Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea Diocese of Port Moresby

Mr. Neil Hendry, a well-known figure in Port Moresby, died peacefully in hospital last Friday, the 24th. June, 2005. He had returned to Australia after many years of living in Port Moresby where he could spend his last days close to his family.

The Anglican Bishop of Port Moresby, the Right Reverend Peter Fox, sent the following message to the family, which you may wish to use in your publication.



It was with very mixed feelings that we heard in the Diocese of Port Moresby of the death of Neil Hendry. Mixed feeling because he is a good friend whom we will miss, and that saddens us all, but there is happiness too, because we know that Neil is at peace now, his suffering over, and his trials passed. There is comfort too in knowing that Neil was close to his family at the end, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

Neil made a great contribution to the life of the Church in Port Moresby and we all have reason to be grateful for having known him. He played the organ at Holy Family, Hohola, then at St. John's Cathedral for many years. Latterly, he played regularly at St. Martin's, Boroko, and became a valued member of the congregation there, directing the music for the Sunday Eucharist, and inspiring us by his wonderful example of grace under suffering. He will always have a place in our hearts.

As his bishop I knew I could always count on him for his help. He played the music for funerals and weddings all across the City. He was incredibly generous with his time and his talents. Quite apart from his own music, few things pleased him more than helping other people to develope their musical gifts. Many are the young people and parish choirs he encouraged and nurtured. It seemed as if nothing was too much trouble for him. In many ways he was a very remarkable man. It was not only as a musician that he is remembered among us. Primarily he is remembered as a friend. He had a real sympathy and understanding for Papua New Guinean people. He was at ease with the ordinary people and a welcome visitor in their homes. Very few foreigners achieve that kind of relationship with people here but Neil had the gift. I think it would be true to say that he did not seem like a foreigner to any of us. He belonged to Papua New Guinea, a member of our family not a visitor.

On a personal level, I miss him, and I miss his company. With my family, I count him a good friend and we are so glad that he spent his last Christmas with us. We had a wonderful day with him, full of laughter and fun. We have some good memories to cling to as we bid him farewell. I had the privilege of being with him in the early days of his illness, taking Communion to him at home, talking with him and being alongside him as he came to terms with the onset of his cruel illness, sharing his confidences. I am so grateful to him. I learned a great deal from him as I witnessed the quiet courage with which he wrestled with what would have been, for a lesser man, an unbearable suffering. I had the privilege of seeing a kind of transformation take place, as the sickness, instead of crushing him, seemed to call forth a greater nobility of spirit, a greater gentleness and compassion in him. I would not want you to think that Neil and I had a solemn kind of relationship. There was always laughter between us. As you know, Neil had a mischievous sense of humour, which I loved. We used to cheek each other mercilessly. There was nothing mawkish or "pietistical" about our relationship. We knew each other too well for that. He was a man whose word and whose words could be trusted. If he did not agree with me about something he would say so, very respectfully but also very plainly. At the same time he was very loyal and I knew I could count on him in any crisis. He was "a man for all seasons", no "fairweather friend".

I know he would want me to tell you that during his time at St. Martin's, Boroko, his faith was strengthened in a remarkable way, mainly, I think, because so many of the congregation took him to their hearts and helped him to realize that he was valued for himself and not only for his musical gifts. Neil's lifestyle was very simple and his illness was all the more difficult because he had very little money to spare for the medical treatment he needed. We can thank God for the way in which his family in Australia were able to care for him in his last days. Nonetheless, I am sure that Neil would want me to express for him the appreciation he felt for the help he received from some of his friends here. While there were many, I feel there are some people who deserve special mention; Justice Greg Lay, Sir Brian Bell, Winston and Winifred Kamit, Rob and Jeanette Southwell, Doctor Glen Mola and Kay Nicole all showed their concern in very practical ways. They did this without fuss, and gladly. They did what they could in a quiet way. They would be embarrassed to be singled out in this way, but Neil would want me to tell you about them. I know there were others. Their names are known to God, as Neil's is. Most precious of all was Neil's friendship with Jesus. We need have no fears for him as he goes to spend Eternity with the best Friend of all.

God bless him.

Yours sincerely,
+Peter Fox.
Bishop of Port Moresby.