Treasured and devoted husband of 60 years to Helen-May, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Sally and Dougall Murray (Wānaka), Brett and Natalie Burgess (Pūrākaunui Bay – Ōwaka), Karl and Melanie Burgess (Lake Edge Farm - Ōwaka), and truly loved ‘Grandad Budge’ of Jackson, Samuel, and Charlie; Jake, and Eddie; Tamzin, Hunter, and Leo. Loved son of Chub* and Kitty* Burgess, loved brother and brother-in-law of Lorna* and Malcolm* Anderson, Inness* and Noelene Burgess, John and Ida Burgess, Kathryn and Bruce Wilson, Gaynor and Bryan* Stewart, and Judy and Ken* Gordon, and cherished uncle of his nieces and nephews (*denotes deceased).
A very special thank you to all the staff in the Emergency Department, and Wards 7 and 8 at Dunedin Hospital. The care, kindness and respect you showed Budge was truly exceptional, and he was so very grateful to each, and every one of you.
Budge’s send-off will be held in the Ōwaka Community Memorial Hall, 9 Ovenden Street, Ōwaka, at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 19. In lieu of flowers donations to Tautuku Lodge - Otago Youth Adventure Trust, would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to Helen-May Burgess, C/- The Grange Lifecare Village Office, 19 Clachan Grange Road, Mosgiel 9024, or below where there is also a link to view the service.
Service details
The service was held on 19 Sep 2026.
Live stream
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My thoughts are with you all Helen-May. I feel your loss. Sending love. Kathleen
My Sincere sympathy have many great memories of Alan right back to our OBHS days thinking of you all at this time Graeme Duncan
My heartfelt condolences to all the family on the passing of Budge. He certainly made an impression on me in the few times I had the pleasure of meeting him, and he made a great winning bowls partner too! Sending lots of love to you all, and my apologies that I was unable to make the service.
Our condolences for Budges passing.He was an amazing guy who always had time for a chat or a story.The furneral service was awesome. Regards Wick @ Ange.
Please accept our love support and deepest sympathy on the loss of Alan. We have very special memories of our time living in Owaka (Lochindorb). Take care Helen May and your beautiful family you have some wonderful memories. Love Alison and Colin Ward.
Dear Helen-May and families It is with great sadness that I send condolences to the family. We met this great couple on a European tour in 2011 and quickly bonded with them sharing many happy times. We met again in 2013 when they travelled to our home in Canada and in 2017 when we traveled to their home. Alan was so proud to tell us stories of his family, farm and country. He enjoyed showing us around as much as we enjoyed seeing it. He could tell stories. He was kind, gentle and loving. He was one in a million, impossible to replace, and will be missed dearly. Our thoughts are with you all. Love Mel
To Helen May and your family. Our apologies for not being with you all today. Recent surgery has made it difficult. While my memories go back to childhood days of visiting, of watching Alan play South Otago rep cricket wit;h my brother, Grahame, to when Bob and I moved to Owaka. Alan was a school Dad. but for Bob, Budge was his rugby coach. For the team to win the Banner said it all. Budge injected discipline and respect, humour, friendship and fun. We thank you for those special years. Alan gave so much to all areas of the community while being a wonderful hu;sband, father and grandfather. Your laugh will not be forgotten, Budge. Our thoughts are with you all, today and as you navigate a life without that special man. Margaret and Bob Cruickshank
Dear Helen-Mae & family My apologies for not being able to attend Alan's service today. I would have loved to have been able to be there but I will be in thoughts and I will watch his service on line. Alan was one very special gentleman. His big smile and his genuine interest in everyone will be so missed. He was simply "one of the best" whose company everyone enjoyed. He lived a great life, gave so much of himself to everyone, to his community, and most importantly his family. You have lost your life partner and best friend Helen-Mae. I send my sincerest sympathy and loads of warm hugs. Warmest regards Gaye Edwards
We are sorry that we can't attend Budge's farewell. Thinking of you all, Adele, Des, Kasey and Archie Valli.
Please accept our sympathies for your loss and our apologies for the service for Budge on Saturday.
Sadly, Alan’s spirit has cast off this earthly tenement. His skills on earth in general and in Otago in particular have fallen from his grasp. Sadly, our friendship of many years has come to an end. Alan’s passing concludes the long association he has had with the community, his Secondary School, Otago Boys High and in latter years the fellowship he encouraged with former classmates and their wives to meet and share memories. What great credit Alan brought to all the towns he lived in especially Owaka, he was held in the highest regards as a leader and a sportsman demonstrated by the large attendance at this service. Few people today are fortunate to meet such men at their best. I have been one of them. I have been fortunate to have seen Alan at his peak and stories involving “Budge” are best described through meeting with him and discussing the current subjects of the day. I am sure the current All Black’s performance would have ranked high in discussion. Alan reminds me of a wee story: that Rugby Players do not stop when the whistle blows at the end of the game. They finish in a little canter before coming to a standstill. That gives them time to hear the voices of friends and fellow team mates: and say to oneself. My work is done We relate this to Alan’s life; his work is done, and like other great men who have been born leaders his work is done he can hand in the gavel. We are also reminded that the course of life is unpredictable; no one can write their autobiography in advance. This portrays a great person who inspired other Champions to keep up with his level of enthusiasm. Simply a great leader lost. We can all be proud of Alan with what he achieved. That he stood for something and did the things he was capable of doing and probably astounded himself and others in doing so much more. We must remember that good people will die; but death cannot erase their names or the memories that the family and friends hold so dearly. But now we are reminded of that immortal part which survives the grave, which can never, ever die, and say neither good-night, nor good-bye, but good-morrow Alan, leaving you in God’s hands, Peacefully may you rest. Warren Duff
Extremely sad to hear of Budge's passing. He was a great school friend at Otago Boy's High School. Deepest sympathy to Helen May and Family. Kind regards. Graham Peart