Vicki MCLEOD Obituary

To the McLeod and Young families:

Being part of the Chorale at TGHS from 1988 - 1992, as well as many school shows where Vicki was the Musical Director, made a huge difference in my life as a young person. Those wonderful experiences gave me a sense of creativity, belonging and pride that kept me going through difficult teenage years. I won't ever forget the evening we won the NZ secondary school choir competition in Wellington: 13 fresh-faced girls from Timaru wearing kilts, singing Bohemian Rhapsody. It was a big deal! Vicki was an amazing teacher, mentor and friend to us all. I will never forget her.

Me te aroha tino nui atu.

My deepest sympathies to the McLeod and Young families. Vicki was a force to be reckoned with. She changed countless lives, mine included. Vicky was always available and gave everything her all. No doubt she will continue to affect us for years to come because what she created is an enduring legacy of music, song, harmony, drive, passion, teamwork and limitless possibility. I was in the TGHS chorale in the early 1980s and I loved it! There's a magic that happens when you sing as part of a group. Irrespective of what happens in my life, song is my solace. I have continued to sing with others no matter where in the world I find myself. Vicki's commitment, passion and exactly standards were inspirational. I am eternally grateful that I had Vicki as a teacher during my formative years, and for the musical gifts she shared so generously.

Vicki was my dearest friend. I will miss her terribly

Sincere sympathy to you Tim and Kendra. A great lady lost too soon. My thoughts are with you at this time. Lots of great memories to be shared.

My deepest condolences to the McLeod and Young family on the passing of Vicki. I spent two years as a teenager being mentored by Vicki to overcome family violence. I was so lucky she was temporary appointed guidance councillor at TGHS as this changed the course of my life. Without her help, kindness, empathy and wisdom I would not be the strong independent woman I have become. I will always remember her smile and the effortless way she provided warmth, security, inclusion and acceptance. Until we meet again...thank you.

I loved learning to sing with Vicki. My lessons were part therapy also! Such a great teacher, mentor and friend. You were a very important role model for me Vicki. Striving for excellence and not accepting anything less! My year at TGHS was life changing and I loved being part of Chorale being taught by you. Thank you xx never forgotten

Over 30 years have past since I sang and performed under Vicki's guidance. Oh the times we had! They were the times of our young lives. How we loved & feared her! She opened her home & her heart to so many of us. She gave us her all and expected the same in return. I'm a better person for what she taught me and am so grateful. Music, laughter & a good glass of wine will always remind me of her. Thank you Vicki & love to your family. May you shine on...

Our deepest condolences to the McLeod and Young family on the passing of Vicki. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Vicki.

As Vicki's second piano student, I still remember excitedly riding my bike to my piano lessons with her when she lived on College Road. Occasionally I'd beat her home from TGHS, but her mum would always greet me warmly and sit me in the lounge to await her return from school. As soon as Vicki was home, she would get stuck right in - always focused and always reminding me to practice! Even at that early age she was looking to inspire a love of music and perfection. I still hold and treasure the books on music she gifted me with their special messages.

She continued to encourage and inspire me right until she left for university where we had a break in lessons while she adjusted to university life. This didn't last long though. She was soon back and planning participation in competitions on top of music exams and the dreaded theory! Always one to provide opportunities for growth, she was keenly aware of the lack of opportunities in music at TBHS in those days. I was fortunate to be provided the opportunity to play the piano for the combined school musicals of Dracula Spectacular and Oliver where she was musical director. These opportunities were not just handed to me. I had to meet her exacting standards before taking them up and then she would watch me like a hawk ensuring everything was perfect. She certainly was not afraid to call me out in front of my peers.

Holding such high standards did mean a piano lesson with Vicki was never the same, especially if you hadn't achieved what she wanted that week. I don't know whether I drove her to smoking or if she just needed one after a day at TGHS. Whatever the reason, I always left with my TBHS uniform reeking of smoke and wondering what will happen if I get caught on the way home.

Vicki was a gifted pianist and musician who chose to share her passion through teaching rather than performing. She could easily have followed Michael Houston and achieved similar accolades. She shared this with me on a number of occasions, so there perhaps was some regret, but nothing will take away what she achieved herself and through so many others. She really did take great pleasure in seeing people succeed and develop a passion for music.

Deepest sympathy

to the Family of Vicki
we are so sorry to here of your
lost of Vicki
Mary and Joss,Nikki
Head over Heels

My deepest sympathy to Tim and Kendra and all Vicki's family. I remember Vicki was always a standout at TGHS musicals.

Vicki was a beautiful person.Deepest sympathy to Tim and Kendra,Steven,Tony and family.Our thoughts are with you.The Lowe Family.

Tim and Kendra our thoughts are with at this very sad time Vicki was an amazing lady and will leave a huge gap not only in your lives but the wider community Sorry we cannot be with you on Thursday
Heartfelt Sympathy
Ken and Mary Mitchell

Vicki was the driving force behind my decision to take on high school music teaching as my career and by far my best memories from high school are of the music we made in the T.G.H.S Chorale and school shows. R.I.P. Vicki - Much love to Tim and Kendra.

You were a blessing in so many musicians lives. We all learnt a lot from you. Rest in peace.

Dear Vicki thank you for guiding me all those years ago at TGHS. The positive impact you had on my life is immeasurable. You imparted your love of music to so many of us and you always strove for excellence in everything which has helped me throughout my life. The music you and Tim performed at my wedding was so beautiful and meant the world to me and always will. To have a catch up and laugh with you over a vino was the best too. Your passing is such a loss to all of us and to the musical world. You will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Your musical legacy will live on in all of us. Deepest sympathy and love to Tim and Kendra.

A very special lady sadly lost too soon. Love & hugs Tim and Kendra at this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy to you Tim, Kendra, and all of Vicki's family, at this very sad time.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Lorna and Warren Meggitt

Your rapport with the students and the wonderful music inspired my niece at TGHS in early 80s

Many memories of wonderful times with Vickie as my Musical Director fir the SCDL.......shows like Evita, Annie and Les Miserables.........a truly amazing talented musician who gave of her best and mentored so many people in the art of musical theatre. I will never forget the fun times we enjoyed.
Our deepest sympathy to you Tim and Kendra

Cheryl and David Williams
Ex SCDL

Thank you so much to Vicki for all the music and mentorship that has been given to our community. Vicki will be forever missed but her music and dedication lives on in the countless number of people whose lives she has touched. Much love to Tim, Kendra, and also to Vicki's family and friends xxx

Thank you so much to Vicki for all the music and mentorship that has been given to our community. Vicki will be forever missed but her music and dedication lives on in the countless number of people whose lives she has touched. Much love to Tim, Kendra, and also to Vicki's family and friends xxx

My sincere heartfelt condolences Tim and Kendra. Vicky was an amazing person. An inspiration to so many and will be greatly missed. My love, thoughts and prayers to you both and your extended family at this sad time. x
Miranda

Such a loss to all those lives that she touched. Our Wedding day was amazing and a huge part of it was due to Vicky who provided the music and choir at the Craighead Chapel. Sending our thoughts to her family at this sad time. There are many people who may not have known her personally but who will be effected by her passing. I hope you find strength in the knowledge that she enriched the lives of many.

Deepest sympathy to you Tim and Kendra. An incredible talent lost too soon. xx

"Thank you for the music". Vicki has left a musical imprint on this community like no other before her or any other to follow. Love to Tim and Kendra. x

Thank you for the music!

Oh so sad. Thoughts are with the family at this time. A mentor of many - I will never forget the wonderful music and singing and fun times we had at TGHS.

Sincere sympathy to you Tim and Kendra at this sad time. Vicki was a star, respected and cherished by all who knew her. Such a talented lady who will be greatly missed.
Linda Ian and Jeremy Taylor

Love to Tim and Kendra.
The best part of being at TGHS was the music....thanks Vicki.

Thank you Vicki for your countless hours of dedication to the Timaru Girls High Music department, school musicals and of course you will always be our beloved chorale teacher. You taught us to set high standards, to aim for greatness, you taught us the joy of performing and singing in a group. You taught us determination and rigour. Much love and strength to your family at this sad and difficult time. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Rachael Polson.

One in a million xxx