missed. I shall remember him always on my birthday 11 April 1951. Our thoughts are with you.

To the Leishman Family:
I met Phillip in August of 1979 when he took a year-long sabbatical and traveled around the world. One of his stops was my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, in the United States of America because we had a major tennis tournament and Chris Lewis was in the draw. On the first night of the tournament, Phillip was trying to find the best way to get back to his hotel and because he was going to be walking in a potentially dangerous area, I ended up driving him there myself. We struck up a friendship and spent a lot of time together as we both covered the tournament. On the final day, I had Phillip visit our house for dinner because I wanted him to see what a typical American home was like. I believe it was his first time to drink iced tea. In a sense, we were both trying to serve as goodwill ambassadors for our respective countries. We initially corresponded but over the years we lost touch.
I was deeply sorry to hear of his passing and wanted to express my deepest sympathies. I thoroughly enjoyed my all-too-brief friendship with this kind gentleman from New Zealand. God bless you all in your time of grief.

Rick Shaffer,
Greenwood, Indiana, USA

"The hands of love" - an international competition winning photo. That is the way that Phil encapsulated his family, his work and his love of life. A true gentleman who will be missed, mostly of course by his beloved family, but by all of us who had the blessing of watching him in our living rooms.

Deepest Sympathy to the Leishman Family.We met Phil when we were in NZ at the Bay of Islands on the 'Island Escape',for a Golfing Trip. HE was filming a promo for his Golf Show.He was such a gentleman and his sporting knowledge was amazing.My deepest sympathy goes out to his close family.

We will miss you always. NZ is the poorer without your beautiful face and wonderful voice on our TV Screens. We took it as a given you would be with us for years to come. Our sincere condolences to your wonderful family. God bless

Only the good go first.
Only the ones who have strong families that can cope with such a loss. Cancer has no conscience, no sense of love and life. Stay strong, remember his strength, and take heart that he is always with you. My deepest sympathy is with you all.

Thanks for the memories Phil....and especially for fuelling my desire to become a racing broadcaster. Your professionalism was an inspiration to me as well as numerous other broadcasters. Rest easy my friend. Ka kite ano, haere ki te moi..

Phillip Leishman was a highly regarded, and respected broadcaster who inspired me greatly along the way. He was friendly and popular, he was interesting and knowlegable, and he clearly loved people. He will be sadly missed. RIP Phil

sincere condolences to Phillip's family.
I recall our school days esp.6th Form History classes in 1968 at Sacred Heart Girls college Timaru when the St Pats boys came to join our classes. a genial Kind fun loving School mate, Phillip Leishman ,always smiling .so long and God Bless ,Angela (Nee Clemens ) Grieve.

Farewell to a wonderful family man and a great friend to our family. With you, we made wonderful memories of shared meals, parties and holidays that will never be forgotten. Thanks to you we have a great respect for the MacKenzie Country; and we will never be able to listen to Celine Dion without remembering you. Your love for your family was inspirational, and Shell, Harry, Indi and Lilybelle know how proud you were of them and how much you loved them. A wonderful husband, Dad and friend, you will be missed by us all. Much love to Noeline, David, Gillian and Mark... and all of the family. Sam, Marty, Jess and Sophie Scott

A wonderful broadcaster throughout the years watching him on racing television, Wheel of Fortune and lately the golf show on Sky. Had so so many nmore years to live

Love and deepest sympathy to all the Leishman family happy memories of Timaru days

You will be so terribly missed my good friend; your great sense of humour, your smile and your philanthropy. I hope you are at peace now xx

LEISHMAN, Phillip. Phillip was an inspirational and passionate member of the Variety New Zealand family almost since day 1. He served on the Board for 5 years in the 1990s and remained an ardent Variety supporter - His spirit lives on within the Charity. Our thoughts and love are with Michelle, Harry, India and Lily at this very sad time. Variety New Zealand family.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. Passed away peacefully on 25 February 2013. Our dearly loved friend has passed away. A kind, generous, fun and wise friend and Godfather. You have been such a special part of our lives and we are going to miss you so much. Our love and hugs are with Shel, Harry, Indi and Lily always. Love from Nene, Tony, Robbie, Kenzie and Daisy.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. A wonderful kind, caring, charming friend. We will always cherish the many memories we had together. We will continue to love and support Shell, Chainy, Indie and Lily with all our hearts. We will miss your gregarious personality forever. Love you Philly Duncan, Gretchen, Miller, Jemima, Fletcher and DJ Hawkesby.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. From old Timaru days through to the present you have been a great and dear friend. We will miss you in so many ways but your legacy will prevail. A gentleman, a consummate professional and a true friend. Godspeed. Thoughts and love to Michelle, Harry, Indi and Lily. Love from Leanne, Bryn, Laura, Christopher and Timmy McGoldrick.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. What a journey and what a life truly lived. Thank you for the fabulous memories you leave us with. A gentleman, earnest and loyal, a beautiful human and wonderful friend to our family We will miss you terribly, forever in our hearts. You can swing freely in the hammock now lovely man. Rene, Leanne, Hannah, Jessica, William de Wit and Kacila, Ian Hall.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. Passed away peacefully on 25th February, 2013. Dearly loved son of Noeline and the late Dave, brother and brother-in-law of David and Carol, Gillian and Richard, and Mark and Jo. Cherished Uncle of Camille, Bronwyn, Amy, Georgina, James, Paddy, Molly and Rosie. Phillip was adored by his family, who will miss his warm, generous heart and his fantastic sense of fun. We greatly appreciate all the heartfelt messages sent by so many kind friends and well wishers. In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to the hospice, Dove House, who have been so supportive to Phillip and Michelle.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. To a fantastic colleague and even better friend! Thanks for being a fabulous mentor and inspiration to us all. Kelsen, Randall, Nick, Rochene, Janet, Malcolm, James, and all the cameramen, directors and producers that have had the pleasure of working with you at Sports Inc. You'll remain special to us all. We'll continue to make you proud.

LEISHMAN, Phillip John. To my great mate and business partner. Its been an absolute pleasure working with you all these years. I'll always treasure our great times and the great memories. Special thoughts with Michelle, Harry, Indy, and Lily. Love Kelsen, Karyn, Mitchell, Tanner, and Logan.