Farewell, Andrew

Andrew McKenzie 1975-2006

I was very much aggrieved to hear that my friend Andrew McKenzie passed away on Friday, leaving behind his loving wife Claudine, adoring family, and many, many admiring friends. He was the finest, kindest, most sincere friend you could wish for, and I will miss him greatly: It was my great priviledge to have known him.

Andrew had been battling an illness for the last six months, after having been in remission from a previous bout, and although I am sad, frustrated, angry and depressed that he is no longer here, I am much relieved that he is no longer in pain.

He was a talented musician, and we met while studying at the Nelson School of Music in 1999. Andrew's principal focus was drums and percussion, and he also played the vibraphone. He had a rich baritone singing voice, too.

The thing that always struck me about Andrew was his jovial, calm and positive nature, even in the face of difficulty. He was a devout Lutheran, and we had our disagreements about things, but he was considerate of my position and did not judge me.

His funeral is on Wednesday, 1:00 pm at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Palmerston North.

Farewell, my friend, and thankyou -
You were a light on the dark journey of this life.

"Through these fields of destruction -
Baptisms of fire,
I've watched all your suffering
As the battles raged higher,
And though they did hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brother in arms"
- Dire Straits