Graham Ashby and Ross Weir.
Graham Ashby shares this reflection as a tribute to Ross Weir (18 April 1956 - 7 November 2025):
"It is with deep sadness that we share the news that one of our best friends is now in the Lord's presence.
"Ross was one of the first people I met when my family shifted from South Auckland to Oamaru in 1971. Our friendship spanned 54 years.
"While fencing in mid-afternoon on Friday 7 November, Ross suddenly died of a suspected heart attack. He was born on a farm and died on a farm. The land was a place he loved dearly, but when the promised land came calling, he didn't hesitate.
"When I left school my first job was on the Weir's farm. Ross and I spent many days side by side and I was glad to learn from him. The man was born to work, he had hands the size of vice-grips and was strong as an ox.
"Ross married Lynette in 1973, and a year later Wanda and I married. Our friendship has only grown stronger through the years of raising our families. Wanda and I are humbled to say that two of the great blessings of our friendship is that 1. Our sons and daughters have also become best friends. 2. The faith we share has become generational.
"It has been our pleasure to walk beside the Weir family and watch their spiritual development. Ross's work ethic was only surpassed by his servant heart. Through a number of life trials, his faith deepened and even if his questions weren't answered, he learned to leave problems in God's hands.
"Ross and Lynette managed Lakeland Park Christian Camp for seven years and I believe together, they made a significant impact among thousands of lives. Not only did they renew and refresh that camp with hours and hours of hard work, they also lifted the spiritual tone. Everyday they prayed for everyone in camp. Their hearts' desire was to see people of all ages come to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Together they served every camper with the kindness, love and goodness that overflowed from their big hearts.
"Ross was rarely the camp front person; he left that to Lynette. His preference was to be in the background, making sure the entire facility hummed in excellence. When Wanda and I led the Prime Time Conferences at Lakeland Park and ran Summer Camps for teenagers, Ross and Lynette were in boots and all. I may have been the 'leader' guiding these events but I knew that behind me was my servant friend, working, fixing, preparing so that everything would run smoothly. No job was too big or small and with his willing heart his sleeves remained rolled up for God.
"His pastoral heart was far reaching. Many people got regular phone calls from him, just to see how they were going. His familiar voice would cheerily ask, 'What's happening?' It was a question that made you share on what the Lord has been doing in your life. When his listening ear was satisfied you were alright, there would be a 'Take care and God bless.' Click. No fuss. Keep moving and keep looking up.
"Knowing my friend is in the Lord's presence is comforting. I'll miss his encouraging calls and his energy and faithfulness to the things of God. And, I admit I'm envious he's beaten me to see the Lord. His faith now has him in God's presence. He fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. What an inspiring legacy he leaves his family and friends."
