we will miss John and the school community thank John for years of service. i remember an inspiring teacher who was admired and loved by colleagues and students. John was a good friend to so many people. i am grateful to have known him.

Dear Pam, Joanie, Joel and families A wonderful send off for John. You were all precious neighbours and friends in Rarotonga and as a family hold a special place in our hearts. Love "The Taylors"

John was my uncle. when I visited during the christmas and easter holidays with my family we would stay sometimes at the boarding school. my earliest recollections were of his planting area and a golden haze of summertime skateboarding spent with Joel. John was very kind and supportive of me. Ive never ever seen him sad, angry or uncomposed. He gave me confidence in surfing, and was definately the first person I knew who loved the ocean and showed me a way of loving it through sport. He has been a part of my life since my first memories. The whole Sims family are amazing and I love them very much. Love you John.

A beautiful send off today for a great man. John will be sadly missed by many. Thinking of you all at this sad time. R.I.P xxx

i have had the life changing privilege of getting to know John and Pam and their family and pets as a friend of Joel. Joel and I met in London in 2016. he would proudly tell stories of his dad's surfing achievements and tennis banter. i'd like to be adopted by your dad - i once said to Joel upon hearing those stories - he seems cool. A few months later I moved to New Plymouth and the Sims took me in and made me feel the love of a family even though they had never met me. for them the fact i was a friend of Joel was enough. John took me under his wing and helped me buy a second-hand car and a surfboard, like a father would. i can still hear his laughter and i feel sunshine in my heart when i recall his reassuring presence, kind spirit, and compassionate humour. he was a champion of life and of people. a true gentleman as many people have mentioned. With John's passing i mourn the heartbreaking loss of a loyal, supportive and encouraging friend, a role model and father figure. his playfulness, bonhomie and kidness have left such a warm, peaceful impression in my soul. i have only known him for 4 years. i can only imagine the depth of pain and loss that his closest family and friends might feel. My thoughts are with them. i'll see you in the water John, or maybe we can have a hit of tennis sometimes. travel well my friend

We have had the privilage of John and Pam being our next door neighbours the last three years since moving to the Naki. John was a gentlemen with an attitude for anyone of us to aspire to. John you will be missed by Lucas and our little family. Thank you for being patient with him!! You have inspired us to be better people and we will never forget the little life lessons you have pastsed on.

Dear Pam, Joanie, Joel and families Our life paths have crossed a number of times since first meeting...children, patchwork, skiing, house sales...always fun and enjoyable times shared.We learnt even more today of Johns life at his sincere and beautiful farewell...a wonderful tribute to him. We send love and strength to you all

Dear Pam, Joanie, Joel & Family, I feel so privileged to have been taken under John's wing when I started at Boys' High in 2017. John really is one of the greats and I truely feel my life is richer having had him in it. I will think of John on my walks with Archie & Freddie around Lake Bogey, past the tennis court and along the beach, and every time I pass a gorgeous border collie. With love, Hannah, David & Archie xx

Dear Joel and family, even knowing that we all have to take this journey the loss of a beloved one is a deep touch in our life. We wish you and your family the strength and power to understand Gods will. You loved your father and husband dearly and vice versa and this love will not be touched and further continue within you and him through our Lord. " We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed" Our thoughts and prayers will be with you, especially tomorrow. Helmut and Maria (Germany)

Dear Joel, thinking of you and your family at this sad time of your dads passing. We remember when your dad was manager of the football rep team when you were just 11 (and you became friends of our boys ) what a lovely man your dad was and made everyone feel included . That lovely smile he had. Take care, Doug and Christine

Dear Pam and Family, it is with great sadness that we send our condolences to you all, on the passing of a wonderful friend and mentor. We send our aroha and best wishes to you all. Te Atua te Aroa Philip,Darlene and Family

Pam, Joans, Joel, we're so sorry for your loss. We all loved him 😊 Sophie, Mike, Bella, Theo x

Too soon for such sorrow! Thinking of you tomorrow. Sorry we can't make it. Love Sarah & Andy

Pam and family Sorry to of John's passing. Our condolences to you and family. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Robyn and Ian

Pam, Joanie, Joel and family, Very sorry to hear of Johns passing, thinking of you at this time Kieran

To Pam & Family Thinking of you at this time From Roger & Sandra Vernon

On Behalf of the Kawaroa Park Squash Club We would like to offer Pam and Family our sincerest sympathies on the loss of John. He was a long time member of the squash club and well respected in the squash community , giving up his time to support the growth of squash at NPBHS and introducing many new players to the sport. He will be sadly missed.

Dear Pam, Joanie and Alistair, Joel and Stine & families, We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Saturday afternoons will never be the same without our Great Mate Simbo. Great Mates Tennis

To Pam, Joanie and Alistair, Joel and Stine & families, We are very sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts are very much with you at this sad time, from Rosemary (nee Bolton) and Martin Tatham

We were saddened to hear of John's passing, a well respected & caring person who was a pleasure to know. We have many fond memories of all the soccer games we watched together on the sideline. May John rest in peace now Geoff & Charmaine Bland

Pam, Joanie and Joel, very sad to hear about Johns death. We have many fond memories of living up the road and sharing happy times. Much love Dawn, Malcolm, Miriam and Callum Morrison

John - you were not only a work colleague at NPBHS but a valued friend, with whom we shared (along with our partners) some great times together, especially the 'Mens Dinners'. Heart felt sympathy to all of your family from Cherie and Don.

It is with much sadness that we have heard of John's passing after a well fought battle. No words can dull the pain you must all feel at this time, but know you are in our thoughts, and his memory will live on in you all. Our kindest regards, Kevin and Heather Zimmerman

Always enjoyed my chats with John at Fitzroy either bumping into him walking on the beach or surfing in the water. A good friend of the family and will be missed. Nigel and Maryse Vernon

Dear Pam, Joel and Joanie, John will leave a large gap in my life. I met John out in the surf at "Secret Sandy's" where he showed me the ropes of that surf break. He was always welcoming when I would drop in unanounced to have a natter and a cuppa. You will be sadly missed matey! Love to all, Rob French.

Dear Pam, Joanie, Joel and all your families, Our thoughts are with you all at this time. John will always hold a special place in my memories for his personal support, for his honesty, integrity and genuineness. He was a good bugger, always able to make you laugh and somehow pass on some wisdom at the same time. He will be incredibly missed but in you all, he lives on. Love Darryl, Mandy, Hannah and Shaun

Dear Pam and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father. You will hold dear your memories of him forever🌺

Sincere sympathy to you Pam and your family on the sad loss of a beloved husband and father.

Pam and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

To Pam, Joanie & Joel Deepest ⁣sympathyon the loss of such a loving and loved husband and father. Sending hugs, love and lots of prayers for you and your family. John & Fran Waugh

dear Pam, sincere sympathy to you at this sad time. May God bless you with strength and peace at this time. margaret murray

Sorry for your loss. John was my favourite teacher at school by a long way. Thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Dear Pam and Family Sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you at this sad time.

so so sorry and shocked to hear of johns passing . Thinking of you all and sending much love xxx

Dear Pam and Family, We were very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a lovely guy who will be missed by many. We are thinking of you at this sad time. Nigel and Sharon Wilson

To Pam & family Was so sorry to hear of Johns passing. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

The Sylvester family would like to offer our condolences at the passing of John. We have very fond memories of Gover Street as our children grew up. Unfortunately we will be out of town on Saturday but will have you all in our thoughts.

Our sympathy and kindest wishes to you Pam and your family for your sad loss. We have fond memories of our friendship with John through teaching and tennis during the 70s and 80s when we lived in New Plymouth.

Dear Pam, Joanie, Joel and family I am so sorry to read of Johns death- I had such respect for John with my initially meeting him as he coached tennis to a young friend of mine. Sincere Sympathy to you all-such a loss for you all. Bronwyn Jenkins