Philip John Glassey

I am extremely saddened to hear of Phil's passing. Such a great guy. I first met Phil in the 1980s when he helped me, as a young engineer, with practical geotechnical advice. Such a joy to work with him, and our paths crossed many times over the years in our professions. Definitely a credit to his profession, but much more he was a thoroughly decent person. Phil is one of those people who is the backbone of any community. My heartfelt condolences to his workmates, and especially his family.

I was so sorry and saddened to hear of Phil’s sudden passing. Phil interviewed me for an internship at GNS Science five years ago. I interviewed badly - so badly I thought there was no way I would hear back. But Phil took a chance on me, and over the subsequent years became my master’s supervisor and mentor. He was a wonderful man, scientist, and a constant source of encouragement and inspiration for me. My heartfelt condolences to his whānau - who he spoke of often. Phil will be deeply missed.

Dear Phil, thank you for agreeing to employ me at GNS Science. Thank you for teaching me about saying "no" to more work when I was already busy. Thank you for demonstrating a healthy skepticism for anything that got in the way of doing good science. Most of all, thank you for your big smile which you were always so generous with. With much gratitude, Ursula

I was so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. I've worked with Phil ever since starting at GNS in 2008. He made me welcome as a newbie in the Dunedin office. I really appreciated his support while working in Indonesia and most recently he willing contributed his voice and experience to my theme team. My heartfelt sympathies to Heike and the rest of Phil's whanau - he leaves a big hole in many people's lives and will be sorely missed.

I am really shocked and deeply sad to hear the news. You are so kind and enthusiastic, with Heike, to help us settle down well when we first arrived in Dunedin. A good music player, a calm and friendly friend, always with a smile, Phil made us feel very close and warm every time we met. You will be missed a lot. Rest in peace, Phil. May God give strength to Heike and your family to overcome this difficult situation.

I had only known Phil for a little over a year but in that relatively short period, I got a good feel for his character as a person. He was absolutely genuine, intelligent, reliable with a good dry Kiwi sense of humour. I learnt so much more about Phil and his family at the funeral service and can appreciate that with his passing, has left a huge void in all their lives. Sincerely, John Alexander

It was so sad and so unexpected to see you go, Phil. You were a wonderful mentor, and your door was always open to me when I first arrived at GNS Science and was still finding my way through the new system. Thank you for always advocating, for listening, and for your kindness. There were so many things I came to admire about you beyond work, as a family man, a friend, and a genuinely good person, that I only came to learn after the services. You would be deeply missed.

It is all too soon, Phil. Thank you for your kindness and support since my arrival at GNS. Really grateful to have you as a buddy during onboarding. Also, learn a lot from your work with StIRRRD. Rest in peace, Phil.

My uncle Phil was not a lot older than me – I think he was only 20 years old when he took me to the park in Christchurch and I tried to play with kids who were far too big for me and ended up bouncing off a steel bar. He had to explain that one to mum and I’ve still got the scar on my forehead. It’s hard to believe that he has gone. I last saw him at a pub in Camden a couple of years ago and I left thinking that there will be plenty more family events when we’d catch up. My thoughts have been with the family a lot this last week, especially Heike, Benton, and Jono. I’ll remember his grin and him playing his guitar.

What a fitting service for someone so full of life and personality. Phil was my first 'boss' and partly responsible for getting my permanent role at GNS established back in 2013. He set a great example for what work-life balance should look like - after my first week in the office he bellowed at me on Friday afternoon to 'go home already' on his way out the door to a round of golf, which continued for some time until the message sank in - he led by example! My heartfelt sympathies to Heike and the rest of Phil's whanau at this sad time - he leaves a big hole in many people's lives and will be sorely missed.

So terribly sad, Phil was taken far too soon. We have known Phil to be a decent, intelligent, and kind man. Heike and Phil were a perfect match; it was plain to see how much love they shared. It is a tragic loss for Heike and for us all. With love, Inge and Marc.

It was a privilege to be at the celebration of Phil’s life. A phitting tribute to one gone too soon. Thank you for the music Phil and family. (Not many funerals come with applause!). And the memories that came with it. Knowing that cheeky grin from fun when our children were little, to times with Heike. My heart goes out to all the family but especially Heike as she navigates each day without her soulmate. My family all send their very best thoughts and love at this time.