MY DAD It’s hard to put into words just how much you will be missed, Dad, but the lifetime of memories we shared will always live on in my heart. Being a parent is a gift, and it’s not always easy to get it right. I believe you did your best with the tools you were given, and I can honestly say that I know I was loved by you, Dad - and that is the most important part of that gift. I will always cherish the time I spent with you in your final days, and I am forever grateful for your love. Rest in peace, Dad. I love you always. Your Darling Daughter

As we get older we sort of get used to our friends, acquaintances, & wider family members disappearing as death relentlessly nibbles away at our personal little world. When our parents pass on it is bad enough, & we the children, have to step up, but a fair chunk of our life is missing. Life goes on. And now our brother has died. We all feel sorrow, especially for John's family. We will miss him. Miss him just being there. Historically our wider family has not been close knit, but mutual love, respect, pride, & loyalty have remained strong. We have always enjoyed each other's company. I think this showed through clearly in John's happy response to seeing Wal & me shortly before he died. We will always remember that. John was a good man. He loved his family & was very proud of them. He had an adventurous & creative spirit all his life. While apparently attending school, he would frequently divert from the school train to swap clothes & work all day in the Dry dock, woolstore, or wharf, only to reverse the process at the end of the day. All this unbeknown to brothers & parents. Budding entrepreneur! Then in 1961 upsticks & flies off to Auckland never to return. But he did well, creating a good life for himself & his family. In his prime he was a sharp & innovative businessman earning wide respect. We could never really understand his politics though! John will also be missed by old friends around the country. Wal & I have already had messages from John's old friends from Christchurch & Lyttelton days. Wal & I could recount many stories of our early life with John. Papanui, Lyttelton, Christchurch, our adventures & narrow escapes. But that can keep for another day. For now, we say, " Go well brother " Our thanks to all of you up there for looking after John so well. It is a lovely tribute to him.