Philip WOODROW Obituary

WOODROW,
Philip Charles (Phil):
RNZIR Q1008886 Private
9.02.82 - 03.01.2021
Today Philip would've turned the big 40. I'm not sure if we will ever get over his sudden death, but we will get through it. His death has left us with a massive hole in our lives and hearts, and we must not leave this acknowledgement any longer. You have all helped us get through this first year and we thank you for that. For those that came to our home so quickly that Sunday night: Jackie and Craig Greenall, The First Responder, South Otago Fire Brigade, South Otago Police, South Otago Ambulance Staff and the Otago Rescue Helicopter Medics and to Deborah Johnstone and Barry, Philip's Dad and Partner. Thank you for going above and beyond your duties to try to save Philip. To Deborah and Barry, how brave are you both for your fast response in getting CPR initiated. We would also like to acknowledge all those, who visited, phoned, text, gave donations, provided food, meals, baking, sent cards and provided practical support, we are indebted to you. You provided us with a circle of support and it will always mean the world to us. We shall always remember. In the background while all this was going on, there was Mary, our awesome Mary, who with her brother Jamie made endless cups of coffee and quietly set about to organise all sorts of essentials with Leishman's Funeral Services and made things happen; photos, for the photo board, Philip's medals, the memory screening of Philips photos and memorabilia. Thankyou Raewyn for your professionalism, being real and such a wonderful person to work with. David, at this same time was behind the scenes, looking after, supervising, and bringing the children over to us most of the days. A task that was just done quietly in the background, but meant so much to Dad and I to have our grandies close by with lots of hugs available. Children are so black and white in their thoughts and it was very refreshing. At Philip's send off at St Marks, our love and thanks to John (Sue's brother) for leading us into and out of church, along with the Pall Bearers, David Woodrow, Deborah Johnstone, Colin Ward, Nicholas Wedge, Jamie Blakely and Rob Saunders - you did a mighty job. Thank you for doing this for Philip. Thankyou Pete (Sue's brother) for taking and leading Philip's service. Also for coming down every day from the night it all happened till Philip's service, you came to us from Dunedin and went back home in the evening. What you calmly and lovingly did for us, and for Philip was very special. The whole service was beautiful and respectful, and we're sure that all the angels were singing with us that day. Thankyou also to those who took part in the service - Barbara Hadfield (Sue's sister) who read the readings; John Masters, the Blessing was beautifully sung; all who paid tribute to Philip; Colin Ward, Karen Bradfield, Jamie Blakely, Rosie Saunders and Deborah Johnstone, your words all had meaning and would've meant a great deal to Philip. The R.S.A's tribute, and the Last Post so movingly played by Warwick Thompson were both done with Respect and Honour - we thank you. We thank you (Rev) Brett Roberts for performing the committal and also for your love, support and prayers before and after the Service. Thank you to our St Marks Family for their behind the scenes work - arranging and providing all the music, the sound system, the amazing afternoon tea, cleaning up at the end of the day - our heartfelt thanks to you all. You made the day flow effortlessly for us. Stephanie at Flowers for You - for fulfilling the wish for only Poppies on the casket - stunning. Even until this day - our heartfelt thanks to everyone for the prayers, meals, visits, phone messages, calls, donations, flowers and cards. We just can't thank you enough for the love and support our families have been shown. To everyone who come to Philip's day, from Warkworth, Auckland, Cambridge, Havelock North, Wellington, Stoke, Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin, Gore, Invercargill and here in Balclutha - we thank you. To our friends and family who joined us via internet live stream from Scotland, England, Europe, USA, Brisbane, Tasmania, Tokoroa, New Plymouth and Lower Hutt - To all we say thank you. We shall always remember how overwehelmed we have been with the constant support of Alison and Colin Ward, our church families and Brett Roberts. To the Leishman Team (Raewyn and Robyn), there is nothing we can say that could ever express how very grateful we are for all that you have done that has provided us with support and respect throughout this entire experience. We have been overwhelmed by the response of everyone. Philip would've been blown away and so very chuffed at the love that has been expressed and shown. With so much love to you all Barry, Sue, Deborah & Family, David, Mary & Family
"I am the resurrection and the Life; even in death who believes in me will live"
John 11:25