Messages to Angus

The spirit of Angus lives on in the words shared about him by his family, friends and colleagues. Through these we get a real sense of who Angus was and the mark he left on this world. Please feel free to add your own message to Angus in the comments section.

Rachael

My beautiful, extraordinary Angus, You said in your poem that that the words always came to you, they stayed forever in your pen and played pretend, but since you’ve left us all the words have drained from me. There will never be enough words to express how much you mean to me, how much I miss you and how beloved you are to so many. I search for you every day and I see you in so many moments: the feathers and coins that appear at my feet, the luminous shadows of the moon, the scent of your body in your room, the letters and poems in your handwriting that I’m still discovering. The blazing star that you are, I know that you are still shining brightly on the horizon in another world just beyond ours. I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon, I wish you could have stayed a little longer with us all, I wish you could be here to celebrate publication of Into the Trees. But nothing gold can stay as Robert Frost reminds us. Stay golden, Angus, forever in this lifetime and the next, I will search for you till we are together again. I love you, Mum.

Adrian

Reasons to Stay - the things I wish I’d said. All feelings pass. Tomorrow will be different. If I could hear you laugh. Restart your beating heart. Join us at the table. Feel the warm sun on your skin. Stay here just a little longer. Love and miss you. To eternity. We could have found a way. For a brighter day. Love, Dad.

Char

I think of you every day, so many times I say “I wish” but the desperation of wanting it to not be real is so strong. A lot of the time Finn and I say “Angus would’ve liked it here” or “this reminds us of Angus” “Angus would’ve loved this” is a daily occurrence. My heart breaks every day for your family and friends, especially your brothers, sister and parents. You are on my mind from the moment I wake up until we try and fall asleep. Every day we wake up and have to learn a life without you. You are so exceptional and so loved. I love that we got to spend time with you more and more when you moved back to Tauranga. I wish I could talk to you and hear your laugh. There is a void in our lives for you. I love and miss you so much, and on behalf of Finn I hurt every day that his little brother isn’t here. I know your book will do extraordinary things once it is published. We wait for every sunset to see you, we look at every butterfly, star, the sun, the moon, flowers, hearts to find you. Thinking of you every moment of every day.

Nirada

I love you

Lily

Dear Angus, when we first became friends in intermediate it was out of a mutual love of writing and dream to become writers. From that day on we shared and edited each others work and i continued to call on your very honest and talented opinion even in uni. Your writing was so creative and unique to you. I was always in awe of how your mind worked. I am happy i can contribute in some way to making your dreams come true, though i wish you had much more time to bless the world with your talent and self. I will always remember our hikes, endless yaps, and genuinely hilarious mail runs. ❤️

Sandra

Thinking of you again I miss you so much. I wonder what delicate and tantalizing poems you would’ve wrote on a night like this. I love you so much, hope you can feel the hugs my heart wishes it could give you. Never again will I have the privilege of being friends with someone who challenged me to become better in so many different ways, who I looked up to so much. I love you always. Thanks to you and all your efforts, I have so many wonderful lifelong friends. Friends that love you just as much as I do, friends that were inspired by you just as I. Friends who will never forget who you were. Angus, always so thoughtful, it was you who introduced me to the friends I know cry with to mourn you. Angus my sweet Angel, we all love you so much.

Anonymous

I am looking forward to the release of “Into the Trees” 🕊️❤️ Dear Angus, when I’m acting on stage, it will be for you. X

Pepper

Sending my love, Angus was always the most talented person in any room he walked into.

Katy

In a drama room built on stories, he brought truth. There was a quiet courage in Angus. A willingness to feel deeply, to step into the unknown, to be vulnerable when it mattered most. That is the kind of bravery drama teachers spend years trying to teach, and he carried it so naturally. In every honest performance, in every moment of courage, in every act of quiet kindness I know I will see him again. Angus was taken from this world far too soon, but he will leave a special imprint on the hearts of so many.

Lily

Dear Angus, when we first became friends in intermediate it was out of a mutual love of writing and dream to become writers. From that day on we shared and edited each others work and i continued to call on your very honest and talented opinion even in uni. Your writing was so creative and unique to you. I was always in awe of how your mind worked. I am happy i can contribute in some way to making your dreams come true, though i wish you had much more time to bless the world with your talent and self. I will always remember our hikes, endless yaps, and genuinely hilarious mail runs. ❤️

Lola

I wasn’t close with you Angus, but we did our first group project at university together and got our first A’s. You were exceptionally clever, funny, and kind ❤️

Astrid

Angus was always a brilliant public speaker and creative to me. At primary school whether it was poetry recitals or reading the notices over the intercom system, he spoke like a professional. At college he was the most creative one in English class and in drama class together he always knew how to improvise and was always so friendly. Rest in peace Angus.

Blake

We didn't get a lot of time together, but you left a real mark on me. You were clever, confident, and the kind of person people noticed without even trying - but what I'll remember most is your kindness. From day one, you and your family made me feel like I belonged. I'll never forget the way you thanked me for looking after your big sister. That meant more than I can put into words. Rest easy, Angus.

Kei

In memory of Angus, who will remain to us as a beautiful being with a beautiful soul.

Liz

Your beautiful, kind, talented soul will be remembered forever xx

Friederike

Such a bright and warm light you shone on others Angus! May you find peace in your next journey.

Ziggy

Angus, Rachael, Adrian, Gabriel and Finn, my thoughts are with you. I will treasure the joint holidays, especially the more recent visits to the South Island. Especially sharing a room with Angus on the Nydia track! What a cool walk that was, I am still in pain, grappling with the finality of it all, much aroha to you all.

Nick

For all who left us too soon and for all parents who remain, may we meet life’s impermanence with tenderness, courage, and a love that never ends.

Anonymous

I remember when I first moved into the Uni Halls I was so scared and felt so lost and you immediately came over and made it feel like home for me. Thank you for always inviting me over to your room to hang up posters together and talk about anything and everything. You were my first friend from university and I'll never forget the late nights we spent together contemplating the depths of the universe. You supported me through everything, from questionable fashion choices to owning my sexuality and pursuing my love for art and writing. You used to call me your 'fellow tortured writer' and I felt so seen by you even though I hadn't known you long. Thank you for the impact you have had on me and everyone else that was lucky enough to be in your life. You have and always will be an inspiration. I'll forever cherish the brief moments we spent together and continue your legacy through my art. Thank you for being my friend when it felt like I had nobody some days. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for your funeral in person but know that I love you always. May you finally be at peace, you gorgeous soul. Much love, your friend.

Maureece

Angus had a warmth about him that even people who only crossed paths with him could feel. He’ll be remembered with so much love ❤️

Shil

Rest easy, Angus. We will forever cherish our moments with you. We will remember how kind and brilliant you were.

Sophie

Our lovely Angus. You were my first housemate at the start of my New Zealand journey at Marion Street. You were so welcoming and kind and continued this throughout the year I lived with you. I loved getting to know you and always enjoyed bumping into you in the kitchen or for a quick sunbathing session on the balcony together. I have never met someone so compassionate, funny, intelligent and a truly amazing friend! You truly made me howl with laughter. I will always cherish my time living with you and will forever think of you. Sending all the love in the world to your wonderful family and friends xxx

Zeke

Thank you for your warmth and kindness during my first time here in the country Angus. I will forever miss our deep kitchen chats and my time spent here in Wellington. You have such a positive impact on every person you meet. Im sending all my love to your family and your loved ones 🩵 “ see ya later”

Jammy

Sending so much love to your family ❤️ Angus was such a thoughtful and kind person who was always there for every one when they needed it. He was so good with his words and his advice! He was such a big part of my childhood and I’ll always cherish the few years we had growing up together through out school and the many lunches sat outside the library talking and laughing. We used to throw our apple cores or peels in the bush beside us because we couldn’t be bothered walking to the bin. 🤣I still vividly remember his laugh and the way it was so contagious. I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by so many❤️

Angus, I didn’t know you but I have been fortunate to meet your beautiful mum and lucky enough to call her a friend! What a brilliant man the world has lost. I am looking forward to reading your novel and truly believe it will make a difference in many lives