Celebrating the life of Graham Condon – a colleague and a friend

Christchurch City Councillor and outstanding athlete Graham Condon lost his life in a tragic accident on Saturday 8 September 2007. The accident occurred when Councillor Condon’s hand propelled bicycle was hit by a car on Lower Styx Road north of Christchurch.

Fellow Councillors, Community Board Members and Christchurch City Council Staff shocked by the news of his death, were quick to pay tribute to a man they knew as a colleague and a friend.

Crippled by Polio at an early age, Graham Condon had an unwavering determination to succeed and was an inspiration to all who knew him. A natural athlete, he made his mark in the discus and pentathlon, representing New Zealand internationally for over two decades. Setting seven world, Olympic and Commonwealth records and seven national records, he won thirty-six international medals.

His involvement with sport did not end on his retirement from national and international competition, it was then that his drive moved to regional and community sport. A great advocate for all sportsmen and women, one of his greatest legacies was the role he played in the rebuilding of QEII stadium. Graham was also a passionate supporter of Canterbury Museum, a Board member; he always wholeheartedly supported the Museum in its endeavours.

Serving as a Christchurch City Councillor from 1995, Graham Condon was set to stand again in the October election.

Graham is sorely missed by all who knew him.

Tributes

Graham was a loyal colleague who respected councillors even when he did not agree with their views. I will miss him for his passion to serve the city to the best of his ability and for his great sense of humour and many, many stories. He could make you laugh when feeling down with his signature greeting of "Giday Petals ". He held the record of being the shortest councillor but in fact his achievements put him head and shoulders above us all.

I hope God realises what a gem he has and keeps you safe until we meet again.

Cr Carole Evans
Deputy Mayor

Personally I will reflect on the contribution Graham has made to recreation and sports and his larger than life generous personality.

"Bon Voyage Graham"

John Filsell
Recreation & Sports Manager

The first time I met Graham one on one was at a seminar in the council chamber, being new to the city I wasn’t sure if the seats around the tables were pre allocated so I asked Graham, his reply put me right at ease, "Just sit anywhere, but I never worry about chairs because I always bring my own.

Bryan Morgan
Photographer

As this has been my first term at Council I have only got to know Graham and Kath over the past three years. Both Lynn and I instantly took a liking to them both and cherished any opportunity to spend time with them. Certainly over the past nine months there have been two occasions where I have come to know Graham that little bit better.

Just prior to Christmas last, Graham paid a lot of money for a miniature schnauzer dog. It was one of a number of pups only a few weeks old and he and Kath had picked this one and named it Abby. Over Christmas Graham and Kath had a family event to attend out of town and given we were at home for the period, we offered to look after Abby. When Graham came round to drop Abby off, it was immediately obvious that he had become very attached to the dog. While away he rang regularly checking on Abby and when they returned, it was like a family reunion. I will always remember the huge smile on Graham's face when he first saw Abby. I'm sure, like everyone else; Abby will miss not having his mate, Graham around.

In March, along with Garry and other members of the Christchurch Adelaide Sister City Committee, Graham and I travelled to Adelaide as members of the Sister Cities Delegation to Adelaide. For the six days that we were there, Graham and I shared a hotel room and obviously spent a considerable amount of time sharing various life experiences.

For me, Graham was someone I could discuss any issue with and know that he would always have an appropriate and wise response. He lifted spirits anytime he was around and he always had joke and smile to change what might have been a tense situation. His ability to "work" a room was legendry. He could never be described as "backwards in coming forward". When out with Graham, you knew everyone within minutes and his way with the ladies, well I can only say I was always amazed at the comments he could get away with.

Graham, you were a true friend. Mate, I miss you so much already.
Rest in peace.

Councillor Bob Shearing

I'll remember your ready smile and down-to-earthness. As a fellow cyclist, you were keen that I try out your bike at the Festival of Cycling - thanks for that mate. Blessings on your family.

Paul de Spa, Somerfield

Graham was a courageous and special man. A father, husband, hero, achiever, a man with a sense of humour and a big heart. He left a legacy that will not be forgotten. Thank you Graham for your friendship and your example to us all. I will miss you mate.

Bob Parker,
Councillor.

I met Graham only once a few months ago, when he came down to the Union Rowing Club and spent time with me regarding trying Adaptive Rowing on Kerrs Reach, which I am the coach of.  We had some very interesting chat, and when I put him onto our rowing equipment, I saw the very competitive side of this wonderful man.

The couple of hours we spent together will be in my memory forever. We were both looking forward to continuing our association together after the elections, when he was returning to begin rowing.

This man has touched my soul by the way we became good friends in such a short time.  He shall be missed.

Adrian Henning, New Brighton

Before coming to Council I got to know Graham through our passion for sport & in particular fundraising for sports people.  Some years ago Kevin Barry Snr. and I arranged a huge fundraising auction for the NZ wheelchair rugby team to which Graham had strong connections.  It was a very successful evening.

Since I have been on Council, Graham has supported a number of continuing fundraising auctions that I have initiated for young sports people.  The most recent one was significantly special - for nearly a year I had been fundraising for a NZ junior track cycling champion - 17 year old Natasha Hansen & I chose to arrange a fundraising/ auction dinner at a large restaurant to raise funds for Natasha to attend “the Worlds in Mexico”-early August 2007.  Graham was first cab off the rank and said “Normie - Kath & I will be there & if you are struggling to sell tickets” he said “I'll get rid of a table for you".  We had a wonderful night with all sorts of sporting celebrities & general supporters in attendance and Auctioneer Withers was extracting teeth.  That is the simple nature of GRAHAM THE MAN.  I would like to share a special text I received from Natasha who is training in Switzerland when she learnt of Graham’s tragic death at the weekend.

“Hi Normie, I'm really sorry 2 hear about Graham. It’s so sad. He was a lovely man. My prayers are with you & his family. Miss u lots. Love Tarsh”

Graham loved spinning yarns and he was so enthusiastic that he would often forget which joke he had told people. I have heard the same joke spun 10 or 11 times & sometimes with a slightly different twist but he always attracted a raucous response.

Councillor Norm Withers

Graham was a team member of the Shirley Papanui Community Board who was committed and dedicated to his role.  We will miss him for his honesty and great sense of humour.

Yvonne Palmer
Member Shirley/ Papanui Community Board

I have fond memories of a very special person. Graham was just an all round good guy. He passed no-one by and he was there for everyone.

David Cox, Councillor

Graham's passion for sport and recreation and his commitment to making our city a better place to live and play in were inspirational.

Graham had a spirit and enthusiasm that you couldn't help but go along with. He always had something to say - a witty remark or something to make you laugh out loud.

I highly valued the support and encouragement that Graham gave me in my time at Council and the interest he showed in both my professional and personal life.

Cara and I will miss you, Graham - Christchurch will be a poorer place without your larger than life presence. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Kathy and your extended family.

Chris Wallace
Marketing Services

Graham has always been a constructive appraiser of greenspace planning initiatives, with his recent contribution as a member of the Hagley Park/Botanic Gardens Hearings Subcommittee valued. He will be missed at the table of consideration of such planning projects.

Derek Roozen
Parks and Waterways Planner

The tragic death of Cr Graham Condon has really shocked me.  He appeared indestructible.
 
I have admired this man ever since I first met him during my first visit to Christchurch where he met me at the airport.  His outgoing nature and tremendous attitude to life will remain an example to all who have met him and enjoyed his company.

I will never forget when he visited Adelaide my cramming him into my old Mazda 626, nursing his mode of transport, because the chair would not fold to fit in the boot.

Please convey my condolences to his family.  While the world is poorer for his passing, his legacy to the community will linger down the years.
 
Bob Angove
Adelaide City Councillor

"The Adelaide Sister Committee is devastated by the sudden loss of Graham Condon, a dedicated and hard working team member for many years. Graham’s support, encouragement, and political savvy made a huge contribution to the success of our international relations with the City of Adelaide. We enjoyed his company on a recent visit to Adelaide, and his courage, determination and contribution were admired by all he met.

We pass our respects to his wife and family at this very sad time as they mourn the too early passing of our dear friend Graham."

Keith Cowan
Chair
Adelaide Sister City Committee

Sorry for the accident taking the life of a lovely and full of life councillor, I knew him from talking to him on particular issues of concern.

Brea Florence-Milton,
Winchester, Canterbury

Graham will always be remembered fondly for his unswerving passion for sport, his perseverance in all he took on and most of all his "wicked" sense of humour.  The sporting world has lost a tireless servant and will be sadly missed by many.  Our thoughts are with Kathy & Family.

The Board & Staff
Canterbury Softball

A number of us were part of a mayoral delegation to our sister city of Adelaide in March 2007.

When we arrived at the airport, we had to go down one level to the street. The escalator and stairs were in front of us, the lift about 20m away. Before any of us knew it, Graham had backed up to the escalator, grabbed hold of the rails, rolled the wheels onto a moving step and went down backwards! The looks on other travellers' faces were a real picture!

On the last evening of the visit, Lord Mayor Michael Harbison hosted a dinner. When we arrived we found the restaurant was on the first floor. No problem for Graham; he grabbed hold of the handrail and pulled himself up every step. A local woman was horrified; 'someone help that man!’   I reassured her that Graham could do anything and not to worry.

Dave Adamson
International Relations Co-ordinator

So sorry to hear the news of Graham's passing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anne Jones
Sydney

I only met Graham for the first time this year, as I began my thesis, but he took an interest in my work and his enthusiasm for his council work and his passion for life shone through. He will be missed.

Kyle Millar
Christchurch

Graham, Even though we had met not so often, I can remember your big smile and big hands quite vividly. Whenever I met you, you encouraged me to participate as Asian migrants for our city. Also, you always handed me the small mints placed in your pocket. I will remember your small mints forever.

Andrew Yoon
Community Board Member, Fendalton/ Waimairi Ward

Our sincere condolences to you and all the Shirley/Papanui City Councillors and Community Board members on the tragic loss of Graham Condon. We at 40+ Employment Support Trust will miss him. He was so supportive and positive of the community while giving a constructive and realistic perspective on the issues.

40+ Employment Support Trust

You were a true friend to everyone at Council. Your optimism and passion for Christchurch, sport and your community inspired us all. We loved you popping by to share a story or tell a joke. You were a great listener and as a team we miss your cheeky humour, wisdom and support. You put life in perspective. It just isn't the same without you and I will miss you so much.

Diane Keenan
Communications Manager

My condolences to you, Councillors, Christchurch City Council staff and Graham Condon's family.  I am a Christchurch ratepayer and was, until recently, an academic staff member in the sport and recreation group at Lincoln University. In that role, and as a sportsperson and 'sport mum' in Christchurch, I knew of Grahams advocacy for sport and recreation and greatly appreciated it.  I met him only once or twice, both very positive occasions.  Graham will be missed in Christchurch.

Pip Lynch,
Dunedin and Christchurch

I first met Graham when I worked for Christchurch City Council in 2001 and he had become a close friend and source of strength for me in recent months. His humour and positive direction despite life's hardship, and great love for his family were an absolute inspiration to me and he will be truly missed.

My deepest condolences to Kath and Graham's family.

Lorna Holton
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand

I was deeply saddened to hear of Graham Condon’s death. Please convey my deepest sympathy to his wife Cathy and family. I certainly have great memories of Graham through his work for sports for people with a disability and his dedicated work in bringing the Stoke Mandeville Games to Christchurch during my period as President of ISMWSF.  Graham is held in high regard both as a sportsman, promoter of sport for people with a disability and in promoting Christchurch. It was a pleasure to be associated with him and wife Cathy, over the years. I shall miss him but my fond memories of Graham will remain forever.

Bob McCullough OAM
Ex President of Australian Wheelchair Sports, President of ISMWSF & Member of International Paralympic Committee.

I was very saddened to hear of Graham's tragic death on the weekend.  I do expect that we will pass a formal condolence motion tonight to Graham's family and to the Christchurch Council.

Best wishes

Michael Harbison
Lord Mayor of Adelaide

Graham was a wonderful member of the "Band of Brothers" and Sisters.  I admired his humour, courage and tenacity.  He was an inspiration to us all.

Councillor Pat Harrow

I want to extend my sympathy to you and all the Christchurch City Council staff following the sad news about Graham.  He was a lovely man who will be sorely missed.

Cat Brown
Communications Advisor
Learning Media 

“May your wheels remain forever true!”

Shailer
Christchurch

I am saddened to learn of Councillor Graham Condon’s tragic death on Saturday.   I would like to pass on my condolences councillors, staff, and the Condon family.  I know that Graham will be sorely missed around your Councillors table.

Neil Eade (ex Christchurch City Council staff member)

So devastated to hear of the passing of Graham under so tragic circumstances, albeit doing something he loved. I have informed council, and will make an official announcement at this evenings meeting.

Peter Darley
Adelaide City Council

Sincerest condolences from the Palmerston North City Council and Staff on the sad loss of Councillor Graham Condon, he will be a terrific loss for your city.

I have personally spent time with Graham on numerous occasions talking about Community Development matters and was saddened to hear this news.

Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Mayor Heather Tanguay
On behalf of the Palmerston North City Council

We are writing to express our condolences to the wife and family of Graham Condon who was tragically killed in an accident on Saturday 8 September.
We greatly appreciate the long-term services and support from Graham in his role as a Christchurch City Councillor.

Coordinator/Principal
Rewi-Alley Education & Cultural Centre

I just wanted to take the opportunity to pass on my condolences to you and the other team members in regard to the death of Graham Condon.

It must be very sad to have anyone killed in these circumstances but it certainly appeared that he was a real contributor in so many areas and ways and will truly be missed which must make it even harder.

Tony Mountford
Enso International Ltd

I do remember Graham very warmly indeed, because he was generous enough to make me welcome, the nervous newcomer, the first time I ever turned up at Tuam.  His simple, "Hello, Claudia" meant heaps to me - no distance here.  I really appreciated that and learnt from it too.
I am very sorry for your unexpected and tragic loss of a friend first, and councillor.

Claudia Reid

I first met Graham when I worked at the Christchurch City Council.  I was nervous meeting a City Councillor but he immediately made me feel at ease.  After leaving the council I was considering running for community board and Graham was very enthusiastic telling me I could give him a call anytime if I wanted some advise or just to talk about the process.  It was with great sadness that I saw the news item reporting his death.  His spirit and kind heart will remain with all who were lucky enough to know him.  Rest in peace Graham.  We will all miss you.

Marcella Payton (nee Herrera)
Redwood

Graham was a truly inspirational person who was loved by many.  I admired his absolute determination and grit to do things an able bodied person would find challenging.  He was someone who had dreams, was always positive, and always found ways to make the impossible, possible.

He was a superb Councillor and a good friend - he will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Stephen McArthur
General Manager Community Services

I will remember Graham for the warm welcome he always gave, his ever present smile, his support for community boards and members at Council, his love of sport and of course his jokes.  Our City is the richer for having Graham as a City Councillor.

Glenda Burt
Burwood Pegasus Community Board

I was at Primary School with the Condon's, and at that early age, Graham was indeed remarkable in the way he accepted his incapacity, always had a smile and never complained.  Graham turned his adversity into a positive and went on to achieve and succeed in everything he did.

The tragedy of this accident is apparent to us all, and I wish to pass on my sincere condolences to his immediate family and of course his Brother and Sister whom I well remember.

RIP Graham

Paul Weir
Auckland

If God is politically correct, Graham is in deep schtum. Which is fine, because I will be too, and we'll get to boogie again. This is one boy who can really dance. The man taught me about the centre of gravity, why it's really gross when people spit, who is a connoisseur of Lancome lip gloss. The least disabled person I've ever known. As Graham would have said, "Bugger".

See you Friday cobber. I'll be wearing #30.

Sue.
(ps - I still think you were wrong about Cr Corbett.)

Cr Sue Wells
Opawa, Christchurch

Graham was a truly inspirational person to many thousands of people, and not only in Christchurch. His contribution to the city, in particular the sport and recreation side of things, is unfathomable.

This is a sad time for the city of Christchurch.

Terry Sefton
London (former CCC employee)

His passing is a huge loss to many communities. The sporting community, the disabled community, the Christchurch community and of course the combination of all those communities and more.

His direct, no-nonsense approach was always able to dispel any 'political correctness' that might have been being considered and it demanded that people deal with Graham as individual and not as a 'damaged' or 'disabled' man. In the course of his sporting life and civic career he has educated hundreds of very influential people all over the world how best to deal with and work with someone who happens to have a disability and that being exactly the same way that they would want to be dealt with.
He achieved so much with persistence and sheer hard work.

Sincerest commiserations to his Council colleagues and of course to Kathy, Andrea and Craig.

Andrew Hall
NZ Spinal Trust

"Having no way as way, having no limitation as limitation".
Good mate gone. Had some great times, lots of fun and laughs. The “go to guy” for help and info on training for track and field tips. Will be missed. Condolences to Kath and family.

Wolo
Papamoa

On behalf of Orana Wildlife Trust I would like to extend to Kath and family our most heartfelt condolences.

Graham was a true supporter of Orana Wildlife Trust during his years in office for which we are extremely grateful. 

It is only a couple of weeks ago that I was speaking with Graham at a function about what is happening at the Park. As always, he showed great enthusiasm for what we are trying to achieve and provided valuable input and suggestions. I will personally miss his presence around the Council table.

All of us at Orana Wildlife Trust are deeply saddened by his tragic passing.

Lynn Anderson
Orana Wildlife Trust Tribute Text

Graham was a true Mate, we first met at the first Fespic Games in Oita Japan. Fespic stands for the Far East and South Pacific. These Games were introduced as Regional Games for the Pacific Nations after the Commonwealth Games for the Disabled were considered to be inappropriate. We sat on International Comities together and I always appreciated having a KIWI near by to offer support and advice.  We both believed strongly in the spirit of ANZAC, Mate thanks for the great memories and your Friendship.

George C Dunstan   AM
Adelaide South Australia

Tenacious, courageous, honourable and loyal, Graham was a force and a voice for the people of Christchurch.

It was always a pleasure working with Graham and he will be truly missed. We have lost a remarkable man and friend but his legacy will always live on.

My condolences to his family in this difficult time.

Shelly Peebles
Sydney

Stunned to hear the news of Graham's passing.   He was larger than life. A superhuman we will all miss.  A great yarn spinner.  You will be remembered as one of the great kiwi blokes, all my love to you Kathy and family.

Tony ''TEAL'' Flutey
Christchurch

The board and management of City Care Limited were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Councillor Graham Condon.

Our thoughts at this time are very much with Graham’s family, friends and colleagues within the Christchurch civic community. 
Graham was a well respected, enthusiastic and inspirational leader.  He will be missed by all those who new him.

Graham’s involvement with City care, both as a Councillor and also as a director of Christchurch City Holdings limited, is remembered with appreciation.

Dane Spence                                                  Onno Mulder
Chairman                                                       Chief Executive Officer

I am deeply saddened at the loss of our mutual friend, Councillor Graham Condon. 

Please accept my sincere condolences, and those of my partner, Deb Lavis.

It was our very good fortune to enjoy the camaraderie and intellect of Graham, both in Christchurch, (July 2006) and in Adelaide in March of this year.

We will long remember the warmth of graham’s hospitality in Christchurch, his inspiring vigour in Adelaide and his genuine commitment to the sister-city relationship between our two cities.

I would be most grateful if you will accept my condolences and convey them also to Councillor Bob Shearing, all members of the Christchurch Sister Committee, and not least to Graham’s wife Kath and their children

Councillor Peter Darley
Deputy Lord Mayor
Adelaide City Council

On behalf of the Councillors of Whangarei District Council, past and present, I wish to express my sadness at the tragic death of your fellow councillor, Graham Condon.

Graham was an outstanding individual that I valued highly as a fellow local government councillor.  He will always be remembered for his advocacy for disabled people and his commitment to leading a full and vibrant life.

Having enjoyed his company at, and contribution to, local government conferences, I send heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of a colourful and productive team member.

My sincere sympathies are also extended to graham’s wife, Kathy, his children and the people of Christchurch to whom he gave so much.  All have lost a remarkable man and our thoughts are with them.

Pamela Peters
Mayor of Whangarei

Thoughts and condolences

Pamela Peters

Sympathies, thoughts and prayers from the Hurunui District Council and the people of Hurunui are with you at this sad time.

In my time as mayor over the last three years I had got to know Graham well, at various functions and forums.  He was a good friend, supportive, energetic and a great guy.

I am sorry that I cannot personally be with you on Friday, due to bereavement in my own family.

Gary Jackson
Mayor of Hurunui District Council

It won't seem the same without Graham ringing up to book a space in the Kilmore Street Car park. He would stop on the way in with that lovely smile of his asking after my welfare and my wife Gaynor. If he did not have a joke to say coming in I would get one on the way out. Every now and then he would drop off a bottle of wine which was much appreciated. I have got to know Graham over a number of years through parking at the Kilmore Street Car park and socially at the Richmond Club attending 'Rocking is our Business". Through this I thought of Graham as a friend and I will miss him.

The Lord has called him, may he rest in peace.

Jimmy Le Comte
Phillipstown, Christchurch

I remember Graham’s ready smile, his sense of humour and his readiness to always help and encourage one to grow and be the best person they could be and to never give up. Graham was one of a kind, a rare and beautiful person.
My heartfelt condolences to Kath and his children.

Gayle Hall
Queensland

I loved doing our family shopping at Northlands in the hope that we would bump into Graham, for he always took the time to chat and share a story or two and he made us laugh with his great jokes and his adventures.  He will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends.  May God hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again.

Maurice Evans
Christchurch

I am deeply saddened to hear the departure of our beloved Graham whom I had the privilege to know when I was a student in Palmerston North and Auckland. My wheelchair racing career blossomed in New Zealand and Graham played a huge role and made a tremendous impact on my life. He is sorely missed.

Dr William Tan
Singapore

It was always a pleasure to stop and have a chat about anything and everything, especially about our mutual friends and some of the lighter moments in life.  Any little common interest will spark a fond memory of you.

Good bye mate

Bill Pollett
Christchurch

Graham, thank you for every thing.

For your guidance

For bringing us closer to other leaders of like mind

For your smiles

For calling out and acknowledging every one walking down the road during our meetings

For calling out and acknowledging us

For sharing your spirit, the glint in your eye, your life, your advice.

We put forward big ideas, big plans and big concepts and you gave us validation, advice, direction and support.

You had faith in us.

Your belief in us gave us the conviction to carry on and keep at it and amazing things have come to fruition and will continue to do so.

Your stories, your advice, your spark gave us a hope and the energy to carry on, knowing that we were on the right track, this despite the doubts held by many.

Words will not express how much we love you however in a time where it is difficult to find role models, we have one in you.

The ideas we discussed will remain alive, our actions will show our commitment to what we have planned and will uphold the values that you shared with us.

In a time where young people have called for heroes, we have one in you, an old Maori proverb stating

mate atu he toa
haere mai ra he toa

When a champion falls, another shall rise to take his place.

You were our hero, and one whom we will compare all others to.

For your time, for your words of wisdom, for your heart and for your passion for our city WE thank you. WE will carry forward the seeds that you helped plant in the garden of concept fed by passion and a-political fairness, our feelings and respect for you being reflected in our actions presently and those to come.

You gave the White Elephant strength.

You gave me personally much more.

We thank your family whom we know contributed to your knowledge and offer our thoughts and love to them.

I only hope that during my time here, I can achieve half as much as you have.

Much respect

A Mentee

Matthew Glanville, Christchurch
On behalf of all those that will prosper from the foundations we laid in place.

As a former staff member of Christchurch City Council I appreciated Graham's forthright approach, his honesty, his humour and his expert timekeeping and chairmanship of standing committees. Staff knew exactly where they were with Graham, as he always wanted to understand issues from all perspectives rather than take the popular view. People enter the political world for all sorts of reasons and I firmly believe that Graham was at the Council table to represent the wider community rather than any altruistic reason. He was a superb Councillor and the citizens of Christchurch were certainly fortunate to have Graham Condon's input into city decision making. The enormous respect Graham gained within the community reflects the respect he showed others. Rest in Peace.

Robyn Moore
Christchurch

We would like to send our condolences to the Councillors of Christchurch City Council.  Graham Condon always acted as a great advocate for people with disabilities, working tirelessly within the community as a City Councillor.  He was inspirational.  His calibre with his sporting achievements was exceptional; disability was never an obstacle.  His smile and his presence will be greatly missed by everyone – Rest in Peace.

Residents of St John of God Hospital
Jillian, John, Karyn, Sylvia, Guy, Maria, Geoffrey, Bert,
Lara, Annette, Paula, Eleanor, Gail and Marie

Remembering with love and gratitude a cheeky faced young man who nearly forty years ago put some perspective back into my life.  He grounded me and gave me the courage to move forward.  He even let me think he needed me.   King, however was better at chasing discus.

Whenever our paths crossed over the years, Graham made you feel as though no time at all had passed since you last talked.  So much laughter shared.  A true friend.
I have watched with joy this irrepressible "larrikin" evolve into an exceptional man who will be greatly missed.

Loving thoughts.... Kath, Craig and Andrea.

Petrea Barker
Rangiora

"Graham Condon a fierce competitor in the pool (too good for me!) and a great supporter of all that is best in sport in or outside of the pool.

Sport was his life and he will not be forgotten.  His spirit will live on in the coming generations of New Zealand Paralympians.

I send the love and support of my wife, Jocelyne and my children and everyone within the Paralympic movement to Kathy and all of Graham's family"

Sir Philip Craven MBE
President
International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
Bonn
Germany

I was employed by the Christchurch City Council for 13 years and got to know Graham quite well.  Along with so many others, I was totally devastated when I heard of his demise.  I consider myself privileged for having known this wonderful man.

Gail Morrice
Christchurch

I first met Graham and Kathy when Graham was first elected as a city councillor. Sue and I enjoyed our association with them for the following nine years until I retired as a city councillor three years ago. The one thing we missed most was the ongoing and frequent contact with the "Council family".  Graham was a very loyal person, always positive and he could always see the bigger picture. His sense of humour was a plus. I last saw him just three weeks ago and I am pleased that I was able to catch up with him at that time. As a lead advocate of sport, recreation and fitness, he practised what he preached. He will leave a big gap around the council table in the advocacy of these issues. But his contribution to the Council and the community extended well beyond these issues. He supported major projects and infrastructure, that are now of benefit to the city, when others faltered in their support and community development. We need to remember Graham's contribution in this respect as well.

Alister James
Christchurch
 

When I first met Graham through Megan Evans I thought he was just a great person to get on with as he always stopped for a chat with you and made you put a smile on your face. Well that’s what he did to me one day when he saw me feeling down about something.  Now when I look back I'll always remember the good times in having a chat with Graham and asking him how his day is going. To me Graham will always be in our hearts forever no matter what.

I'd just like to say how sorry I am for what has happened to Graham but I'll always remember him for his sense of humour.

'GOODBYE MATE!

Russell Falcome-Price
Red Badge Security Officer

Graham’s contribution to our city was huge.  We have lost a remarkable man.   He was an outstanding individual whom I valued highly as a fellow councillor.  He was a down to earth, people person and he worked really hard to make things happen in our city.  He was not just an advocate for people with a disability - he was an advocate for everyone.

Graham was a wonderful friend to our family and we loved spending time outside Council with him and Kathy. I have so many special memories of Graham and feel greatly privileged to have known him and served on Council alongside him.  Our sincere condolences to Kathy, Andre, Craig, and all the family.

Councillor Sally Buck
Burnside, Christchurch