Funeral Notices are published daily at 6:40am Monday to Saturday, a free community service provided by whatsoninvers.nz
If you would like your loved one’s death/funeral notices, memoriam
or acknowledgement listed email it in word or PDF to [email protected]

CAMPBELL, Catherine Beth:
Suddenly in Italy, on the trip of a lifetime.  Dearly loved wife of the late Bruce, Mum of Shane, Rachel and Paul, Nana of Harry, Rowan, and Leon; Kieran and Kateleen, Jak and Great Nana of Freyja and Miles.  Funeral details to follow. Messages to 75A Kitchener Street, Gore.

CURRIE, John:
From Otautau/Invercargill. Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at Southland Hospital, on Thursday 24th July 2025. Aged 81 years. Much loved husband of Chris (Christine) Currie. Father and father-in-law of Rachel and Graeme, Grant and Ally, Simon and Kate. Proud and loving Grandfather of Mia, Eila, Ben, Katie, and Max. Cherished brother and brother-in-law. As per John’s wishes’ a private service will be held. Special thanks must go to the First Responders, St John Ambulance, Fire Service, A&E and Critical Care Teams at the Southland Hospital. P.S He’s working on that pay rise for you! Messages to 2/161 Lorn Street, Invercargill 9810.

DAWSON, Richard George (Dick):
Dick passed away suddenly, but peacefully on Sunday 20th July 2025, at 98 years young. Dearly loved husband of the late Dorothy (Dorrie), best mate and much loved Father and Father in law of Frank and Lisa. Wonderful and loving Grandad to Shelley, Lisa and Vaughan, Michael and Sarah, and Great Grandad “The Great” to Caleb and Ashley, Dominic and Lila. Loved Brother and Brother-in-law of Keith and Kerry Dawson, Myra* and Arley* Crawford, Brian* and Celma* Dawson, Stuart* and Euna* Dawson, Tuppy* and Sid* Deslands, Islay* and Johnny* Wixon. A much-loved Uncle Dick to all his nieces and nephews. A special friend to Meryl Hillis and family, and special Grandad to Courtney, Angus and William Many thanks to Anna-Lea and all the Staff at Bupa Ascot for their support and outstanding care of Dick during his time with them. As per Dick wishes, a private cremation has been held. Messages to the Dawson Family, 52 Banks Street, Invercargill 9810 or to Dick’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes (*denotes deceased).

DODD, Dorothy Hazel (Dot):
Of Wyndham. Passed peacefully on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at Southland Hospital; aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Alan. Greatly loved mother and mother-in-law of Janis Shaw and Chris Good (Seaward Bush), Joey and Lindsay Bowmar (South Wyndham), Graeme (Anderson Park), Nathan and Joy (Glenham); cherished Granma & Great Granma of Karl, Mia; Brad and Dana, Jack, Quinn and Marlee; Ross and Jess, Will, Angus and Evie; Brooke and Stu, Grace, Emily, Ollie and Tessa; Natalie and Matt, Jacob, Maggie and Duncan; and Ted. A service for Dot will be held in the Edendale Christian Activities Centre, 10 George Street, Edendale, at 1pm on Monday, 28 July, followed by interment in the Wyndham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Edendale First Response may be left at the service. Messages to 46 Wilson Road, 1RD Wyndham 9891 or to Dot's tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream link to the service will be available.

HARVEY, Verna Hope (Nee Dixon):
Peacefully at Hospice Southland, on Wednesday 23rd July 2025; aged 86 years. Dearly loved wife of Graham, and much loved mother and mother-in-law to Carolyn & Mike, Malcolm, Campbell, Rachel & Ritchie. A loving grandmother to Mitchell, Theo, Laura, Liam, Jazmine, Aston, Denzell, Eva, Jesse, Harrison, Samariah, Scarlet, and Nina-Ricci. Our grateful thanks to all who have been involved in Verna’s care. “You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11. A memorial service to celebrate Verna’s life will be held at the Rosedale Bible Chapel, 212 Bourke Street, Invercargill on Tuesday 29th July at 2.00 pm.

HENDERSON, David John (Dave):
Peacefully on Tuesday 22nd July 2025 at home aged 75 years, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Dearly loved husband of Diane, loved father and father in law of John & Felicity, Mark and Megan, and Leah & Regan. Dearly loved grandfather of Matthew, Nicole, Jarod, Emma, Dean, Briley & Ryder, and great grandfather of Audrey, Charlotte & Atlas. Eldest son of the late Melva & John Henderson. Loved brother and brother in law of Gordon & Yvonne, Peter & Tracey, Graham, and Les*. Loved and respected uncle of his nephews & nieces. Dearly loved master and companion of Rocket, and a loved and respected friend to all who knew him. A service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at Avenal Park Chapel, 75 Fox Street Invercargill, on Tuesday 29th July at 2pm. Dave’s interment and committal will take place at the Alexandra Cemetery on Wednesday 30th July at 2pm, all welcome. You are invited to join the service via livestream by going to the Avenal Park website obituaries page and clicking on the link on Dave’s page. Our family would like to extend their appreciation to Dave’s medical team in both Dunedin & Alexandra, also the Access carers and support services. Messages to Henderson Family PO Box 31 Alexandra 9340.

HIGGINS, Elizabeth:
Peacefully in Christchurch, on July 22, 2025, aged 83 years, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of Michael for 61 years; treasured mother and mother-in-law of Peter, Grant and Tina, Raewyn and Andrew, Dianne, Brent and Catherine; "Nan" to grandchildren Ben, Grace, Jacob, Anna, Isaac, Elizabeth, and Harriet; elder sister and sister-in-law of Raewyn Benzie OP (Invercargill), and Brent and Mary-Michal Benzie (USA); and special friend of Tina-Jane. Messages may be addressed to the Higgins family, PO Box 77, Twizel 7944. The Funeral Mass for Elizabeth will be celebrated at the All Saints Church, 52-54 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel, on Tuesday, July 29, at 1.00pm, followed by private interment of Elizabeth's ashes.

LAUGHTON, Geoffrey Douglas (Drummy or G):
Peacefully in his own terms on Thursday 17th July 2025. Loved son of Trish and the late Bryon. Loved brother of Shane (Melbourne, Australia). Loved partner of Sandy. Loved nephew and cousin to his extended family. Amazing and loved friend to many. As per Drummy’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in the Ave Pub, on Sunday 24th August 2025 at 1pm. Messages for the Laughton Family can be sent to PO Box 632, Invercargill 9840 or on Drummy’s tribute page mwfunerals.co.nz/s/drummy.

LAUGHTON, Geoffrey (Drummy):
The members of The Avenal Handle Club are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear mate and fellow member, Drummy. He will be fondly remembered for his warmth, friendship and dedication to the club. A celebration of Drummy’s life will be held at the Ave on Sunday 24th August, kicking off at 1pm. All who knew and loved Drummy are welcome to come along, raise a glass, play a game of pool in his honour, and share in remembering a truly unforgettable man.

LYDERS, Peter:
Betty, Todd, Serena and Families wish to offer a huge thanks to everyone, the phone calls, visits, food, flowers and cards were very much appreciated. Many thanks to all who visited Pete over his two years at Rowena Jackson, he really enjoyed your visits, also everyone who attended his memorial celebration or watched the livestream. To Hamish MacPherson at J Fraser and Sons, your guidance and care was amazing. To Paul Edwards many thanks for a great job, and the Tokanui Rugby Club for their Guard of Honour.
Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement of our sincere and grateful thanks.

MADDEN, Judith Ann:
We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support during the recent loss of Judith. The kind words, comforting presence, generous food offerings and beautiful flowers have meant so much to us during this difficult time. A special thank you to all who visited, called and sent messages of condolences. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

MUDIE, Elva Noleen (née Murdoch):
Sunrise: 24 September 1944 – Sunset: 23 July 2025
Passed away peacefully at Peacehaven Village, Invercargill, aged 80 years. Elva was a strong-willed woman with a heart of gold. She was a dearly loved mother of Leanne & Todd, Alana, and Ryan, a treasured Grandmother, or better known as “Pana,” of Jacob & Hannah, Jack, and Costa, and sister and sister-in-law of Alan & Jan, and the late Ian. Elva will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She is now lovingly reunited with her late husband and best friend, Wally. A service to celebrate Elva’s life will be held at Avenal Park Chapel, 75 Fox Street, Invercargill, on Monday, 28 July at 2.00pm. Messages for the family to 99 Fox Street, Invercargill. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Peacehaven, Invercargill, for their care and support.

MURRELL, Richard (Rick) Charles:
Our totara has fallen…
It is with deepest sadness the Murrell family announce the passing of our beloved son, husband, father, brother, Richard (Rick) Charles Murrell on Sunday July 20, 2025. Adored son of the late Patricia (Pat) and Charles Murrell. Dearly loved husband of Andrea, loving father of Jaimee, Benji, Tayla, and loving stepfather to Gabe. Beloved brother and brother-in-law of Lou, Grant, Bobby, Nicole, Tammie, John, Guy, Amber, Grant , Adriana and Eddie. Devoted grandfather to Rye, Era, Austin, Louie, Ava, Axel, Charlee, Kathy, Teddy and remembered with the greatest love by his nephews and nieces. Loved son-in-law to Jaime and Ligia and a great mate to so many.
Our loss is immeasurable, as is the love he leaves behind.
A service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held at ILT Stadium Southland, Surrey Park Road, Invercargill, at 10.30am on Tuesday July 29. Private thereafter. Digital messages may be left at Rick’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream is available.

SCHMALEWSKY ( Nee McDougall), Dorothy Anne "Dot":
With much love and sadness, we wish to announce the passing of Dot. Surrounded by her loving family, on the 21st July 2025, aged 78 years.Beloved wife of Werner. Cherished mother of Cody and his partner Marie. Adored Gran to Aria and Jonty, who brought her immense joy and laughter. Special thanks to Chris and Tony and their girls, and to the McDougall family for their care and support. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice staff for their exceptional care during Dot’s final days.
Dot was a kind and gentle soul, whose heart overflowed with love for her family. 
A private service has been held as per Dot’s wishes.
Forever in our hearts.

SCHMALEWSKY ( Nee McDougall), Dorothy Anne "Dot":
After a brave battle with cancer. Dearly loved daughter of Anne* and Ian* McDougall. Treasured sister of Brian* and Ava McDougall, Pete* McDougall, Chris and Tony Hammington. Special Aunt to Marsha, Tim, Sam, Elena, Rose and families. "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard"  A A Milne(* denotes deceased).

SMITH, Lynley:
Lynley died peacefully at Hospice Southland on 23rd July 2025. Dearly loved wife of Geoff, loved mother and mother-in-law of *Natasha and Paul Spencer, Trudy and Shane Stevenson, loved Nana of Jevon, Marina, Joseph and Charlotte. Loved daughter of *Doug and *Pearl Hale, sister of Robyn and Shirley, daughter in law of *Stan and *Joyce Smith and sister-in-law to Trevor and Janice, Carolyn and *Rob, Reg and Dallas, Wendy and *Tony, Grant and Yvonne, Winston and *Lesley. Lynley was loved and respected by a very large extended family and sporting community. At Lynley’s request no service will be held. The family was overwhelmed by the care and support provided by Hospice Southland and extend their heartfelt gratitude for the services provided.

THOMSON, Alexander William (Alex):
Peacefully at BUPA Longwood, Riverton on Thursday 24 July 2025, aged 95 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Rosemary and loved father and father-in-law of Anne and Keith White, and Allan (Tommo) and Wendy. Adored Grandad of Sarah and Richard, Tim and Kim, and Blair and Danielle, great granddad of all his great grandchildren. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Ronald* and Shirley, and Brian* and Louisa and brother-in-law of Kev* and Pearl*, Barney* and Judy*, Leo*, Pat* and Rose*, Julie and Roger* Golden, Stephen and Molly, Marjorie and Colin Crisp, David* and Alex. Loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews and a friend to many. Service details to be advised.

TULLOCH, Malcom:
Peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Malcolm went to sleep following his afternoon cup of tea. Aged 84 years old. Beloved son of the late Malcolm (Mac) and Violet (Vi) Tulloch, and brother and brother-in-law of Lillian and Gary Cruickshank, Karen and the late John Fullford, and Ian (Inky) and Annette Tulloch. Loved uncle of Paula, Toni, Lisa, John, Jodi, Rebecca, Amanda, and Bridgette and all his great-nephews and great-nieces. A service will be held at the Calvin Presbyterian Church Chapel, 25 Robertson Street, Gore, on Wednesday, July 30, at 2.00pm. A private burial will be held prior to the service. Messages to 1077 Waimea Highway, RD6, Gore 9776.

WILSON, Joyce Margaret:
It is with great sadness that Joyce passed peacefully, surrounded with love on Wednesday 23 July 2025. Loved partner of Alan. Loved wife of the late Ivor and treasured Mum of Susan and Bennett, Bevan, Joanne and Brian, Robyn and Darrin and adored Granny of her seven grandchildren and Super Gran of her 7 great-grandies. A service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held on Wednesday 30 July at 1.00pm in J Fraser & Sons Chapel, Corner Esk and Doon Street, Invercargill followed by a private burial at the Riverton Cemetery. Messages to 399 Tramway Road, Invercargill 9812 or on Joyce's tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz where a livestream link can be found.

Acknowledgements and Memoriam's: If you would like your loved one’s death/funeral notices, memoriam, or acknowledgement listed, email it in word or PDF to [email protected]

BRIERLY, Angela:
21.3.1968 – 26.7.2013
I hold you close within my heart and there you shall remain to walk with me throughout my life until we meet again.
All my love Kerry xxx.

FALCONER, Kenneth:
Susan, Blair, Maree, Andrew, Sarah and families, wish to thank everyone for their love and support following the sudden passing of Ken. The visits, phone calls, texts, cards, flowers and food, were very much appreciated. Our thanks to NZ Police and Emergency Services, Jeanette for the lovely service, and Lea and staff at Southern Funeral Home for their compassion and guidance. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgment.

HARVEY, Matthew (Grover):
10.11.82 - 26.07.2017
Goodbyes are not forever,
Goodbyes are not the end,
They simply mean,
We will miss you Matt,
Until we meet again.
Love from your family.

WARREN, Gavin "John" Archibald:
You left 10 years ago on the 27th July 2015, but you are forever part of our lives.
Remembered, always loved and here with us.
Dorothy, Bob, Aaron and Kimberly.

WARREN, Gavin John Archibald:
27th July 2015.
John forever in my heart, each and every day your loving wife Dorothy.

WHITSON, Thomas:
Wendy, Jodie, Hayley and the extended family would like to thank everyone who came to the service, sent cards and messages, visited and lent a shoulder. We really appreciate your support in this sad time. To Jude McNab, thank you for the beautiful service for Keith, Marie and Raewyn at Aurora Funeral Services, for your care for Keith and your organization helping to make Keith's life celebration a fitting send off. Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Hospice Southland who were so caring to both Keith and the family over his final days. You gave him dignity and allowed us to be with him in a supportive and loving environment.

Avenal Park Funeral Frasers Funeral
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