Michael SOPER Obituary

Fond memories off Lumden days
Joan Walker

Deepest sympathy too all the family.
Grt memories back in Lumsden early days
Joan Walker (Rutter)

Mike,you were one of lifes Good Blokes.R.I.P.

Jill, Leigh Todd and families, our deepest sympathies to you all
Noel and Loretta Grant
(Wanaka)

To Jill and family, our very deepest sympathy in the recent passing of Mike. An absolutely wonderful person, both on and off the rugby field.
Really enjoyed catching up with Mike, when we could, he had such a wonderful manner,and always plenty to talk about.
Thinking of you. Peter and Dianne Allan

Deepest sympathy to u and all the family Jill
Memories frm Lumsden school days
Joan Walker

Deepest sympathy Jill and family.. I went too school in Lumsden wth Michael all those yrs ago..soper is my mothers family name..where she was born and lived
.Reguards .Joan Rutter..deepest sympathy

Sincere sympathy Jill our thoughts are with you and your family. Blair and Kay McKenzie

Jill, Leigh,Todd & grandchildren.
Thinking of you all at this sad time but wonderful memories can´t be taken from you.
Sorry we couldn´t join the many who will have come to farewell Mike.

To Jill and family......May the memories that mean the most to you help ease the sadness of your loss. Joyce Williams ..... Invercargill

To Jill and Family,
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing.We have fond memories of him and our time in Lumsden.
Erin and Bruce xx

To. JILL and Family.
Our Deepest Sympathy in the Passing of Mike.
Betty and Doug Taylor. Brisbane (Ex Lumsden)

My deepest sincere condolences to Jill, Leigh and family at this heart wrenching time.

I moved to Queenstown from Ireland in 2009 and I lived there for 4 wonderful years. I worked in Skyline in that time and thats where I met Mike. We hit it off instantly and straight away became good friends. We used to chat for ages and always laughed. I left Queenstown to return home to Dublin 10 years ago and we have stayed in touch. Mike phoned me every couple of months over the past 10 years and we chatted and laughed like we always did. I loved hearing about Mike spending time with his grandchildren or going off fishing and on the many holidays with Jill. I enjoyed hearing Queenstown updates too and how much snow was up Skyline or on the Remarkables.

Mike was my friend and I will miss her dearly. He was a kind, caring, thoughtful man who loved life and who loved to laugh. He looked out for me while I lived on the other side of the world away from my family and he was like family to me. My family really appreciated Mike too.

Rest in peace now Mike, your suffering is over. Mike will be forever in my thoughts and memories of my time in Queenstown and I have a beautiful photo album of pics Mike put together for me before I left New Zealand and I have attached one photo of us up in Skyline.

Susan, Brian & family (Dublin, Ireland)

Jill and family, so sorry to hear of Mike´s passing,we are thinking of you at this sad time. Take care

To Mike's family

I played rugby with Mike in 1969 and 70 at Lumsden. He was a talented and very determined rugby player. We use to warm up at training with 2 laps of the field and myself and others were never able to beat Mike. You could get to his shoulder and he would dig it in and always beat us. Top man. RIP mike

Played rugby with Mike at Lumsden 1969 and 70. Very good player with a big heart. We used to warm up with a couple of Laps of the field and although myself and others tried very hard no one beat him in those laps. Top man. Sorry will not be at the service. RIP Mike

Jill, Leigh, Todd and families. We were so sorry to hear of Mike´s illness and passing. We remember good times when we were all young and busy with growing families and farming. He was a gentleman.
With love and condolences from Julie and David Thomas

To Jill Leigh Todd and families. So sad to hear of Mikes passing. Our thoughts are with you. Many happy memories of our time in lumsden in the 70´s and 80´s when our children were young. Some great family time. Lyn and Nelson Gutsell Fortrose

Jill and family so sorry to hear of mikes passing Mike was a true friend and a foe of the Balfour Rugby Club

To Jill and family, so sorry to hear this sad news. Condolences to you all. Love Harvey and Diane.

Jill, Todd, Leigh, in laws and Grandchildren.

So very sorry to hear this news of Michael´s passing. We are in France presently so cannot be with you at this time. Loved catching up just a few weeks ago but never expected this.
Mike was a wonderful school friend and amazingly capable member of our 1st XV. I enjoyed time at Lumsden one school holidays when it was too wet for the shearing I was supposed to be picking up for. In recent years you were a wonderful friend and helper at our little Queenstown nest and visits were never the same if we didn´t meet. Your family will respond admirably and support each other during this difficult time and ensure an appropriate farewell. Much love and God bless.
Alan and Linley von Tunzelman

Memories of Mike by Wendy and Russell Cannan

Memories from Russell. I have many fond memories of playing rugby with Mike during my time in Lumsden from 1966 through 1969. During those four years the Lumsden Rugby team won the Northern Southland Sub Union competition three times and was second the other year.
Mike was an outstanding loose forward and played games for the Northern Rugby Sub Union and also the Southland Rugby provincial team. He was dynamic around the field, a superb player and always gave his best to the team. A true sportsman in every way.
Mike was also an amazing friend. Wendy and I enjoyed many social activities with Jill and Mike. One trip that stands out was on a Sunday in May 1966 when several of our rugby team sailed across Lake Manapouri on the Menlove´s family launch to West Arm Cove where the entrance down to the Manapouri power station was being constructed deep within the mountain. As it was duck shooting season we enjoyed roast duck on the trip across the lake.

Memories from Wendy. Jill, Pam and I used to attend the local rugby matches to watch Mike, Doug and Russell play but in fact we spent most of our time chatting and laughing between ourselves. Invariably we had to ask a more diligent spectator for the final score at the end of the match. The highlight was the after match dinners held at one of our houses where we wined, dined and shared life stories and future dreams. It really was a special time which we often reflect on.
You have been an old and special friend Mike and although we we have lived so far apart these memories are as strong now as it it all happened just yesterday.

Also our special thoughts to Jill and her family as you cope with this awful period in your lives.
Love. Wendy and Russell.

My thoughts are with you all. Has created some happy memories of the years in the early 60,s especially @ SBHS. Mike was a pleasure to know and spend time with. Condolences to you all.

Farewell Mike, great sportsman, great schoolmate and friend. You will be sadly missed by many.

Dear Jill, Leigh, Todd and Family

So sorry to hear of Mike´s passing. He was one of my very best friends. He was an excellent Rugby Player with a strong sense of duty and demonstrated his strength of character and humour right up until the end. He will forever be missed.

Deepest Sympathy,

Keith & Stephanie Neylon

To Jill and family please accept my deepest condolences over the. Loss of Mike may the special memories help you through this difficult time .sending love Elwyn

With deepest sympathy to all will always remember that cheeky grin
Colin and Lynda-Marie

Jill, very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great mate at SBHS, always smiling, and a great rugby player.

Jill and family please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. Trish Crosbie