Howard Annan passed away a few months after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Howard openly shared and actively supported my dream and vision to restore New Zealand's literacy levels to those enjoyed up to the 1950's.

Howard like each of us had a literacy history. He had a very boy friendly childhood in Africa where his parents were missionaries. He didn't learn to read until he was about nine when his family moved back to New Zealand. Hence his interest in literacy.  Howard supported our vision at Windy Ridge Boys' Farm in many ways.

First and foremost by feeding me spiritually - mentoring and encouraging and offering wise counsel, he often said that we were missionaries too. Wisdom was evident in this suggestions on important issues. With voluntary staff he was always impartial and non-judgemental - a brilliant mediator and an inspiration.

On a practical level he pitched in employing his considerable skills with camera and computer to produce a wide range of material - brochures, newsletters, personalized stationary precisely and beautifully presented. Poor Howard despaired at my own pathetic computer illiteracy. He was like Dorius and a lady written about in Acts 9 v 39 whose creations in cloth were acclaimed after her passing. His generosity in dropping off boxes of nails etc. - all useful bits and pieces to help build the boys' farm.

Finally his friendly personal input into the lives of the boys, the way he spoke up to them and focused in on their interests, encouraging them to reach their potential. This is how he shared his living faith in a wonderful God that he served so well.