Also known as "Johnny"
19 October 1969 – 10 December 2025
Also known as "Johnny"
19 October 1969 – 10 December 2025
Suddenly at Mt. Messenger on Thursday, 10 December 2025, aged 56. Dearly loved husband of Donna. Cherished father and father-in-law of Tash & Matt, and Jack. Deeply loved Grandfather of George and Ollie. Loved son of John (dec.) & Angela. Loved brother to Richard & Cristel, and Derelee & Gabe.
Messages to the Potroz Family may be left on Johnny’s tribute page at eagars.co.nz/Johnny.
A service to celebrate Johnny’s life will be held at Mokau Hall, 28 North Street, Mokau on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at 11am.
For those unable to attend, Johnny’s funeral will be livestreamed via his tribute page.

Funeral service held at Mokau Hall
Thinking of you at this sad time. Look after each other take care
Dear Donna, Tash, Matt and Family and Jack; Angela, Richard, Crystal and family; Derelee, Gabe and Family. My very sincere sympathies to you all on such a devastating and heartbreaking loss of Johnny. I’m sorry I am away and unable to attend today, but was with you through the video link. I have always had and always will have only the best and happiest memories of wonderful summer holidays at Mōkau. Johnny was always the ringleader of all the fun and games we had. He always graciously took the blame for the innocent trouble we sometimes got into. He was always a charmer and so funny. He will be so sadly missed. Love and big hugs to you all. Gone way too soon. 💔💞😢
Dear Donna, My mother Kathy always spoke highly of Johnny. And how she loved to dance with him. Even though they only met a few times he left a massive imprint of love and kindness. Our thoughts and love are with you and your family. Kindest regards, Kathy and Becky.
Dear Angela Donna and family, We are so sorry we are unable to be with you all at this sad time. Johnny was such a kind man. I always remember him coming to offer his help after John had his accident. We all have fond memories of Johnny. We send our love to you all. Gay & John Andrews
To Johnny’s many friends and families. On behalf of the shearing community of Taranaki, NZ and all over the world, we are deeply saddened and shocked by Potty’s sudden passing. To know him was to love him and he will be sorely missed. Te whakaute nui rawa atu kua whakawhiwhia e tēnei tangata. The greatest respect has been earned by this man. RIP
Our sincere condolences to Donna, Jack and family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Johnny was a real character and we always enjoyed his visits and yarns, he will be sadly missed. Sending love and hugs to you all
Dear Angela I’m so sorry to hear the news about Johnny. I cannot imagine the loss you are feeling right now. You have my utmost sympathy. Much love to you and your family from Margaret.
I’m so sorry I can’t be there today but my heart is with Donna, Tash, Jack, Aunty Angela, Richard and Cristel, and Derelee and Gabe as you celebrate Johnny's life I’ll always remember those younger days when all us cousins played together — Johnny with that cheeky grin, quick wit, and mischievous humour that could light up a room. He had a way of making us all laugh. Though we hadn’t seen much of each other in recent years, I’m grateful our paths crossed one last time at Mum’s funeral. It was only a brief moment, but it reminded me how strong those early family bonds truly are — time might pass, but love doesn’t fade. Rest easy, Johnny. You’ll be remembered with a smile. 🤍
Sorry I can't be there for the funeral today. Some of the best memories I have are the summers Rob, Ken and I spent at Mokau farm. There were always many thrills and adventures and Johnny was constantly looking for new ways to scare the crap out of us. I'm sad to hear of his passing. I'll play Kenny Rogers the gambler and down a few to remember him today. Thanks for the memories cuz.
I am at a loss for words and deeply saddened by Johnny's passing. Donna, Tash, Jack, Angie and family, sending you all my love at this incredibly sad time. I have many fond memories of our families growing up together, getting up to all sorts of mischief on the farm. Then years later, for my son Corben to meet up with Jack and carry on the tradition. Corben considered Johnny like an Uncle, he has fun memories of him and Jack being dropped off, up river, with kayak but no paddle. Armed with bows to "go get some dog tucker", or being transported around the farms on the back of a ute, secured on with tie downs. Great memories. Much love. Jo Le Breton
Johnny, you were never just my nephew. We were only two years apart, and we grew up side by side, spending so many holidays together. Some of my happiest memories are of those times — the laughs, the conversations, and the easy way we were together. Those memories will stay with me always. You had a big personality and an even bigger heart. You loved people and you loved having visitors on the farm. Everyone was welcome, and you made sure they felt it. You were outgoing, generous, and full of warmth — the kind of person people were drawn to. Having you as my best man at my wedding in Fiji meant more to me than I can ever properly say. Standing there with you beside me is a memory I will always treasure. Your passing has come far too suddenly, and the space you’ve left behind feels enormous. You touched so many lives just by being yourself, and you’ll be deeply missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know you. Rest easy, Johnny. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the love. You’ll always be in my heart. Love from Colin, Anne and all the family here in Georgia USA.
Sending our deepest sympathies and condolences. We are deeply sorry to hear of his sudden passing. Please accept our apologies on not being there to celebrate his life.
Sending you all lots of love and strength ❤️ so sorry I couldn’t be there with you Tarsh, but I will be watching from across the ditch. Donna, i am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you all lots of love and healing in this difficult time xxx
Our sincere condolences to all the family, Johnny, my eldest cousin, you were a great man and will be deeply missed. Johnny was a true solid hard working man, he represented the hardcore of Taranaki, do anything for his family, was always there for all of us to listen to any concerns or issues & treated everyone on our own merits. Johnny always encouraged me to do well and succeed in life and I will always be grateful for his support. We are sorry we can’t be there with you all to pay our respect in person and send our love from overseas. Love from Liam, Sophie, Annabelle, Florence, Freddie and Dexter Tierney in West Sussex, UK
We’re so sorry we can’t be there for the service but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Sending our love and strength to the family at this difficult time. With love, Ian and Craig
To Donna, we are so shocked and saddened to learn of Johnny's passing. Thinking of you and sending love to you and your family. xx
Im am so lost for word's and incredibly sorry to hear about the loss of Johnny. My sincerest condolences to you all ❤️ Unable to attend and show my respect as heading away for work that day. I will truely miss him yelling out in the middle of nowhere "Stop it" but Tash you got that gig covered. Big squishy hugs and an abundance of love to you all ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It's impossible to choose the right words to say how sad I am that Johnny has passed and how much I am thinking of all his family, sending love to you all. So many memories of fun parties, good times and most of all - great mates.
So sorry and sad to hear about your loss. Our condolences and deepest sympathy to your family. Our thoughts are with you all. Lots of love and hugs to you all. Karin and John Jury
Our deepest sympathies to you Donna, Tarsh and Jack and Aunty Angela, Richard and Derelee and extended families. Johnny was a fantastic cousin to us and such a great funny guy, so many memories shared in our younger years on the Farm at Mokau and celebrations shared in recent years, gone way to young. May you all have comfort in remembering all the times you got to spend with him, life just isn’t fair sometimes xx RIL Johnny Lots of Love and Hugs Laureen and Brendan Hammersley and Family
Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We share your sorrow and hold you in our hearts. Johnny was funny, cheeky, loving, and caring — the kind of person who felt more like family than just a work mate. He brought smiles wherever he went, brightening even the toughest days with his humour and his big heart. He looked out for everyone, always ready to help and always ready to lift the mood. Rest easy, Johnny. Thank you for the laughs, the warmth, and the memories.
Johnny words can’t describe how much of a top man,workmate, father, grandfather you were was a honor to work beside you the last 3 years the place won’t be the same without you your contagious laugh brought smiles to many. Thoughts go out to Donna and family for your loss RIP tractor god aka greaser
Sending my condolences and love to to Johnny's family and friends. It has been an honor working with johnny the past 3 years and also being a mate out of work. Everyone will miss your smart comments and your witty humor. He was so proud of his wife and kids/grandchildren he would always talk about you at work. To a true genuine top bloke. rest easy my mate johnny your gonna be missed by all.
Our hearts are breaking for Donna, Tash and Matt and Jack and Angie. Our thoughts and love are with you guys in this trying time. Whilst we have limited memories of Jiohnny, the memories we do have are of him doing a Hula in Raro with his infectious sense of humour and living his best life! Love always, Jaz and Daryl
We are devastated upon hearing the news of cousin Johnny. Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna ,Tarsh and Matt and Jack. We will always cherish our memories with Johnny. Boating , riding over the farms , partying and just sitting on the deck talking and laughing, he will be missed by many. Our condolences to Aunty Angela, Richard & Crystal, Derelee and Gabe and family. Love you Johnny, you have been like a brother to me over the years for which I will be forever grateful . Love to all the family Colm ,Gay and kids
We are very sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Johnny. We can barely understand the grief this must have caused the family, all our thoughts and prayers with you all at this time. We have fond memories of dear Johnny.
Donna and family. Sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Johnny. Joan and James Poutu Tongaporutu
Bella and i’s favorite memory of Johnny is when you all came to see us in Kapiti and we went to the BMX track. Johnny had some pretty awesome moves on the bike - and at speeds Bella and I had never seen before - but the track got the better of him and he ended up with the most wicked burn from the gravel. I remember being amazed by how strong and calm he was given how painful that must have been. Love you “uncle” Johnny, Donna, Tarsh & Jack.
Thinking of you all From your cousin in the Deep South

Funeral service held at Mokau Hall

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