Sir, everyone was safe in your class, you had zero tolerance for any bad behavior always respected, strict and straight up values. New Zealand needs strong teachers like you. Thank you.
Farewell to a great guy who had a wicked and dry sense of humour.
It was great to know you over the last 30 years Barry. You had a really good funeral, and we celebrated your life in style. Loved the garden scene at the service. Your family did you proud. You would have also liked the “after match Function”.
Will miss coming down and having a beer and hearing stories ,thanks for letting me be apart of a small part of your journey was a pleasure
Promise I’ll look after your granddaughter .
Sorry I’m not there today but will be watching from afar with a beer in hand .
Cheers Barry
Dear Marg and all the family,
Sorry I can’t be with you today, it would have been nice to see the family even under sad circumstances
I hope being together will give you all the strength you need today.
Lots of love
Sarah Ballance-Barter xxxx
To Margaret and Family
Circumstances mean that I cannot be with you for today’s funeral service.
Barry was my best friend during our teenage years. The Maxwell family made me so welcome at all times, in fact my second home. There was always a bed to stay overnight and I was made most welcome.
When I came home from boarding school in the third form to find another family in our community, with a son of my age’ was the beginning of a life friendship. Our time at Raurimu DHS, the Owhango rugby club, Hockey and Cricket and many other activities meant that this time of our life was always full. Then onto boarding at Wanganui Tech, before finally training as teachers. It certainly was a very full time of our lives.
In the years since we were both doing our own things, and we occasionally would see each other but it was as if we were back again with memories of the past. We were together just a year ago for dinner at the RSA with sister Lynn.
Barry lived in Taumarunui for most of his life with Margaret beside him. Both myself and my late wife Brenda felt at home whenever we visited Taumarunui. There was always a cup of tea on offer at the Maxwells. It was a pleasure to meet with the two girls and see them grow up, from little girls into the impressive people they are today,
It is sad when one of your very old friends pass away but when you are 85 as we both were, it goes with the territory.
Goodbye old friend , you will be missed,
RIP
John Somerville
My sincere condolences to all the Maxwell family at this special time.
I was a student at Raurimu District High School ion the early 1960’s along with my sisters, Cecelia and Noeline.
He really was a great teacher indeed. I recall thinking, Gill, that you were so lucky to have an older brother as your teacher, he could help you with your homework !!!
Recalling pictures in my mind, of yourself, Gill, Jenny and Mr Maxwell (as we knew him as) getting on and off the school bus and walking off down the road to home together… how lucky you were…. He was always interested in our scholastic education as well as our sporting achievements, and guiding we young teenagers in the skills of socializing appropriately. Skills that have stuck with me all my years on…
I an not able to be with you in person on Saturday, but certainly there with you in spirit. Thanks for the livestreaming link..
Take care as you adjust to your new lifestyles without him personally there …. so so many special moments.
Mr Maxwell (Sir) Turaki Primary School
I remember my first year in the senior unit – mid 80s and coming through to Rm 7 for a lesson, I looked at Mr Maxwell (Sir) and thought “whoah” no slacking off in here, better get my listening ears on & yes I was at times one of the naughty ones – I soon got over that phase in Mr Maxwells class.
You will long be remembered Sir, an outstanding teacher generous and kind – you were always strict but fair, and you cared for us with your no nonsense attitude
Moe mai rā Sir – my condolences to the whanau xx
“To the Maxwell Whānau, my deepest condolences. I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Sir, my beloved kaiako from Turaki Primary School.
He was more than just a teacher; he genuinely cared about me and each and every one of us. I will always cherish the fond memories of his kindness and the way he made learning such a joy lol, actually he scared the shit out of me, with his serious face and stern voice lol haha. I sat at the back lol. The best seats in the class.
When I look back at it now Sir you had the biggest heart, and only wanted the best for all your students.
Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew you” I can say you were one of my favourite teachers, RIP SIR 😥💔💜 Guess what Sir I am a teacher now. Unfortunately I can not be there with you to say goodbye, farewell SIR xxxx
“Yo Willie”, thanks to “Alf” the TV programme. Will miss you Uncle Barry. Loved the Valiant, lets not talk about the orange car or your shorts and walk socks.
A loving extra Grandad to our granddaughters. Please accept our condolences and our thanks for your friendship and love to our daughter and her girls. Shona and Neville Wallace
Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.
With our condolences to everyone, being 1 of his many students of mr maxwell sending my regards to all who are attending, i would like to say thank you for everything, for giving his time out of his life to shape many futures, for giving children a chance in their lives & also in mine, your hard work never goes unnoticed, as grumpy as you could be, your mahi has been a blessing. You growled me one time for climbing the roof of the school when we lived across the rd. Boy did i get in trouble. Anyway
May your journey & your mahi have it’s rewards. God bless you mr maxwell & your family/extended family.
Many blessings from the pihama family.
Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.
With our condolences to everyone, being 1 of his many students of mr maxwell sending my regards to all who are attending, i would like to say thank you for everything, for giving his time out of his life to shape many futures, for giving children a chance in their lives & also in mine, your hard work never goes unnoticed, as grumpy as you could be, your mahi has been a blessing. You growled me one time for climbing the roof of the school when we lived across the rd. Boy did i get in trouble. Anyway
May your journey & your mahi have it’s rewards. God bless you mr maxwell & your family/extended family.
Many blessings from the pihama family.
A legend of a man& a great teacher who made school lots of fun. Rest in peace SIR
You’ll always be remembered for the legend of a teacher you were at Turaki xx
Very sad to hear of Mr Maxwells passing. I remember him to be a fair, very patient wonderful teacher at my school. Thank you Mr Maxwell! Sending love to the family at this sad time.
Mr Maxwell or should I say Sir, you were an awesome teacher and a great man that had so much time for all his students, even the naughty ones like me. It’s sad to hear you have passed away and my condolences to all as you will be missed by many.
Sir, you were my first teacher in Taumarunui and I was a young lad who had been a principal’s son all my life. You very quickly disabused me of the notion that I knew everything which, at the time, was a lesson I was in sore need of learning. You always knew just the right way to get through to your students and set them on a better path (even if some of us took a little longer to realize it than others).
Despite years having gone by, I still remember those lessons and will forever be grateful for them.
You leave an amazing legacy in your wake which will never be forgotten by the thousands of young minds that crossed your path.
Sincere condolences and much love to your whanau.
Barry was an awesome human being with great stories and a kind heart. He will be dearly missed. Sending lots of love to Margaret. lots of love to Aunty max and GG as-well as lots of love to the Andersons. xxxx
32 Responses
Sir, everyone was safe in your class, you had zero tolerance for any bad behavior always respected, strict and straight up values. New Zealand needs strong teachers like you. Thank you.
Margaret & Family, sorry to hear of Barry’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,
Post Script to my previous comments
Please do not consume the rhubarb or wine all in one go!!!
Farewell to a great guy who had a wicked and dry sense of humour.
It was great to know you over the last 30 years Barry. You had a really good funeral, and we celebrated your life in style. Loved the garden scene at the service. Your family did you proud. You would have also liked the “after match Function”.
Will miss coming down and having a beer and hearing stories ,thanks for letting me be apart of a small part of your journey was a pleasure
Promise I’ll look after your granddaughter .
Sorry I’m not there today but will be watching from afar with a beer in hand .
Cheers Barry
Dear Marg and all the family,
Sorry I can’t be with you today, it would have been nice to see the family even under sad circumstances
I hope being together will give you all the strength you need today.
Lots of love
Sarah Ballance-Barter xxxx
To Margaret and Family
Circumstances mean that I cannot be with you for today’s funeral service.
Barry was my best friend during our teenage years. The Maxwell family made me so welcome at all times, in fact my second home. There was always a bed to stay overnight and I was made most welcome.
When I came home from boarding school in the third form to find another family in our community, with a son of my age’ was the beginning of a life friendship. Our time at Raurimu DHS, the Owhango rugby club, Hockey and Cricket and many other activities meant that this time of our life was always full. Then onto boarding at Wanganui Tech, before finally training as teachers. It certainly was a very full time of our lives.
In the years since we were both doing our own things, and we occasionally would see each other but it was as if we were back again with memories of the past. We were together just a year ago for dinner at the RSA with sister Lynn.
Barry lived in Taumarunui for most of his life with Margaret beside him. Both myself and my late wife Brenda felt at home whenever we visited Taumarunui. There was always a cup of tea on offer at the Maxwells. It was a pleasure to meet with the two girls and see them grow up, from little girls into the impressive people they are today,
It is sad when one of your very old friends pass away but when you are 85 as we both were, it goes with the territory.
Goodbye old friend , you will be missed,
RIP
John Somerville
My sincere condolences to all the Maxwell family at this special time.
I was a student at Raurimu District High School ion the early 1960’s along with my sisters, Cecelia and Noeline.
He really was a great teacher indeed. I recall thinking, Gill, that you were so lucky to have an older brother as your teacher, he could help you with your homework !!!
Recalling pictures in my mind, of yourself, Gill, Jenny and Mr Maxwell (as we knew him as) getting on and off the school bus and walking off down the road to home together… how lucky you were…. He was always interested in our scholastic education as well as our sporting achievements, and guiding we young teenagers in the skills of socializing appropriately. Skills that have stuck with me all my years on…
I an not able to be with you in person on Saturday, but certainly there with you in spirit. Thanks for the livestreaming link..
Take care as you adjust to your new lifestyles without him personally there …. so so many special moments.
Hi to all the Maxwell families
Sending my condolences to you all
Barbara O’Regan
RIP Father
Mr Maxwell (Sir) Turaki Primary School
I remember my first year in the senior unit – mid 80s and coming through to Rm 7 for a lesson, I looked at Mr Maxwell (Sir) and thought “whoah” no slacking off in here, better get my listening ears on & yes I was at times one of the naughty ones – I soon got over that phase in Mr Maxwells class.
You will long be remembered Sir, an outstanding teacher generous and kind – you were always strict but fair, and you cared for us with your no nonsense attitude
Moe mai rā Sir – my condolences to the whanau xx
“To the Maxwell Whānau, my deepest condolences. I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Sir, my beloved kaiako from Turaki Primary School.
He was more than just a teacher; he genuinely cared about me and each and every one of us. I will always cherish the fond memories of his kindness and the way he made learning such a joy lol, actually he scared the shit out of me, with his serious face and stern voice lol haha. I sat at the back lol. The best seats in the class.
When I look back at it now Sir you had the biggest heart, and only wanted the best for all your students.
Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew you” I can say you were one of my favourite teachers, RIP SIR 😥💔💜 Guess what Sir I am a teacher now. Unfortunately I can not be there with you to say goodbye, farewell SIR xxxx
“Yo Willie”, thanks to “Alf” the TV programme. Will miss you Uncle Barry. Loved the Valiant, lets not talk about the orange car or your shorts and walk socks.
A loving extra Grandad to our granddaughters. Please accept our condolences and our thanks for your friendship and love to our daughter and her girls. Shona and Neville Wallace
*Turaki
What an amazing teacher Mr Maxwell was (SIR) had a profound influence on my life as a young kid. Turkish early 80s
Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.
With our condolences to everyone, being 1 of his many students of mr maxwell sending my regards to all who are attending, i would like to say thank you for everything, for giving his time out of his life to shape many futures, for giving children a chance in their lives & also in mine, your hard work never goes unnoticed, as grumpy as you could be, your mahi has been a blessing. You growled me one time for climbing the roof of the school when we lived across the rd. Boy did i get in trouble. Anyway
May your journey & your mahi have it’s rewards. God bless you mr maxwell & your family/extended family.
Many blessings from the pihama family.
Ka nui te aroha.
Tawhiao pihama.
Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.
With our condolences to everyone, being 1 of his many students of mr maxwell sending my regards to all who are attending, i would like to say thank you for everything, for giving his time out of his life to shape many futures, for giving children a chance in their lives & also in mine, your hard work never goes unnoticed, as grumpy as you could be, your mahi has been a blessing. You growled me one time for climbing the roof of the school when we lived across the rd. Boy did i get in trouble. Anyway
May your journey & your mahi have it’s rewards. God bless you mr maxwell & your family/extended family.
Many blessings from the pihama family.
Ka nui te aroha.
Tawhiao pihama.
Condolences from KEYS family. Mahoe Road. Another amazing mentor in my early school days at Manunui 1960s. Thank you Mr Maxwell Sir. Mike Keys.
One of my favourite/scared the living bejesus out of me
teachers at Turaki!
Rest In Peace “Sir”
Condolences to friends and family
Daveena Walker
My love and thoughts are with you all I was saddened to read of your husband & dads passing such a lovely man
Fond memories of a school (Turaki) colleague & of a favorite teacher of my children.
With so much respect.
The Larman family
Moe Mai rā Pop. So missed.
A great teacher and sportsman back in the early 60s when I attended Manunui Primary School. May you Rest In Peace.
Sincere condolences to all of the family.
I’m sure you will have plenty of lovely memories of a wonderful MSN
Much love from Kerry and Rex Vickers and family.❤️❤️❤️
A legend of a man& a great teacher who made school lots of fun. Rest in peace SIR
You’ll always be remembered for the legend of a teacher you were at Turaki xx
Very sad to hear of Mr Maxwells passing. I remember him to be a fair, very patient wonderful teacher at my school. Thank you Mr Maxwell! Sending love to the family at this sad time.
Out Deepest Condolences and Sympathy to the family and friends.
Moe mai ra Barry Maxwell .RIP.
From Baker Whanau Boles Street.
Mr Maxwell or should I say Sir, you were an awesome teacher and a great man that had so much time for all his students, even the naughty ones like me. It’s sad to hear you have passed away and my condolences to all as you will be missed by many.
Sir, you were my first teacher in Taumarunui and I was a young lad who had been a principal’s son all my life. You very quickly disabused me of the notion that I knew everything which, at the time, was a lesson I was in sore need of learning. You always knew just the right way to get through to your students and set them on a better path (even if some of us took a little longer to realize it than others).
Despite years having gone by, I still remember those lessons and will forever be grateful for them.
You leave an amazing legacy in your wake which will never be forgotten by the thousands of young minds that crossed your path.
Sincere condolences and much love to your whanau.
Barry was an awesome human being with great stories and a kind heart. He will be dearly missed. Sending lots of love to Margaret. lots of love to Aunty max and GG as-well as lots of love to the Andersons. xxxx
A spectacular teacher responsible for the top tier education of hundreds of lucky students.
Rest in peace, Sir. You’ve certainly earned it.