Rev Fr Brian Traynor

As I remember Father Traynor with fond memories, I have a smile on my face. I first met Father Traynor as a small child. I was living in the Catlins with my family, and Father Traynor was based in Balclutha. The nearest Church to our family was in Owaka. We were not always able to attend Church due to distance involved, but Father would come out of his way to do services in our home with other local Catholic families. He often stopped in on his way home from fishing; we weren't always at home due to farm life but we would know he'd been because there was sometimes a fish left for us.

I will never forget the time that Father allowed me to do my First Confession at the Balclutha Presbytery. My mother had transported me into Balclutha for weeks so I could attend preparation classes. The night before my class and I were do our confessions at Sunday mass, there was a family emergency which meant I was unable to go. When I found out that Father Traynor had arranged with mum to enable me to do my confession a couple of days later, I was so excited. His kindness meant the world to a small child.

God bless him.

Heather,the late Ray Shields and family would like to extend our condolences at the passing of Father Traynor, whom we new well during his time as parish priest at Wyndham St Kevin's Church. May he rest in peace, faithful servant in Christ.

My family and i remember Father Traynor with affection and with gratitude for his ministry, friendship and support , from the time of preparation for marriage for Heather and me and later, especially during our years in Balclutha. Our sincere condolences to his family.

I have known Father Brian since I was a little girl. Also I remember the priest that was there with him.
Also that he was always a lovely and kind man whom I admired . My sister Paula used to do the typing for him as required. She used to go to the Wyndham church when he was there.
My sister Jan and I used to see him at St Theresa church.