We have been proud to have Nigel as part of our family, and prouder still that Nigel fully participated in our family life. 

Nigel had a natural ability to make everyone,    from toddlers to retirees, feel comfortable and special.  He combined this ability with his love,   to make his relationship with our Rebecca very special.

His tolerance this year with participating in the 3 Christmas days that we had with 3 different parts of our family,   showed the importance Nigel put on family.

Nigel was a breath of fresh air in our home with the emphasis that he always placed on spending time with friends and enjoying life. Nigel was one of the few people I know who keep the right balance between work and fun.

Everyone knows Nigel cared about his friends.  Nothing brought this home to me more clearly than the giving of presents this Christmas. Our donation to the Qld Cancer Fund on his behalf, was I think, his favorite present this year.  His friend’s struggle with cancer was a big issue for Nigel.

Nigel loved fishing,   gadgets   and a bargain. I don’t think he ever left our house without 1^st reading all the junk mail in search of a new gadget at a good price.

When we drove to Perisher Blue for a skiing holiday, Nigel ensured we did not get lost by keeping the driver up to date from his global positioning device.    I must admit that I still used road maps.

A few months later,  when the million candle power torches became available,   he keenly competed in the family “my torch is brighter than yours”    competition – which he won.

This photo demonstrates how even though Nigel has Chinese and New Guinea heritage he had fully adapted to Australian culture.  I took this photo recently at my niece’s wedding breakfast – Nigel and other culturally sensitive males -   watching the rugby league grand final.

Miss you Nigel! 

Steve Maurer (Rebecca's dad)