Dear Grandad. Your cheeky smile and ‘catch yah later’ wink is exactly how I will be picturing you today. Top memories I have with you. Memory 1: one of the highlights of my childhood was our weekend trips to Okoki and exploring the farms out there. Memory 2: When you asked Layne that she is looking great and ‘how much do your weigh now? 100? Come one, come and jump on the scales’. Hahaha Memory 3: beers in your shed! Memory 4: asking me what side of the patio I liked best (before asking Cam) and writing my name on that side, in the concrete foundations. Memory 5: your motorbike Me worry 6: you chopping our favourite tree down. Cam was loosing it. Memory 6: your ‘Truckie’ hand single. Memory 7: the night you had your accident. Memory 8: helping you with your reading and writing homework because of your accident. Memory 9: that you would never complain about anything. The list could go on. RIP Legend. I’m glad I got to see you one last time a few months ago. Looking forward to seeing the family at Christmas time. Love Dan xoxoxox

Dear Grandad, My mum has always told me about the strong, amazing man that you are. You remained incredibly strong for so long and for that you have inspired me a lot to remain strong and positive through all times. Tonight, we have made a beautiful meal to mark your send off. Since your passing, i have been taking my GCSEs and you have remained in my mind as a constant reminder to persevere and to always try my best. I will be taking my English literature exam tomorrow morning and i will do my best to make you proud. Thank you for coming to see 12 years ago. I love you very much Grandad. Xx

Dear grandad Hi grandad thank you for coming over to see us when Janna and I we’re baby’s, even though I didn’t see you much, mum told me how hardworking you were building so many gardens and making lovely cosy homes. You are brave You are amazing You are handsome Your soul is in my heart and you will never be forgotten Love from sandi and Janna xoxo xoxo we love you ????Xxx

Hi grandad it’s holli, We are making a Wonderful send off here over in London! We are making a big dinner with homemade Yorkshire puddings, potatoes , chicken and I made a salad I’m proud of:). We are lighting candles and everything it looks so pretty. I really miss you over there you know. I remember all the Skype calls we had as a family, the letters sent and texts sent. Those were beautiful. This will be my last one to you :( but don’t worry I’ll send heaps to nana! Although it was long ago I still remember the moments you came over and use to bring pretty stickers. We stuck them on our dresser. It was a pain to get them off though ????. I want you to know that I love you and I know you are still with all of us. Rest well I love you

Dear John, I first met you over 60 years ago when you began dating my Sister Faye when we lived on Brooklands Rd in New Plymouth. At the time you drove a big truck for your business. Over the years I have many memories of you far too many to write here so here's just a few. After your wedding I remember helping you milk on the farm at Tikorangi and taking the milk to the factory. The time we went skinny dipping in the Waiwhakaiho River with your Brother in Law Ronnie Sanger! I stayed with you in your old farm house in Urenui and were called out in the middle of the night to assist another trucker off loading cattle into your truck after he broke down near Okoki. You built a new home at Urenui and many times you drummed up business in your 'office' at the public bar in the Urenui Pub. Those were the days eh! After moving to New Plymouth I remember helping you move from Barrett Rd to Penrith St. Boy was wasn't that darn pool table heavy mate! I recall the many family gatherings at Penrith St. You worked hard building steps down to your favourite Ponga House complete with a fridge to share 'cold ones' and planting a vegetable garden. Those spuds were terrific eh! I recall how proud you were as each of your kids were born and later in life when your Grandkids were born too. I sat with you throughout the night a couple of times after your horrific accident back in 2000. You were a fighter and defied all odds. I have pleasant memories over the last year or so joining you for lunch at Summerset Mountain View. Yes mate, many fond memories. You were a tireless worker and provider for your family. A great Father, Husband, Grandpa and friend to many folks. Your legacy in the Naki will live on. Rest in Peace Brother in Law.

It was with a great sadness we read of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Elaine and Keith watson