30 Comments
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Margot's avatar

You must get this on Stuff, everyone deserves to read this, not just us special peeps.

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Hamish McNeilly's avatar

I might share it on social media, but I can't be fucked dealing with any toxic people tbh.

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Robyn Brady's avatar

A wonderful tribute to your brother Hamish. A privilege to read it. Thank you

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B Insull's avatar

Thank you from an Invercargill girl. Beautiful writing.

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Hamish McNeilly's avatar

Cheers

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Dougal Rillstone's avatar

Wonderful read, Hamish. Heartbreaking material. Oddly enough, I recently wrote a tribute to my late brother which was published on The Spinoff as part of their Sunday Essay series. It was also a story with deep Southland roots.

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Hamish McNeilly's avatar

Thanks for this Douglas. Please put the link to your tribute here and I'll have a read.

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Dougal Rillstone's avatar

/Users/dougalrillstone/Desktop/thespinoff.co.nz:.webloc

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Dougal Rillstone's avatar

Oops, don't think that's it. Let me work on how to attach it.

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Dougal Rillstone's avatar

You found it!! Great. You might agree that we touch on some similar ground.

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Hamish McNeilly's avatar

We certainly do. Nice piece.

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Maureen's avatar

That was absolutely beautiful to read Hamish. Tim sounds like one of the world’s most special people! I lost my youngest sister in March, different story but also one of the world’s special people, she lived a hard life but always carried a sparkle with her.

They’re always missed but always in our hearts. Hugs to you and your family.

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K4short's avatar

Beautiful moving tribute to a three-dimensional man who was so much more interesting than his diagnosis. You're a good brother.

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Noel's avatar

Great piece there Hamish. I've only just finished watching Martin Phillipps service an hour ago. Great choice of words and memories and I have to admit, there were a few tears in my eyes come the end of the story. You should be proud.

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Robyn Anderson's avatar

I was hoping to hear this again. Same effect as last time- breath taking sadness and love shown through well chosen words.

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Steph Wang's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss -- what a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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Neli's avatar

You have done your brother and your family proud Hamish

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Alena Stuart (Cresswell)'s avatar

Hi Hamish. Just echoing Kyla's thoughts. I have such special memories of Tim and our adventures in our Heywood Street houses. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Much love to you and your family.

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Hamish McNeilly's avatar

Thanks Alena!

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Kyla Cresswell's avatar

Dear sweet Tim. So sorry to hear of your loss. Please pass on our love and thoughts to the family. I so vividly remember his blond haired self riding a trike in the driveway, climbing over the fence and playing with my siblings in the garden. Always a gentle soul with a ready smile. Huge condolences to you all Hamish. x

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Hamish McNeilly's avatar

Hey, great to hear from you. He was certainly a gentle soul, a great description. Wish I had his calmness . . .

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Shelley's avatar

So good to hear from you again, I really have mished The Mish. But how sad, what a blow losing Tim, Its so wrong, not fair. I hope he's somewhere talking cryptic lyrics with John and George.

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Mandy's avatar

This was absolutely beautiful. It broke my heart with all the joy, love and the sorrow. Your lovely brother is gone too soon - I'm very sorry for this terrible loss. Thank you sharing the richness of your family's life together. Sending much love to you all.

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Jac Fraser's avatar

So sorry to hear about Tim, he sounds like an awesome wee brother.

And as for the skateboarders, my god, too scary! My daughter and I were in the Octagon when that one went Splat into the fountain. We got a good laugh....

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Donna Smith's avatar

That was a beautiful read. Thank you and my condolences on the loss of your brother.

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