26.02.1941 - 29.12.2025. Passed away at home in Whataroa, in his 85th year. Beloved son of the late Frank and Molly Graham, loved brother of Sister Mary Graham and a great friend of all that knew him. R.I.P . Messages to PO Box 26, Whataroa 7886, or can be left on Francis’ tribute page at www.thompsonfd.co.nz. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Of The Woods Catholic Church, Whataroa, on Wednesday, January 7, at 1pm, followed by burial in the Whataroa Cemetery. Recitation of the Rosary to be held in the Church, Tuesday evening, at 7pm.
Francis William Graham
December 29, 2025
Francis, who was the eldest of our cousins – a special person and a dearly loved friend to many cousins and locals. Francis and his sister Mary were very close siblings.
Francis was an avid sports fan, both as a participant and spectator and to name a few….. running and cycling in triathlons and he loved playing golf, tennis, badminton (playing as well as coaching), rugby, (Francis had a great knowledge of rugby) and he was always interested in the Whataroa A + P show.
When Francis’s parents passed he took over the family farm and he was only too happy to ask advice and assistance from his farming uncles and cousins. When Francis’s parents, Auntie Molly & Uncle Frank, passed Francis became an extended member of our family and he joined us all at “Hillview” on Wednesday and Saturday nights for roasts and pudding on his way home from the farm. Francis only too willingly lent our Dad a hand with tailing lambs, and along with other cousins bringing lambs and cattle across the river, and of course hay time which everyone enjoyed. Francis dedicated his life to our Lady of the Woods Church, Whataroa.
Rest in peace Francis.
Ronald, Annette, Dorothy, Geoffrey and Diane and Family (family of the late Tom & Dorothy Nolan, Whataroa).
RIP Francie A true STH Westland Icon in many ways as others have mentioned
My parents held you in very high regard
You’ll be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you 😇🙏
My thoughts are with Francis family and friends , sport played a big part in part in his life .a was quick to give u his thoughts about the All Blacks .rest in peace Francis it was good to know you.
Francie you have left an indelible mark on the community. With your quiet respectful nature you have been loved by everyone who has had the pleasure of your company.
A true community champion. Fond memories.
Rest easy. X
Jug Price
Condolences to the Nolan families, Francis was a great lover of sport. Participated in all the local sporting events and always had his thoughts on who the All Blacks selections should have in their team. Whataroa badminton and South Westland can thank Francis for keeping the sport going for the last 50 plus years , encouraging so many young people getting into the sport. He will be missed by the South Westland community.
Condolences to the Nolan family
Francis was a great and top man
He gave a lot to the youth
Kay said he was her partner for tennis and badminton and enjoyed and enjoyed having a laugh as well
He will be missed
From be Kay and David Taylor
Rest easy now Francie. Always enjoyed our chats when I was down carting your calves to the sale. Condolences to Francie’s family and friends.
So sad to hear that Francis has passed on,.he was a good man who loved life and his sport.sometimes we used to catchup at a cafe in Greymouth when he was doing his banking. So condolences to his sister and his family
I remember Francis playing rugby often being the first to turn up for practice. Badminton he taught all our kids and many others from Whataroa school.
He contributed a lot to the community. “Snake Gully” farm also was part of many children’s lives in Whataroa.
Rest in peace Francis.
Condolences. to. sister Mary and the extended Nolan families. Francis was a good man for the community and will be sadly missed. R.I.P Francie.
An enthusiastic and knowledgeable sportsman who loved to share his keenness. We often played golf, tennis, badminton , rugby( Robert) , with Francie. Our children also had the pleasure of his coaching.
R. I. P. Francie. The community will miss you.❤️
Condolences to the family
Rest in Peace Francie.. You will be sadly missed. Sympathies to family and friends.
RIP Francie after all you accomplishments in many different areas Always ready to give a helping hand. Especially. with many youngsters in South Westland to participate in Sport. Condolences to family and friends. Maggie & Owen Morris