We are so sorry to hear the sad news and send our biggest condolences to all the family. He was a very special man who will be remembered fondly in our hearts. I so loved my visits to the farm and fun times that we had there.Love Islay & Craig Stewart

Dear Robyn and the rest of the family, I am extrmely sorry for your loss am also tremendously disppointed I could not be there for Donald's funeral. I always enjoyed Donald's company immensely. He was a man who clearly loved life and who squeezed laughter and enjoyment out of every situation. I have extremely fond memories of chatting with Donald about every topic under the sun, he would always give his opinion with humour and honesty but would also listen to what you had to say, he was one of my favourite conversationalists. He was an extremely special and warm person and the world for me is slightly dimmer for him not being in it. You all have my deepest condolences. Scott

Condolences to you all from the Hawkes family Jack Peter and Denise Rest in Peace

Dear Robyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was very moving to hear Donald's own words about his life and to learn more about what a wonderful man he was. Some of my most cherished memories of my short time in New Zealand are of the time I spent with you and Donald on the avocado farm and my first (and only) ride on a cherry picker. He was clearly an incredibly special person. Sending my love and condolences, Flora.

Dear Robyn and family, We are so sorry to hear about Donald's passing. I have many fond memories growing up of him taking me out milking of a morning and talking to me about the latest world events. We were so glad we could view the service from California and are sending our love. Ben and Nina

We are so blessed to have good friends like Donald and Robyn in our lives. They have taught us alot about the world of avocados and been lovely friends. We send our sympathy to Robyn and family at this very sad time x Ross and Sarah Clements

Dear Robyn and family, Our condolences to you all, we are saddened to hear of Donald's passing. May he be at peace with the Angels. Due to illness we were unable to attend today's service. Kindest Regards, Anne & Tom Butler.

Donald was a unique, interesting, funny man and I will always remember his kindess to me when I lived in NZ. Even after I left, he kept in touch - more often than not with jokes! I will always remember him with the utmost fondness. Such a very special man. I was so glad to be able to join your wonderful celebration of his life via the live stream.

Robyn, very sorry to hear of Donald's passing. You will alway be in our thoughts as we had many great times with you in Taranaki. Love to you all, Mike and Noreen, Glasgow, UK

To Robyn and family. We are sorry to read of Donalds passing.We fondly remember the many fun times we shared whilst you farmed on Eltham Rd. Go well and remember all the good times.Thinking of you all. Ross & Julie Cleaver

Hey mate, as you would say, we hoped to have you around for longer to continue to enjoy your company, but sadly it wasn't to be. We will never forget the great times we enjoyed together, starting in Cardiff Young Farmers, the Stratford fornightly dances when we were both courting our girls; sharing the problems of embarking on farm ownership; your attempts to enlighten me on the intricacies of hitting that little white pill around the golf course and sharing your knowledge as a connoisseur of wine. Your parting to the next world leaves us with irreplaceable memories which will stay with us until we meet again. Your perfectionism in whatever you ventured into is a legacy you will leave with your family. You are a true valued friend, and they are hard to find. Robyn, Marie, Craig, Kelly and your respective families, our sincere condolences in the loss of a much-loved husband, father and Grandad. You all have valuable memories which you will forever cherish. Our love to you all. John & Alison

My thoughts and love go out to Robyn and the Johnson family. Donald was truly one of the best men I ever met. A true gentleman, a good man. I will miss him hugely and Im so sorry I cannot be with you today.

Donald, you and Robyn have been part of my life since the start. Such awesome and supportive friends to mum and dad, and you extended that to me and my family. Fond memories of holidays at Wahi, dinners at your place, being toastmaster at my wedding, bottles of wine, hitting golf balls with my son, and avocados to boot. You will be missed. Robyn, Marie, Kelly, Craig and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you...

Dear Robyn and family We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Donald. It was always great to see him, as he always seemed so positive. Our condolences and best wishes to you all Sandra Pacheco and Cliff Lawrence

we only met you over one weekend but you were a most impressive man, full of energy and extraordinary love for your family. excited by the wonders of growing things and what life had to offer. sail safe to your harbour. deepest sympathy to your family who are left without you. tessa & josie van embden.

Robyn and family, I was so sad to hear that Don has passed away. I have very fond memories of our harrier days and particulary Don and my run up Mount Egmont and back again between milkings! Heather and I are thinking of you all. Deepest sympathy from us both, RIP Don Warren Espin

Dear Donald, we were hoping to make it home in time to see you and introduce you to Ada, but are happy you're out of pain and at peace with your mum and dad. We'll miss your love, kindness, warmth, sense of humour, avocado deliveries and great taste in chardonnay xxx Dear family, Thinking of you all the time. Virtual hugs just dont compare to the real thing. We look forward to seeing you in January xxx

To Robyn and all your family, Our deepest sympathy to you all in the sad passing of Donald a real gentleman at rest. Thinking of you all just now in your sadness Keith and Joy Hosking

Dear Robyn and family, John and I would like to express our deep sadness in Don’s passing. Wonderful neighbours to us. The best avocado grower in NZ. Gone to play golf. John and Raewyn Anderson

Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Our sincerest sympathy. Natalie and Kent Chalmers Duenedin

so proud to call you a friend. A true gentle man in every sense of the word. Such great memories of our times together.

Always gracious, it was a privilege to have met you.

Sympathy to the Johnson family on the loss of Donald .Thinking of you all at this sad time. Adele and Barry Brett