Unique beacon of light lost

RESPECT: Some of the huge crowd that attended the farewell for Dr Chris Cresswell. PICTURE / NATALIE SIXTUS

I never imagined that my first column of this brand new year would be in tribute to a friend and colleague unexpectedly lost from this realm. Dr Chris Cresswell was a unique beacon of light and hope in our world. His quirky personality resonated with many, and his generosity of spirit seemingly touched every pocket of our community, and then some. Chris had an uncanny knack in traversing his way across worlds. The diverse people represented at his life celebration this last weekend reflected just how much he was able to chart his way to the maps of our human hearts. Chris followed his own road signs and forged new pathways for others to travel, always lighting the way with the hopefulness of change, and the strength of unity.
I first met Chris when I began my role at the Women's Network. At that time he was a GP at Te Waipuna medical centre and his reputation and respect for iwi was growing from strength to strength.
The ways in which he embraced traditional healing techniques was sought after across the community, and his affinity with people from all walks of life was often talked about.
When Chris left Whanganui for Christchurch to further his career in emergency medicine I remember the sadness that people felt with his loss from general practice.
Thankfully for us all we benefited greatly when he returned "home" with even more enthusiasm, knowledge and colourful shirts.
That Chris was well known for his dedication to the environment and his heart for social change is a testament to his love in motion.
Chris certainly didn't do anything by half, and he was as loud as the dawn chorus and as colourful as a spectacular Whanganui sunset. Chris was also one of the fiercest feminists I have ever known.
He and I had many conversations about the importance of women in our communities, how we need to do better at nurturing their hearts and strengthening their visibility in leadership at all levels.
Chris wasn't afraid to put his hand up, to stand up and be counted.
When I put together the first La Fiesta festival programme celebrating women, Chris was right there cheerleading, pom poms and all.
Not only did he rally women to attend events, he even offered to run some himself.
He initiated workshops on self care, encouraging other women to step up and help him lead them. Chris donated not only his time and his enthusiasm, but also every cent that was raised he donated right back to the Women's Network.
We talked often about the need to nurture those that care for others, to develop better pastoral care and support for those that give so much to improving the wellbeing of our people.
And we practised ways in which we could do this better for ourselves through meditation and self care.
He was lined up to play a role in our upcoming La Fiesta festival showcasing this very thing.
We will do our best to ensure that this part of the show goes on as a small way of honouring his extraordinary living legacy.
Chris did much that was unseen although it rarely went unnoticed. To Mandy and all the family, I extend my heartfelt love and best to you.
And while I know that a large Chris-shaped hole exists in our community, he sure has left his mark on our hearts and is ever-present in our minds.
Let's all do what we can to strive for our uniqueness, to champion whatever change we most truly believe in, and to be fierce in our enthusiasm for all of it. After all, a brand new year gives us a chance to be bold, to be brave, and to live like there's no tomorrow.
¦Email me: womnet.wang@callplus.net.nz