Graham McCORMICK Obituary

Dear Pauline, I have many lovely memories of you and Graham growing up and even running into you over recent years you both were always so friendly, interested and welcoming. I always loved watching you interact together as a couple with such a close and loving relationship. You will miss him sorely. Your friendship with my parents and me over decades has been very special. I regrettably only heard of Graham´s passing recently and was sad to miss the funeral. Sending my deepest sympathy for your and the families loss. Warmest regards, Catherine Hoekendijk-Irving

Dear Pauline, I´m so very sorry to hear this news. On behalf of my family may I offer you our sympathies. If dad were still alive he would have turned 95 today!! And what a wonderful time you all shared together in the 80´s . With love, Liz Braggins

Uncle Graham. He´s been my uncle all my life, but I´ve only been his nephew for 63 of Graham´s long years.
Graham and Pauline are my godparents, and who could wish for more kinder, caring and wise minders? He was always there and always Uncle Graham, although we dropped the `Uncle´ when our family returned to Christchurch from Australia in 2001 and I found the 25 year age difference between us didn´t seem so great anymore? Funny that.
My earliest memories of Graham were Xmas´s together, his grey and shiny Morris Minor and his garden. Graham´s family were our only McCormick relatives - so just two cousins, compared to 23 on Mum´s side! It feels now like we visited our McCormick cousins, but lived amongst all the Wenmoths!! But that was okay too.
So times together were typically more formal, but all the more special and memorable for it.
If I had have kept them all, I would have 63 birthday cards from Graham and Pauline. They never missed. Thanks to Mum and her scrapbook thing, I still have the first five b´day cards and one for my christening from Graham and Pauline. 1960. I got my most recent card just two months ago. 2023.
Uncles can be special people to boys and young men. I know that because I´ve been blessed with wonderful uncles. My special connection to Uncle Graham, though, blossomed in later life. In particular for the last twenty years, since we returned to Christchurch and most especially since their move to Nazareth. Instead of only visiting in my Xmas or Sunday best, it was drop-in anytime I was over that way, and in whatever state I was in - office clothes if they were lucky, but also Lycra, my weekend comfy rags or even running shorts. Didn´t matter because we´d just talk our heads off, inspect the gardening and share photos of times and people, recent and past. Graham was always interested in family news and what was happening in my work and other interests. That was still the case when I last saw Graham just a week before he passed.
One thing I have particularly enjoyed in recent years, was Graham´s family knowledge that has helped me connect seven generations of the McCormick Clan. I´m not saying Graham was THAT old, just that he had a keen interest and knowledge of the last couple of generations at least!
(pause)
It´s always been "Graham-and-Pauline" hasn´t it? It´s like one hyphenated word. They are the absolute epitome of a strong and successful marriage, a true partnership built on their love and shared faith. We all know Graham has had an almost life-long challenge with his health, but I think we also realise that the unwavering support that Pauline has been for Graham throughout those challenges has been a key factor in Graham remaining the positive and determined person he was. I guess it was also damn handy having a world-class medical specialist as a son whenever a second opinion or some advice was required. David, there is no doubt you helped Graham enormously as he navigated his way through nearly the full extent of NZ´s health system. He was immensely grateful and immeasurably proud of what you have done and what you have achieved. As am I.
As I said earlier, uncles can be special people and I have been privileged to have Graham as one of mine. I have learned so much from Graham and not just from what he has told me, but a lot from who he was. I am a better person for knowing Graham. I have a better sense of belonging as I am more connected with my past. I understand the value of family and realise how blessed I am to have the wonderful family Jo and I have. I am more content and have less fear of what curve balls life might throw at me. I understand more of what love is. I am a better gardener.
Thank you Graham.
To Pauline, we know how significant this is for you and the immense loss you will be feeling. Most of us have yet to experience such loss. Please know that we love you dearly and we will be here for you as you adjust to this new phase of life. At times it will feel like you are alone, but I hope our love and support will help those times pass.
Graham obviously had the heart of a lion. Despite the fact it didn´t work so well pumping blood, it was obviously still full of strength, determination and love - all gifts that Graham has shared with all of us in his life.
Go in peace Graham. You have earned your final rest.

With love, Tony McCormick

Dear Pauline & Family. Very sorry to learn about Graham's death. It only seems just a couple of years ago that we had very enjoyable social times together.
Graham will also be remembered as a very hard worker in his business life.
I am sorry that I am unable to attend the service for Graham. Kindest regards.
David Singleton.

Pauline & Family, please accept my sincere condolences with the passing of Graham. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend Graham's funeral service as I will be away from Christchurch.
Graham was my first 'boss' after leaving high school back in 1965. I am very thankful for the opportunity he provided me and treasure my years working for him at Guthreys Freightways. Graham was a very respected man in the transport industry and also a true gentleman. No doubt he will be missed very much.
Take care. Kindest regards at this sad time
Athol Clarke