12 December 1943 – 13 September 2022
12 December 1943 – 13 September 2022
Peacefully at Taranaki Base Hospital on Tuesday, 13 September 2022 with his beloved Kathy by his side. Dearly loved father of Jonathan, and Juliet. Adored Grumpa of Dylan and Xavier; Isabella, and Luca. Cherished brother of Jim & Sheryn, Michael & Jenny, Warren & Lyn and the late Julian & Beth. Our deepest thanks to the staff at Jean Sandel special Care Unit for their support.
In preference to flowers please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Taranaki.
Messages to the Glass Family may be left on John’s tribute page at eagars.co.nz/john.
A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Friday 16 September 2022 at 2pm.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
Kathy, so sorry to hear of John's passing. The right of way just isn't the same since you left. I'll forever remember John's witty sense of humour at Christmas drinks. And our plan to build an olympic sized swimming pool in the neighbours yard while they were away. I'm still not sure if he was joking or not! A gentle soul who is now free.
To Kathy, Jonathon and Juliet - I do wish to .send my very sincere condolences and very best wishes to you - you may well remember, Kathy, that I unexpectedly turned up on your doorstep along with John sometime in the late 1990s. I was in New Plymouth for a Conference of MHOP. The motel I had been staying in wasn't able to extend my visit, but without hesitation John offered me a bed at his home so that I was able to see the Conference out. I had wondered now and then how John was, thinking back to this really GENTLE gentleman, so caring, highly competent and simply oozing intelligence. I'm so pleased to see that he completed his PhD. Even though we had been out of touch since not long after my 2001 retirement, I've always had very warm thoughts whenever I thought of John. He was a legend. Myf long-Taylor.
So sorry Kathy, sending my heart felt condolences to you and your beautiful family at this sad time.
So sad that you are no longer with us.Our sincere sympathy to Kathy,Jonathan and Juliet.We will never forget the Sunday Bike Rides. Don Penwarden and Heather Doughty
Dear Kathy, Jonathan, Juliet and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Like to so many, John was an inspiration to me when I worked alongside him in the late 1990s - inspiring a long journey to change my career. What stood out to me most was his humanity, and the time, care, kindness, and respect, he had for those he worked with – patients and colleagues alike. That he was also astute, extremely knowledgeable, and wise, made him extraordinary. I will always be grateful to have known him. It was lovely to hear more about his life today. Thank you for including us in the celebration of his life.
Attending the live stream of John's farewell today reminded me of an incident that occurred during the early part of Johns PhD study that I wanted to share. He had just sustained serious injuries in a very serious bike accident. Three days later, whilst still in ICU he called me at Massey to say that he'd had the accident BUT that he had NOT sustained a brain injury....really just wanting to reassure me his supervisor that the accident wouldn't impact on his doctoral study. It didn't....but later he never ever remembered making the call - made while still suffering from post traumatic amnesia! Such commitment and determination!! Thank you John for your years of support as a colleague, researcher and friend. JL
Sending lots of love to you all. John was a lovely man, he will be dearly missed. You are in our thoughts, our deepest sympathies to you all. Lots of love Tania, Drew, Harper & Paige xxxx
Kathy, Jono and Juliet, You have been in my thoughts all week. John was a wonderful man and I have fond memories of visiting him and you Kathy in NP with Jono. I wish I could be there with you today, but will be watching from home. Love Jane
Dear Kathy and family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of a much loved husband and father. We know you will all miss him so very much, but will have so many happy memories to keep you going through the tough times. Warmest wishes, Alison and Murray McEwen
Dear Kathy, Jonathan, and Juliet Very sad to hear about your loss. Our family remember John for his kindness and interest shown in our adjustment immigrating here many years ago. We have fond memories of many good times spent together with "the Glass's". John's professional career has earned him great respect from many of his colleagues. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Martin, Ryan, and Hayley Koorts
Dearest Kathy, Jonathan & Juliet and children This news has really shocked & saddened me as I was just visiting with you & John a mere 3 weeks ago. We had a wonderful afternoon drink together at Jean Sandel with my dear mum Julie there as well. John was his usual witty, clever, & engaging self. We discussed many topics and he was laughing & smiling and so relaxed with beautiful Kathy by his side. We "zoomed" with Jonathan, and all had a lot of fun chatting & putting the world to right. Dear Kathy, this is unbelievably sad news, and no words can make it better. You & John showed us all how to 'do' life, love & happiness. I'm forever grateful to you both for the love & kindness you showed us as neighbours and we loved the driveway rolling Xmas parties with you both & dear Paul & Sue, & Phil. Lovely, happy memories. John, you've blimmin well left us all here wondering what on earth? Go well dear man. You were so loved & cherished. Rachel & Sally Pearl & the late Gerard (Melbourne)
Kathy, Deepest sympathies on the passing of John, from Wayne and I. Fond memories of John sitting on your balcony enjoying the sun when I came visiting.
To John: A dear friend and colleague, who worked tirelessly to better the lives of the elderly and vulnerable in Taranaki you were an example to us all. Your kindness and compassion was inspirational. We have truely lost our national treasure but your legacy will endure.God Bless and Rest Peacefully dear friend. To Kathy, Juliet and Jonathan and families sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that John is at rest in God's special place for those who have given so much to others. Gail Riccitelli
We so much appreciated John's friendly, positive, gentle, personality and his wise professional advice and support especially when our Mother was starting to develop Alzheimers. He was always held in very high regard by our colleagues in the health industry. Our thoughts go out to Kathy, Jonathon, and Juliet, as they farewell their wonderful husband and father. With love Frank and Margaret Gaze
John sat on the Board of Alzheimers Taranaki for several years and as Chair I was always grateful for his wise counsel and pragmatic approach to the management of our organisation. I know I can speak for my fellow Board members from that period in saying how much we appreciated both his professional input and of course his very pleasant and agreeable company. On a personal level, when dealing with Dementia in my own family, I was tremendously grateful for his support and kindness and the efforts he made to guide me through a particularly difficult situation. He was just wonderful! Our thoughts are with you Kathy and with your family at this very sad time. Linda Wilkinson
John and Kathy were Rotary Club enthusiasts. John was a loyal member of his club and he and Kathy enjoyed club and Taranaki-wide Rotary social occasions. I was President of another club when he was elected to the top office of his own club; and my late wife, Coralie, and I were impressed when we first met John and Kathy at a combined function. Both were companionable and affable. Those of us who had the good fortune to have been acquainted with John Glass will know that the world has lost an extraordinarily kind and sensitive human being. Robert Sorley, New Plymouth.
Dear Kathy, Jonathon, Juliet and grandchildren, We were both saddened to hear of John's death. We have fond memories of him from our 20 years in New Plymouth. It's a big break in all your lives to cope with and our thoughts are with you. We recall many happy time with you and John at dinner parties and pre "school ball" events. Our memories of John are as good humoured, thoughtful and considerate friend. All our love Fran and Ian Griffiths
Dear Kathy, Jonathon and Juliet My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all at this sad time. Remembering John with respect. With Love Margaret (Margi) Arthur New Plymouth
Dear KathySorry to hear of John’s passing:Thinking of you at this sad time Big hugs Love Jan Dunlop
We have been next door neighbours and close friends of John and Kathy for over 40 years. John was a gentle man – softly spoken and will be remembered for his quiet chuckle and tolerant nature. He was a passionate Dad. He was a keen runner and gardener and we remember him fondly in the garden in his navy blue Crocs and cap. John and Kathy were excellent hosts and we remember many happy dinner parties with lots of laughter. Many others will pay tribute to his academic achievements and family life. We will miss you immensely John and our thoughts are with Kathy, Jonathan,Juliet and extended family. Paul Dempsey and Sue Dalzell. Noosa. Australia.
Kathy, so sad to hear of John’s passing. We had great fun in those Rotary days. Thinking of you. Xx

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

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