James GUILD Obituary

Dear Anna and family,
I was saddened to read of James's passing. James was a great supporter of Deer Research in general and was particularly helpful to me with the DINZ/AgResearch Velvet Antler program. He communicated enthusiasm and was always interested in what we were finding in terms of antler growth as well as novel health product applications. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Anna & Family
Condolences & Sympathy for your loss
James would have been very proud of the family for the send off you gave him

Peter & Beverly Iremonger

Dear Anna, I am so sad to hear about James. I very much enjoyed working with James when he was Chair of QEII National Trust. It was lovely to meet you too. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. With love, Anne McLean.

I met James in the late 60s, in London, he was travelling the worlds best Ski resorts with some mates.We met at a party in Earls Court. I had spread the word that my father and I, were looking for some help during the harvest.
James approached me and came to help on the farm. A short while later he invited me to join him and his mates in St Anton. Easy said James catch a train! Arrived about 16.00 and James said just enough time to get you some skis for tonight! James I have never skied, no problem, a friend will take you down standing behind him!
This was to get to a party a third of the way down. Great party, but it snowed over night. When I awoke no sign of the mob, fresh powder they were off. I didn't even know how to put my skis on, 3 hours slip sliding down!
But it was the start of a friendship I valued dearly, we went to High Peak in the late 90s, and another close friendship was made with Anna.
Our eldest son Mark on his gap year also went there, and stayed and worked there, Hamish was an usher at hi wedding, Amelia was there too, attracting all the bachelors, like moths to a light!!
I had my problems with the Big C, but have been lucky, James used to tell me he was fighting the RUST!
My family have lost a dear friend and today will raise a glass to James and all the Guilds at High Peak.
Charlie and Jenny Worrall

To Anna and family,
Sorry to hear the sad news of James passing with my deepest condolences thinking of yous at this sad times.

Dear Anna and Family, Our thoughts with you all.
With deepest Sympathy,
Jane and David Hutton

My sincere condolences to Anna and family.
I was privileged to have James as a member of the SDC Biodiversity Working Group in 2017 - 18.
His Mana, wisdom and calm nature along with a firm advocacy for Rural Selwyn will remain with me for a long time. James was pivotal in forging a good working dynamic in the group and made my job as Chair an enjoyable one.
I am saddened to think I will no longer have the opportunity to converse with him again. A true champion of Farming and Conservation.

To Anna and family. I was saddened to read of James passing. He was a determined character, with a wide range of interests, friendly and good company with a genuine warm smile. I recall receiving a fabulous, guided tour of High Peak with him and on another occasion being responsible for him missing his flight from Wellington to Christchurch due to a deep discussion on NZ Game Estate matters over a glass of red wine. Sincerest regards to you all.

A big cyber-hug to Anna at this sad time. James was a special man: smart, thoughtful, forward-looking, fun, determined and a genuine family man. He was a great asset to the deer industry in both the early pioneer days of farming deer and as the industry grew, developed and diversified. He was a pleasure to work with and well-respected. Every sympathy and kind regards to the Guild whanau.

Dear Anna and family,
I know my parents will pass on my wishes, but I wanted to reach out personally to let you know how sorry I am to hear of James´ passing. I remember him well - intelligent, thoughtful and funny -and my dad always spoke so highly of him. Sending love and strength to you all during this difficult time.
Hugs, Kirsty Riddell

My condolences to you Anna and family in this time of loss. He was a special man with great talent to make the ordinary extraordinary and will be sorely missed by the environmentalists who under is guidance saw merit in preserving our natural wonderlands. I remember him in his role as Chairman of QUE11 Trust and visiting our wetland and other covenants in Marlborough.
Will Parsons

Sad to see the passing of James. My thoughts are with you Anna and family. What great memories I have of the Guild family.
Denzil Phillips.

Dearest Anna, Simon, Hamish, Amelia & families
Please accept my condolences on James passing. A humble man with a very dry wit, I will remember James with a smile. James & Rex will have a bit to catch up on.
Moe Mai Ra James

From Melbourne,My condolences Anna and family. Thoughts also with our beautiful friends,Mandy and Chris Prattely as I find myself smiling at the beginings at Lincoln College,way back.

Our thoughts are with you all. Wishing you well for the days, weeks & months ahead. Russell & Rachael Wallace

Dear Anna, Simon, Hamish, Amelia and the rest of the Guild whanau - it was with great sadness I saw the post from QEII marking the passing of James. I really enjoyed those seven years at QEII working with James and appreciated James guidance and leadership as chair of the board and his humanity dealing with the odd challenge we had. It was a great period of renewal at the Trust under his leadership. I know he was also very proud of his family and what you all have achieved at High Peak. He will be greatly missed. Mike Jebson

Thinking of Anna and family at this very sad time.My memories are still imbedded of our very special neighbours when I was still there and the fun we had in the valley.Rest in peace James You have accomplished so much in your lifetime and the whole farming community will miss your input,

My heartfelt sympathy to you Anna on the passing of James. My thoughts are with and your family. Very sincerely Barbara x

My condolences and sympathy for Anna and family on your loss. I enjoyed working with James a lot . He always gave me constructive but honest feedback and consequently I valued his counsel enormously. More importantly I found him great company and admired his values and humanity.

My condolences to the Guild family. So sad to learn of his passing. A great many cherished memories of his long involvement in the Deer Industry. A true man of the times. RIP James

Anna & Family we were very sorry to learn of the passing of James. Our loving thought are with you all at this time. Kind regards, Margaret Donald McCaw & family