15 September 1966 – 13 May 2026
Passed away, surrounded by love at Waikato Hospital, following a tragic cycling accident at Mount Maunganui on 27 April 2026.
Devoted wife and soulmate of John Bryant. Dearly loved daughter of Eleanor and the late Jim Leckie. Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Duncan; Sandra and Grant Millar; and Belinda Leckie and Mark Peters. Loved daughter-in-law of the late Les and Joan Bryant, and sister-in-law of Paul Bryant and Sandra Schluter. Adored Aunty Rachael of Nicholas and Michael Leckie; Gemma and Jordan Sheed; Anna and Scott Fitzgerald; and Craig and Sophie Millar. Cherished and idolised by her great-nephews and niece, Lewis, Walter, Albert and Penny Sheed; Henry, Wilfred and Morris Fitzgerald; and Finn Millar.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service would be appreciated, in grateful thanks for the exceptional care Rachael received. Please follow the link on Rachael’s tribute page.
Messages to John and the Leckie family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Rachael’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz.
Rachael, my darling, my sweet love, the love of my life, my soulmate, and my very best friend.
I miss you more than words can ever express. The pain of losing you is unimaginable, and not a moment goes by that you are not in my thoughts. Every day I find myself wishing I could hear your voice, see your smile, hold your hand and kiss you just one more time.
I know that if you were here, you would tell me to remember all the wonderful times we shared, to treasure the memories, and to keep living life as fully as possible. I am trying, my darling, but the truth is that life feels so much harder without you by my side.
Thank you for your love, your kindness, your laughter, and for all the beautiful memories we created together. I will carry those memories with me always, and I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my days.
I miss you so, so much, and I look forward to the day when we meet again, somewhere beyond this life.
We are sending our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Rachael. She was such a friendly and sweet person. We will always remember how kindly she shared you, John, with the surf club family. She was a wonderful teacher, our kids loved her as their science teacher. Our thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.
Dear John and the Leckie family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Rachael’s passing. We remember her with fondness since Dave worked with her at SBHS in the 1990s.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Dave and Rose Stevenson
Eleanor our deepest condolences to you and the family on the tragic loss of your beloved Racheal. We are all thinking of you all. hold onto all the lovely memories you have.
All our love Dawn O’Donnell and Graeme Larcombe.
Dear John and the Leckie family. What devastating news the tragic death of Rachael. I last saw Rachael and the family almost 12 months ago at her Dads funeral in Dunedin. I’ve been thinking of you lots as you traverse the tough journey of grief especially as Rachael’s death was so sudden.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Love and hugs
Jocelyn x
Dear John and Leckie family,
I was saddened to learn today that Rachael has died in a cycling accident. It is too soon. We are the same age, just a few months apart, not even 60. As second cousins, we did not spend much time in each other’s world, but I always remember Jim and Eleanor taking me with Rachael and other Leckies on a 4WD trip to Macetown, years ago, in our childhood. And also the kindness and love extended by the Leckie family over the years to their cousin, my Mum, Judy Nelson. Mum always spoke of the Leckies with joy. To John, I am so sorry your soul mate has been taken from you. To Eleanor and family, I grieve that you have lost a loved daughter and sister. With love, Marjorie Cook.
So sad to hear of the tragic accident and death of Rachael. It was great she was out doing what she enjoyed, the outdoors, fresh air and exercising.
Will be sadly missed by so many.
Glad to hear she was surrounded by family and friends during her last few weeks in the Waikato Hospital.
Bye for now.
Hugh and Bernie Leckie
Sandra, Duncan, Belinda and Eleanor, I am so sorry to hear of Rachel passing, such a tragic loss! I have many fond memories of Rachel when we were in our teans – thinking of you all and sending my love x
12 Messages:
Rachael, my darling, my sweet love, the love of my life, my soulmate, and my very best friend.
I miss you more than words can ever express. The pain of losing you is unimaginable, and not a moment goes by that you are not in my thoughts. Every day I find myself wishing I could hear your voice, see your smile, hold your hand and kiss you just one more time.
I know that if you were here, you would tell me to remember all the wonderful times we shared, to treasure the memories, and to keep living life as fully as possible. I am trying, my darling, but the truth is that life feels so much harder without you by my side.
Thank you for your love, your kindness, your laughter, and for all the beautiful memories we created together. I will carry those memories with me always, and I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my days.
I miss you so, so much, and I look forward to the day when we meet again, somewhere beyond this life.
Rest peacefully, my darling.
All my love, always and forever.
John xxxxx
Dear Family,
Mum has only just found out about Rachel today and wanted me to send her love and condolences to you all, especially Eleanor. Xx
Jane
To John and family,
We are sending our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Rachael. She was such a friendly and sweet person. We will always remember how kindly she shared you, John, with the surf club family. She was a wonderful teacher, our kids loved her as their science teacher. Our thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.
Love from the Hawkins family.
Dear John and the Leckie family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Rachael’s passing. We remember her with fondness since Dave worked with her at SBHS in the 1990s.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Dave and Rose Stevenson
Eleanor our deepest condolences to you and the family on the tragic loss of your beloved Racheal. We are all thinking of you all. hold onto all the lovely memories you have.
All our love Dawn O’Donnell and Graeme Larcombe.
Please accept Waide family heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear John and the Leckie family. What devastating news the tragic death of Rachael. I last saw Rachael and the family almost 12 months ago at her Dads funeral in Dunedin. I’ve been thinking of you lots as you traverse the tough journey of grief especially as Rachael’s death was so sudden.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Love and hugs
Jocelyn x
Dear John and Leckie family,
I was saddened to learn today that Rachael has died in a cycling accident. It is too soon. We are the same age, just a few months apart, not even 60. As second cousins, we did not spend much time in each other’s world, but I always remember Jim and Eleanor taking me with Rachael and other Leckies on a 4WD trip to Macetown, years ago, in our childhood. And also the kindness and love extended by the Leckie family over the years to their cousin, my Mum, Judy Nelson. Mum always spoke of the Leckies with joy. To John, I am so sorry your soul mate has been taken from you. To Eleanor and family, I grieve that you have lost a loved daughter and sister. With love, Marjorie Cook.
It was a privilege knowing you Rachael. You were taken way to soon. Condolences and hugs to all who knew you. You will be missed terribly.
So sad to hear of the tragic accident and death of Rachael. It was great she was out doing what she enjoyed, the outdoors, fresh air and exercising.
Will be sadly missed by so many.
Glad to hear she was surrounded by family and friends during her last few weeks in the Waikato Hospital.
Bye for now.
Hugh and Bernie Leckie
Sandra, Duncan, Belinda and Eleanor, I am so sorry to hear of Rachel passing, such a tragic loss! I have many fond memories of Rachel when we were in our teans – thinking of you all and sending my love x
Love you and miss you
Sandra x