Barbara MITCALFE Obituary

It never occurred to me that Barbara would ever NOT be feistily, vivaciously, determinedly ALIVE. So when the bush telegraph brought this sad news to me in the kaipara today I was stopped in my tracks. There isn't a week that goes by when her legacy of hard graft and cheeky tenacity doesn't jolt me out of my own laziness. We all needed Barbara and now we will recognise just how much. Fortunately she has also left an exceptional legacy in her offspring. Love to you all.

Dear Chris and Barabara's whanau and friends, we are up on the East coast of the Coromandel doing our best on a weed control programme. The bush telegraph meant that we did not know of Barbara's death until the afternoon of her funeral - so were unable to join you. Barbara must, with Chris, have been one of the most utterly dedicated and effective conservation botanists and activists in New Zealand. A great team with Chris and a woman who has inspired many and done so much work for the environment. Arohauni to all her whanau and friends, and we will use her example to keep us going on the weed control up here. We will miss her and her legacy of restoration will live on. Cath Wallace and Barry Weeber

To Barbara's wide family and Chris Horne
A mighty totora indeed. I am sorry not to have been at the celebration of her life today. My thoughts in particular are for Ann Louise (from climbing days) and Chris (from university days). Jay Davison

Dear Chris, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. We have fond memories of our botany trips with her and yourself. Her knowledge of the plants we saw and her care for the environment were remarkable and greatly valued by us. We shall miss her.
Arohanui, Alan Graham and Liz Martin

Dear Chris and Barbara's family
I am really sad to hear of Barbara's passing. Such energy and knowledge will be sadly missed in the Wellington Botanical and Environmental groups. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Love Yvonne Weeber

Heartfelt condolences to Chris, and to Barbara's family. Sad that she is gone so soon after Marion. We remember both of them with great affection.

My mother, Marion Slow nee Leary, always had fond memories of growing up with Barbara as her friend.I will post some old photo when I find them. With condolences Marion and Ez Slow and Wendy, Richard and Vicki.

Please accept condolences from Mary Kane and myself. We both very much enjoyed the botany rambles. With kind regards,

To Chris and families,
I'm very saddened to learn this news. I fondly recall Barbara's vibrant personality and contribution to Brushcraft, the TTC, and conservation.
She will be sadly missed.
Our heartfelt sympathies.
Alistair Betts & Cathy Kern

Dear Barbara
Thank you and Chris for all your work with the environment and your expert articles for The Tramper. I have really appreciated your knowledge and expertise over the years. So sorry to lose you from our midst but your teaching will live on. Arohanui to you and Chris.

I will miss you Barbara for your loving concern and dedication to the natural environment.

Best wishes and love to Chris and whanau

Chris and Barbara's family, Neill and I send our sincere sympathy. We haven t been with you for some time so have been out of touch with Barbara's health. She was a wonderful honest and interesting lady, so dedicated to saving flora and fauna and so prepared to stand up for her convictions. Always a big loss of someone like her in this waterered down world. Love from Barb and Neill Simpson

To Aunt Barb & whanau,
Thanks for all the lovely memories, hospitality & generosity over the many years.The love & care when needed.
You leave a great legacy in so many ways.
Simon, Peter & Paul James

Inspiring whaea, we will miss you.

Thanks for unending work on the whenua and you many thoughtful submissions.

Love to Chris from Celia and Alastair

Aue! I couldn`t believe my eyes and had to read Barbara`s Death Notice twice!! She will be sorely missed, as she regularly attended Zealandia events where she asked such pertinent questions!!! Barbara, whia ng tapuwae o mtua tipuna. Haere, haere, haere atu r.Deepest condolence ki Chris me te whnau.

Barbara, you will be so missed. I was very fond of you, my feisty and independent neighbour. Your passion for botany and the outdoors was as much an inspiration as much as it was a challenge to the rest of us to live our life without the constraints we perceive in our jobs, family life, and energy levels. You have left an enduring legacy in Nga Rengarenga, which extends almost to the bottom of our own property. We will do all we can to maintain that, in your memory and in your honour. Much love to your dear Chris, who is also inspirational in his own right, and to your family.
Sarah Stevenson
Phil Gurnsey
Sam Myhill
Tom Myhill
Jack Myhill
Jessica Gurnsey
Reuben Gurnsey
Toby Gurnsey
... all of Number 19