Community-minded funeral director left mark on Nelson
Graham Shirley. September 1940–November 20, 2018 25,
Graham Shirley was known to many Nelsonians as the local funeral director. However, he was so much more that that. His caring, kind, gentle and generous nature saw the whole community benefit.
As a young boy, his father was a bridge building contractor, so he moved around frequently and loved the freedom of living in paddocks in contractor camps. He went on to become a carpenter by trade, and then into the family funeral business.
As a 21-year-old, he travelled to Australia and trained with the British Institute of Embalming. On his return to New Zealand, he became a foundation member and president of the NZ Embalmers Association.
Graham was Nelson’s longestserving blood donor. His rare blood type meant he was frequently called upon at all hours of the day or night to donate for those in need.
Community involvement was a huge part of his life. Graham was a JP and a past president of both Rotary and Jaycees. He worked tirelessly in the community, often fundraising for those in need.
Graham helped out the local marae and produced the stunning Ma¯ori art frame displayed at the Suter Gallery. The gazebo over the ponds at Queen’s Gardens was also a project of his. Back in the 1970s, he was an organiser of the popular mardi gras party held in the city centre.
For more than 30 years, Graham was involved in the organisation of the Nelson Santa Parade. This involved hundreds of hours every year in the background building, painting and moving floats, as well as considerable time arranging transport, trucks, sponsorship and volunteers.
Graham also built the Santa Shed at Founders Heritage Park to store Santa Parade costumes, floats and equipment. His involvement in the Santa Parade was year-round, not just a few months before Christmas, and he delighted in the kids’ joy.
One year, he built five of the floats that were in that year’s parade. His red cowboy Santa hat was renowned.
Graham loved to travel. He was made an honorary member of the Maasai tribe in Africa for his work putting gas lines and water into villages.
In Bangladesh, Graham and his wife, Joy, donated cows and put in water pipes for villages. Joy was once arrested because the villagers they had never seen a white person.
Graham was awarded a Nelson Civic Award in 2003 for his contribution to the community. He was a finalist for the Nelsonian of the Year award for his long-standing community involvement. He also enjoyed sport and was a excellent athlete.
Many friends said on his passing that he was one of the real good buggers. As a husband, employer, father, grandfather, colleague and friend, he made time for everyone and respected everyone. He never got angry, and was unflappable – he just got to work.
Graham was an example to us all – a generous man who freely gave his time, expertise and personal generosity to Nelson and beyond.
He is survived by his three daughters, Diane, Kaye and Tina, and grandchildren Mitchell, Holly, Erin, Gemma and Ashleigh.