In the months before his death Phil made his own coffin out plain pine timber.

He also organised most aspects of his funeral including arranging to have his coffin taken to the graveside on the back of a ute (utility truck).

Before coming to Reefton 8 year ago, Phil had served as a priest in Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Porirua, Flaxmere, and Blenheim. Read more and Look at photographs