The Lychway Funeral Directors

09/06/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of
PROCTER, Graeme Marris
13 March 1952 – 8 June 2026

Graeme passed away peacefully on 8 June 2026 at Arohanui Hospice.

Graeme showed courage, dignity, and remarkable strength throughout his battle with cancer.

Graeme leaves behind his beloved partner, Rita Barbara, and her children, Johan and Aimee.

He is survived by his treasured sons, Matt and Scott; daughters-in-law, Sarah and Leah; and his much-loved grandchildren, Ella, Joel, Joshua, Hazel, and Paige.

To those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Graeme was a trusted mentor, a steady hand, and a true friend. His guidance helped shape not only careers, but lives. Graeme's legacy is not measured simply by the years he worked, but by the countless lives he touched, the people he guided, and the enduring foundation he helped build. His presence will be greatly missed, but his influence will remain a part of The Lychway forever.

Graeme will be resting at The Lychway Funeral Directors on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, for those who wish to come and pay their respects.
He will then journey home to Marton on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

A service to celebrate Graeme's life and legacy will be held at The Lychway Chapel, 5 Roy Street, Palmerston North, on Friday, 12 June 2026 at 1.00pm.

Messages to Graeme's loved ones may be sent c/- PO Box 1014, Palmerston North.

‘We walk with you every step of the way’

25/04/2026

Today, on ANZAC Day, we pause to remember.

We remember the courage of those who served, the sacrifices made, and the lives forever changed by war. We honour not only those who gave their lives, but also the families who carried the weight of that loss, then and now.

In our line of work, we are reminded every day of the importance of remembrance. Of stories told, names spoken, and lives never forgotten.

ANZAC Day is more than a moment in history, it is a living legacy of bravery, resilience, and quiet strength.

May we take a moment today to reflect, to remember, and to give thanks.

Lest we forget.

- The Lychway Funeral Directors

03/03/2026

The service celebrating the life of Greig Miller will now be live streamed.

If you are unable to attend in person, we invite you to join us online as family and friends come together to remember and celebrate Greig.

Please use the link below to view the live stream from 1:50pm on Friday 6 March 2026 -
https://stream.thelychway.nz/s/greig

28/02/2026

We’re deeply saddened to share the passing of Greig Miller, aged 55.
Greig was a genuinely good man, A respected spray painter by trade, he took pride in his work and had a natural eye for detail, something others saw in him straight away.
Cars were his thing, and the care he put into every finish reflected the kind of person he was.
Greig is deeply loved and will be missed in all the everyday moments, the laughs, the conversations, the time in the workshop, and the quiet moments that meant the most.
He leaves behind memories, friendships, and a presence that won’t be forgotten.
A Celebration of Greig’s life will be held at The Lychway Funeral Directors Chapel, 5 Roy Street, Palmerston North on Friday 6 March 2026 at 2pm.

Live stream for Greig's service from 1:50pm on Friday 6 March 2026 - https://stream.thelychway.nz/s/greig

13/02/2026

Bob was known by many as the biggest supporter of the Manawatu Turbos, and it was truly special to be able to reflect that love in a very personal way.

His casket was painted by Windsor Industries in the Turbos green, with the white stripes, created especially to honour the team that brought him so much pride and joy.

At The Lychway, it is a privilege to help families find meaningful ways to reflect who their person truly was, not just in words, but in the small details that matter most.

Thank you to Bob’s family for trusting us to help honour him in a way that felt right for him, and for allowing us to be part of such a personal farewell.

Manawatū Rugby

12/02/2026

McLAREN: Val Maren, nee Jameson.
Passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at home
on February 5th, 2026.
Dearly loved wife of Les (dec). Adored mother and mother- in-law of Lisa and Brian Bond, Tracy Simkin, David and Leah Frith, Diane and Brent Vertongen.
Treasured nana and nana Val to her many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
A beautiful soul, deeply loved and forever remembered.
A private family service has been held. All correspondence c/o 314 Armstrong Road, Dannevirke 4978.

https://stream.thelychway.nz/s/val

02/02/2026

10/01/2026

As the year gently settles into its rhythm, we find ourselves reflecting on the year that has passed.

To the families who entrusted us with the care of someone deeply loved - thank you. It has been a privilege to walk beside you during moments of farewell, remembrance, and quiet reflection. Each life we were honoured to care for mattered, and each story remains with us.

To our wider community, thank you for your trust, kindness, and support throughout the past year. We do not take lightly the responsibility of caring for those who have passed, or the families who grieve them.

As we continue into the year ahead, we do so with gratitude, humility, and a deep commitment to providing thoughtful, personal care whenever it is needed.

From all of us at The Lychway Funeral Directors, we wish you peace, comfort, and gentle moments in the months ahead.

10/01/2026

David Patrick "Tom" OLIVER

Of Konini, on Monday, 5 January 2026, suddenly, aged 81. Dearly loved husband and soul mate of Ellen (Carroll), loved father and father-in-law of Bernadette and Glen Williams, Patricia and Justin Fryer and Anne-Maree Oliver. Treasured Grandad of Kahlia & Andrew, Ben & Tyla, Jamie & Leila, Eilish, Maia and Finn and Great-Grandad of Macey and Carter; Piper and Ardie. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Margaret & Tony Scott (both deceased), Joan & Gary Nation (deceased), Joe & Catherine Carroll, Phonse & Marie Carroll (deceased), Tom & Alayne Carroll and Jim & Maree Carroll. Loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews and a special father figure and friend to many. Wairarapa Bush R.F.U. cap #005. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Pahiatua Volunteer Fire Brigade would be appreciated.
Our mighty Totara has fallen, may he Rest in Peace
A Requiem Mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North, on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at 11.00am, followed by interment at Mangatainoka Cemetery. Rosary to be held at Saint Brigid's, Pahiatua, on Monday, 12 January 2026, at 6.30pm. Messages can be sent to David's family, c/o PO Box 1014, Palmerston North.
Livestream - https://stream.thelychway.nz/tributes/?funeral=OZ4db

25/12/2025

From all of us at The Lychway Funeral Directors
As Christmas comes to an end and the New Year approaches, we want to take a quiet moment to thank our community and the families who have trusted us during the past year.
We know that this season can be especially difficult for those who are missing someone they love, and our thoughts are with you. It has been a privilege to support and care for the families we have walked alongside, and we are truly grateful for the trust placed in us.
We wish you moments of peace, comfort, and togetherness this holiday season, and hope the coming year brings gentle days ahead.
With warmest wishes,
Lychway Funeral Directors Team