Graeme PLUMMER Obituary

I am so sorry to be conveying very late condolences Shirley.
I have only just heard about Graeme's death in November last year.
I have such great memories of our times together over a very long time as students, neighbors and friends.
Arohanui, Shona

So sorry to read of Mr.Plummer's death.
He was a much loved teacher at Motueka High School back in the early 70's.
He was also our lovely next door neighbour along with his wife Shirley ( same name as my Mum).We all lived out at the Moutere.
I remember their goats, Masport and Morrison.
Sending Love and Condolences to Shirley and family....Gayle Coppins (Lockhart).

Condolences Plummer Whanau he was my 4th Form English Teacher at Aranui High School my Dad was posted to Waiouru from there I had friends who had Mr Plummer in Singas an awesome teacher

Such fond memories of long ago ... humble flats in Hereford Street, especially remember going with Graeme to select your engagement ring Shirley in the Stanford Road shopping centre. Such happy young times. Campbell passed away 2 years ago... I last saw you and Graeme a5 his 50th. Great memories.

Dear Shirley and family
We were very sorry to read that Graeme had died recently and send our sincere sympathy at this sad time for you all. We remember fondly how very kind you were to us when we lived in Knowles St. It´s been a long time since we have seen you all but you have not been forgotten. We are now living in Warkworth near our 2 boys.
With blessings,
Pam, Peter James and Kip Chapman

In 1984 the Plummers arrived in Singapore at the New Zealand Force School. On the first day of school one fifth form student in Graeme's class recalled: "The year started with a 'bang' when Mr Plummer (our nearly arrived form teacher) thumped the table and dictated the rules, promising to break arms and legs and anything else that was going if we didn't behave."
Graeme had presence and he filled the whole space. He was loud, he was entertaining, he was full of life. Graeme was in everything . Graeme directed the Christmas pantomine "The Thwarting of Baron Boligrew", and involved as many students as possible. He gave life to The New Zealand Force Theatre Club. He was there for the senior rugby team. He played in the Staff Cricket Team. Graeme was energetic, he had humour and was noisy. Graeme was a vital person.Graeme was larger than life, he was OTT. How could Graeme not be missed.
My condolences to Shirley, Josh and Sarah. We will all miss him.
Sandra Aikin.

The Wilkinson family of Christchurch New Zealand is very sorry to have this sad news. We all remember Graeme and we also remember you Shirley from Graeme's days teaching at Hagley before he went of to become the Principal of Aranui. Shirley, we also remember visiting you both at your lovely home not far from Motueka in the year when Joshua was born. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. Much love from Christine and Jim Doyle(Christchurch), Philip (Sydney), Paula (Perth WA), Maryrose (Joshua Tree, California), and our families.

Very sad news, Shirley, Josh and Sarah. I remember Graeme so fondly from all our fun times in Singapore. Always the life and soul of the party, always larger than life, alway fun and funny. You are truly blessed to have had such a husband and father. My best wishes to you all, Josephine Jaspers.

Graeme was a lovely teacher. I had him for 5th form English at Hagley High School in 1972. I watched with awe at how he introduced his sports academy at Aranui High School and, like a shepherd with his flock, he gently took in some of the pupils who'd rather break windows than learn. He got them interested in sport. Next thing, others saw how much fun was being had and each sporting discipline ended up with more than just one team. What happened on the sports field, flowed back into the classroom and the children not only started to achieve academically, they started to excel. Goodness only knows how many youngsters he rescued from a life in the justice system. I was saddened that he never received something like the then, Queens Services Medal or the like. Rest in Peace Graeme. It was a privilege knowing and having been taught by such an inspirational, selfless man. God Bless. Heather Johns Young

An amazing cousin who we always looked up to. A wicked sense of humour, great fun with an enormously kind and caring disposition. Inspirational in his ability to change lives for the better and to make every person he encountered feel special. It is with great sadness that we farewell him so soon.
Nerina Higgins

Dear Shirley and family, So sorry to hear the news about Graeme in The Press this morning. He was a brilliant person - everyone loved him and counted him as a friend - we certainly did. I knew him from Hagley, and he was an exceptional DP. A born leader who intuitively seemed to know exactly what to do in any situation to bring out the best in people. Bigger than life, but humble with it. So glad to have known him.
Chris and Jim Doyle. xx

Died peacefully in Perth, surrounded by his loving family on November 3, 2024. Former staff member (1980-83) and later Principal at Aranui High School (1989-2000). A latter day renaissance man who lived a truly enriched life. Loving husband and father; poet, potter, punter, cop, rep ruby player, fun-filled imbiber and compassionate educator. Fondly remembered by former students, teachers and friends.

We collectively remember your transformational energy, your belief in the school - its students and staff and also your uplifting enthusiasm. Arohanui our dear friend, rest in peace, your life's toils are no more and we have been the better for knowing you. You made a difference and left us richer from your gifts.

Graeme's funeral will be live screened from Perth on Friday, November 22, at 5.45pm NZ time. The link is as follows http://streaming.mcb.wa.gov.au/Index?ID=9107590510742276579

Inserted by former staff members.Please note there will be an informal gathering at 4.30pm, at Pomeroys on Thursday, November 28.