John Matthew (Matt) Harger

I'm sorry to hear of Matt's passing. Many many years ago, we worked together as part of the Dunedin Arts Festival. He was incredibly kind, welcoming, supportive, and had a great sense of humour. After we worked together, he was generous enough to write me a glowing reference for my CV. This meant the world to a young man in his early 20s. Over the years while tweaking my CV, I would often reminisce of our brief time together and wonder if he was doing well. My condolences.

Dear Denise, Helen, Simon & Honor, We were so sorry to hear the news of Matt’s death. He was a truly kind and caring man. We have many fond memories and know that his spirit of friendship and laughter will live on through you and all who were lucky enough to know him. Sending our love to you all. Alastair & Hannah xx

So sorry to hear of your loss Denise,my condolences to both you and family,pleased Lyall mentioned it on Facebook. Deepest sympathy may Matt rest n peace. Maureen.

To Denise and Family, We were sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I remember well my years working with Matt at Port Otago 1984-1992. Very pleased we caught up with you and Matt 3 years ago in Dunedin.Was great sharing a few old stories . Tony and Wendy

We were very sad to hear of Matt’s death. We have always enjoyed his company at Cargill Club. Sorry we couldn’t be at Matt’s funeral but our thoughts are with you and the family. It was wonderful that he had time with Helen and Olivia when they visited for Christmas.

Dear Harger Family, Our thoughts are with you all. Matt was such a source of inspiration and wisdom to me over the years, from being a favourite 'grown up', when we were still living like students in London; to playing such a valued role in our lives as we grew up and had children of our own. Its been a privilege to have him in our lives, thank you for sharing this remarkable man so generously with us all, sending all our love, Em, Ade, Maisie & Leo xxxx

Dearest Denise, Helen, Simon & Honor, My sincerest condolences for the loss of your darling husband and father. I know Matt’s loss will be felt deeply. Thinking of you all at this time. Sorry I can’t be with you in person today. Shaye x

Dear Denise and family I was very sad to hear that Matt died last week. He was always so kind and I loved my trips to NZ and spending time with you both. What a brilliant time Karin, Hela and I had on our elective in Dunedin - 30 years ago now - can’t quite believe that! You were so welcoming and kind. I loved sharing sailing stories with Matt. He certainly had some adventurous stories to tell. All our love to you, Helen, Honor and Simon. We are thinking of you. Xxx

Dear Aunty, Helen, Honor & Simon, All of our love and thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Uncle Matt as I will always remember him wa such a great human being. I loved his stories about the sea, his annual updates, his choccie biscuits and chocolate at bedtime 😀 all the amazing moments shared by our families and all of the sad shared memories in recent times. Sorry we can’t be there in person, but please know we’ll be watching and remembering and celebrating his incredible impact on all of our lives. kia kaha to tatou aroha katoa Elle, Regan, Zoe, Conor & Keira

Dear Denise and all the family, Such sad news of the passing of Matt. He was a very special man. We have so many happy memories from our times staying with you in Dunedin to long summers in the UK. Being Mum’s oldest friend you and Matt are part of our family attending every big event, my Christening (being my Godfather!), our wedding and so many family parties. In 2000 Matt became ‘Big Matt’ to us after naming our Matthew after him. In 2003 Tom was born on Matt’s birthday and we asked him to be his Godfather and spent Tom’s first Christmas with you both in New Zealand. Such special memories. We are so sorry we can’t be with you but we will be watching the live stream tonight. As we celebrate the life of Matt we know he is watching down from Heaven and will be remembered forever in our memories and prayers.

Dearest Denise. We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Matt. There is no need to tell you what a wonderful gentleman he was. We remember with great fondness the times we spent with you both in your home in Dunedin and when you both and Olivia stayed with us in Leicester. Sending our love and deepest sympathies to you, Honor, Helen, Olivia and Simon, along with their partners and your wider family. Xx Stewart & Jude.

to Denise and family, our sincere condolences at this heartbreaking lost We are so sorry we cant be there to share the grief. farewell to Matt as his ship sails from port for the last time . May he find calm and peaceful waters and it finally anchor in a tranquil bay of everlasting golden sunsets. rip. mark karen tara and dana. ps, always welcome