I met Terry through the science fair. He had dropped off a science board to our home and our friendship started from there. I helped him one year sort through entries etc. He also took us to the airport every now and then. He was such a good man very kind and endlessly curious and interested in family and there ambitions. He would of been a great teacher. Rest In Peace Terry and thank you it was a pleasure knowing you. Julie Farrant

Terry was my teacher over 40 years ago. He used to fill the Centennial School Hall for his slide shows of his amazing travels. He’d travelled more than anyone in Waimate. He was a positive and caring teacher, and I never got a strap I didn’t deserve ( and without fair warming ). I can honestly say he was the best teacher of my Primary Years. We had talked last year and was gutted to read of his death . RIP Scott Richardson

Terry, a man of great mana and a golden touch. What ever he chose to do, he did well and took everyone with him.

A wonderful send-off, Terry. No more than you deserved. I am so proud you called me "Friend".

I got the chance to meet Terry during my time in New Zealand. Together, we worked along to organise the 2021 Taranaki Science Fair. His dedication to the fair, his kindness and his willingness to always do good by the poeple he met really marked me. I feel very lucky to have been able to cross his path. My most sincere and warmest condolences to your family and loved ones. I know you'll be fine wherever you are now Terry. Bon voyage mon ami. Adriane.

Mr Stowers was my teacher almost 30 years ago. Beyond maths and science, he taught us so many important life skills, most importantly the importance of doing your best, and having a go. He was so dedicated to teaching, that he never ‘clocked off’ and worked so hard to help each of us succeed in our own way. The impact you had on myself, and so many others cannot be measured. There is a bike training track for kids around the corner from me in Darwin, Terry would have loved it. It always reminds me of the bike training track he set up on the netball courts and around the neighbourhood at Vogeltown School in preparation for our school camp. To the most amazing teacher, mentor and friend. Mr Stowers, you are one in a million, and will forever hold a special place in my heart. Condolences to you all. Rest in Peace Terry.

My condolences to the Stowers family. Terry taught me at Clinton Primary School and he arrived at a time of change. He was a kind person who inspired many. Rest in peace Mr. Stowers. Pauline

I write this with such a heavy heart Even after almost 30 years since he was my teacher, Mr Stowers had such an impact on me. He was so encouraging; he made us want to do well. If we had a homework project due on Friday - I would start it Monday evening because we were able to choose the subject. The Monday morning word quiz was always a highlight. "Keep your noses to the grindstone" stands out. Or keeping a list on the blackboard of funny number plates we had all seen. I can still recall him teaching us about bicycle safety; setting up an obstacle course on the school grounds and taking us on practice runs through the local streets. Then we all set off on our bicycles as part of "Terry's Troupe" to our school camp way up Carrington Road. You made us feel special, that we all had something great to offer the world. He was truly unique, and holds a special place in my heart. Rest well, Mr Stowers Sincerely Jordan

Rest in peace beautiful Terry. All our love, prayers and condolences to your family. Such a wonderful service & tribute of your amazing life. Thank you so much Terry making that contact with me on our family connection God Bless💖🙏 Love from Alma Stowers & family in Australia

Fly high our Stowers hero you will be sorely missed and forever remembered for the legacy you've left behind our MJO website and database with our team. Appreciate your dedication always and we can only pray that our Lord welcomes you in paradise. Manuia lau malaga 😍

Terry and I met through the Stowers genealogy work that he was doing to connect all the extended family. We had great discussions over the last few years and emailed back and forth or chatted on FB. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and send my condolences to his family. What a lovely human and had great stories. Thank you Terry for your commitment and hours spent connecting us to our lineage. May you rest in love and paradise. The world dims a bit with your passing. Until we meet again whanau. Alofas and hugs from Samoa.

We had the privilege of being taught by Terry at Wairio over 50 years ago. He didn’t just teach us numeracy and literacy. The day started with the proverb on the blackboard, the chalk dipped in water to ensure the words stayed up for the week. He was teaching us about more important things beyond the classroom through whakataukī. Of course he also thought we didn’t know about the antics at the PTA meetings and the night these farmers carried the piano from the ‘Wee Room’ to the school house once the official business was over! We were fascinated with his travels, the slide shows and commentary which took us beyond where we lived to other worlds. In 1974, my brother Paul proudly accompanied him to the Commonwealth Games. There of course will be a slide show of that trip with the appropriate title caption. Terry was on duty when he was off duty. You arrived one Friday night when Mum and Dad were away, checking on everyone’s whereabouts. You knew everyone so there was no giving a false name and those that were not meant to be there were dispatched off back to their respective homes. In 2017, I contacted Terry to ask for permission to use a video for a large research project with students throughout NZ for the University of Otago. He had made a video of Wairio students playing Bull Rush. He was analysing movement skills well before teachers were doing that in schools. This video is still shown to 100s of budding student teachers at the University with the title Wairio School, Bull Rush 1978 to be exact. I enjoyed my first trip to New Plymouth, celebrating your 70th and embracing the richness of a life well led with your friends and family. Your energy for learning and connecting to students and their families was astonishing. You taught us all about not only valuing and contributing to the communities we live in, but more importantly to continue to stay connected to, and with those communities, places and people. Thank you. Catherine, Paul and Maria McCallum

We will always remember you as "Terry the Taxi". What a kind gentle soul you were. The yarns we use to have in the car and your patience with our teenage girls. RIP Terry. Kerry, Karen, Beth and Lilly O'Neill. xx

RIP UNCLE TERRY. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBERED OUR LONG LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS EVERYTIME YOU CALLED TRYING TO GET OUR STOWERS GENEALOGY INFORMATION CORRECT. OUR COFFEE CATCH UP AND THE HOPE WE COULD CRACK SOME OF THE BROKEN LINK TO OUR GENEALOGY. A BEAUTIFUL SOUL A HARD WORKING MAN AND A HEART FOR HIS FAMILY. YOU WILL MISSED DEARLY BY US AND THE REST OF OUR STOWERS FAMILY. MANUIA LAU MALAGA.

I’m very sorry to hear your loss Terry. Faafetai tele lava mo au galuega lelei uma sa e faia mo le aiga atoa. You have connected so many people from around the globe. I never forget your alofa faamaoni (loyal love) and your hospitable when my sister and I came for a visit in Tauranga. You made us feel welcome in your home. Thank you! You are a sweet kindness human being, that you cooked us a beautiful homemade meal just what we need from our long travel from Auckland. I never forget that act of loyal love and your love for each individual. Faafetai tele lava Terry! Rest In Peace my Dearest Friend. Alofa’aga e le uma. ET go home - you tease me with my initial ET go home (The Movie) :)

My condolences to the Family of Terry. I first met Terry when he was teaching down South in the Winton area around 1975.. He was very interested in Harness Racing and became a member of the Syndicate that I was also was in.(winning 8 Races). Another interest at the time was filming the race when he was able to attend especially at Addington.(Those were the days when races were only broadcast on radio). The last time I met him was at the Cup Week in Christchurch about 4/5 years ago. It was a suprise as he came up to me in the stand,said he would get back to me for a chat as he was in hurry to put a bet on,being with some others never made it back. RIP Terry and back plenty of winners.

I'm very sorry to hear this. Terry was a great community man and his work around education, in particular, will be missed. He worked tirelessly for the science fair and was a committed organiser. It was great to work with Terry in this capacity, as a student and as a sponsor. May God rest his soul.

We are sorry to hear of Terry's passing. Terry was one of few men to train as a teacher for people with learning difficulties. He was a valuable member of our team and did wonders with students, especially our older male lads who were not fussed about having a female teacher! Terry was extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share ideas with our group at the monthly SPELD meetings. Our sincere sympathy is with the Stowers family.

I worked with Terry as Fair Manager for the Taranaki Science Fair 2020. Terry was a patient and passionate person who loved teaching and enjoyed working with young people I learnt so much from Terry with running the fair alongside with him, I always had a laugh when he signed emails off with Terry Stowers ( retired Science Fair Manager) he never retired he loved the work to much. I was very sad to hear of his sudden passing and I will reflect back on the time we spent together. My thoughts are with the family at this time. Loryn Kazianis (previous Science Fair Manager)

Sincere sympathy to the family on Terry's passing. As young people the Stowers were always part of our family. Love to you all Betty Pam Warren and Allan Oliver

Terry, we worked together on the science fair for many years. I can't believe that you won't be with us this year. You have left a legacy not just with the event, and its impact on so many young people's lives, but also in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to know you. I'll miss you, my friend. Resquiescas in pace, Terry the teacher, Terry the taxi,Terry the taonga.

We met Terry through school and my daughter was friends with his niece. A true gentleman who always had a smile on his face and a kind word. Never any trouble to do anything and always spoke. Terry, you made the world a nicer place for many people. Rest in peace dear man

I met Terry through school and loved the way he kept all his pens in the side of his socks and/or his shirt pocket. He wore the same kind of socks my dad did😌He was a lovely gentleman. Then I met him again as a taxi driver… as did my daughter. We thought he was just lovely. Rest in peace Terry and may perpetual light shine upon you.

I knew, and knew of Terry for many years before I had the pleasure of actually meeting him in person, along with his sister Sharyn in 2021. Terrys dedicated research into our Stowers lineage was key in reuniting and reconnecting the many descendants of John Stowers who settled in Samoa in the1830s. A database of nearly 10 000 individuals who can now trace their lineage back to this ''John ( Monkey Jack ) Stowers''. Terry and my brother Michael Joseph Stowers travelled to Samoa a number of times to reconnect and research. Their efforts have resulted in establishing a web site for all family who wish to join and discover how they fit into our family . As i read through the other tributes one thing is absolute Terry lived a life of humble service he was a Gentleman and was well respected and loved . I am forever grateful and richer for it for having known you. My wife Helen and I thank you for hosting us when we meet you in New Plymouth. Sincere condolences to your family. Rest in Peace my friend. Vincent and Helen Stowers

He said call me Terry, even after some 40 years have passed since my school days, I still have far too much respect for this man to call him by his first name. Sir is what we called you at school and Sir is what I will always call you. "We'll throw an extra spud in the pot for you tonight" My deepest sympathies to the Stowers family. You will be greatly missed Sir. Paul and Maria Giddens

My heart goes out to Terry's family and loved ones. Terry was one of a kind and was greatly respected by the many Hamilton Teachers College students through his dedicated computer work by keeping us all informed on various matters over many years. Terry was a very kind and thoughtful man and a good sportsman. He will be greatly missed. RIP Terry.

Sharyn, Hamish and family, My love and deepest sympathy on the passing of a much loved brother. My thoughts are with you all. Shirley

Terry was our friend. This kind, gentle, helpful man guided us many times through fascinating computer experiences. Rest in peace dear Terry, we will miss you. You are in our hearts forever. Elizabeth and Jim McKay

My dear friend Terry. Your life has touched an innumerable number of people over many decades, and your personality, character and influence has enriched the lives of anyone who's had the privilege of knowing you and being connected with you. The Samoan branches of the Stowers family owe you an immense debt for all of the loving years and incredible amount of effort that you lovingly poured into researching and sharing our family connections for the benefit of all. Your memory will live on for generations to come, and our love for you will be in our hearts forever. God bless Terry

It is with a heavy heart I offer my deepest condolences. Mr Stowers, as He will always be known to me, was my teacher almost 30 years ago. Mr Stowers was unique, a truly gentle, kind and patient man who touched the lives of many and made a lasting impact. He famously said “you do the best with what you’ve got” and “those who do their best do well” a creed I hold true to this day. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. My heart goes out to you all. Sincerely, Mario Petkovski

Terry was worked with children who had fallen behind at Ratapiko Primary School many years ago. The children absolutely thrived under his programmes and all the other kids wanted to work with him too. Fabulous man. Our daughter was one of those who is now in her 30s. Thinking of him fondly. Deepest sympathies to his family.

Sharyn Hamish and families My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved Terry. Kindest thoughts to you all Colleen xoxo