Alastair Spence Harray

Harray, Alastair Spence

28 February 1931 – 19 March 2026

Alastair died peacefully in Wellington on Thursday, aged 95.

Devoted husband to Mary for more than 64 years. Loved father and father‑in‑law of Jenny and Paul Moulder; Stuart and Jo Harray; Philippa and John Chandler; Kate and David Bailey.

Loved and admired by his 12 grandchildren and their partners – and he by them all:
Campbell and Lauralee, Rory and Laura, Gus and Meg;
Alice, Laura and Thomas;
Henry, Archie, William and Kate;
Madeleine and Alastair.

In Auckland, Dunedin, Hastings, Tauranga and Wellington, Alastair always placed people at the centre of his work in pharmacy and ministry. He lived with generosity, curiosity, and a genuine care for others. Alastair loved nothing more than being with Mary, sharing conversations with friends, and imagining how the world might be made more peaceful. His days were enriched by books, by spirited theological discussion, and by planning travels with Mary to be near those they loved the most. We miss his baking, his piano playing, and his gift for narrative.

A life well lived; your spirit endures in us all.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Wellington Free Ambulance www.wfa.org.nz/donate

A Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Saturday 28 March 2026 at Lychgate Funeral Home at 306 Willis Street, Te aro, Wellington.
The family warmly invite you to join in sharing memories of Alastair, followed by light refreshments.

TRIBUTES

Peter and Angela Stupples

Alistair Harray
Angela and I were introduced to Mary and Alistair ten years ago by Helen Shaw.
The five of us met once a month for lunch and lively conversation. When Alistair was moved to Te Hopai I visited him regularly. Those conversations continued.
We talked about Alistair’s rich past, our families, travels, books. He was always deeply interested in the exchange of impressions, ideas, people. He had a warmth and compassion, a wry smile, the quick flash of alert attention, a tolerance of the foibles of the world. He was an easy conversationalist, a dear friend. His presence amongst us will be sorely missed.
Peter and Angela Stupples

Marg Somerville

Alastair was one of the kindest and most generous men I’ve ever known. He was certainly very kind to me as an awkward, shy 14 year old when I used to spend time with the Harrays in Hastings. Later, in Tauranga, he gave me my first driving lessons and encouraged me to follow my path to Kindergarten teaching.

It was wonderful to be able to watch Alastair with his kids, and later grandkids, taking them seriously, really listening to them, telling them stories and teaching them things – without them realising a lot of the time.

He was always a great enthusiast, a very good friend to my dad and mum, and will be always in my heart.

Together we have treasured memories of Alastair with our own kids at Pāuatahanui and later in Sydney; both he and Mary were and are very special people to our family.

Our love to all those dear Harrays.

XX Marg Somerville & Allan MurphyA

John Marshall

Dear Harrays:
I am so sorry for your loss. As young as I was, the impact on my life from Alastair and the Harray family was immense. It made me appreciate how small our world is, how connected we can be, how there are so many perspectives in our lives, and what it means to share common values. Grace and Peace upon you, and love.
-John

Kym Chandler

Alistair was such a wonderful caring man who lived such a full and amazing life.

Mary, Pip, John, Henry, Archie, William and Kate – my thoughts are with you today at this very sad time.

Lots of Love
Kym