Petrus Hendrikus van der Maat

Also known as "Peter"

7 July 193819 October 2023

van der Maat

Petrus Hendrikus (Peter) 


Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 19 October 2023, aged 85.  Much loved partner of Lynne.  Adored father of Alex, Margot, Mary-Ann, Ben and Sarah.  Precious grandad of Daniel, William, Olivia, Zara, Flynn, Blake, Courtney, Jamie and great grandad of Araia.  Loved former husband to Margaretha and the late Elaine.

A Farewell for Peter will be held at the Rotorua Racing Club – Arawa Lounge (274 Fenton Steet) on Wednesday 25 October at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Rotorua Community Hospice to acknowledge their amazing care of Peter.  A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Tributes

Dear family We are the daughters from Piet his youngest brother, Nico. We've seen Piet and other family a few times in Holland, especially on a van der Maat meeting. Maaike and Lotte spent also some time in New Zealand, visit Piet, sightseeing Rotorua and drink a beer on a mountain together, beautiful memory! We watched live the ceremony and got to know our uncle even beter. We recognize our father, who passed away in 1994, the humor, always being active, crazy ideas and always positive and friendly. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and stories. We are sure that he had a wonderful life. We are proud of this big family everwhere in the world. Lots of strength to everyone he leaves behind! Rian en Maaike Partners and children Holland.

Rian en Maaike van der Maat

A special bright active friend who you could have a lively conversation with.Never saw him ever without his bright smile. Now at rest. Myself a retired lifeguard with 25 years service

Margaret Lash

Dear family. A beautiful life has come to an end. It is very sad for all of you, , but Peter doesn’t have to suffer anymore. Peter, you have always enjoyed Your life and I enjoy much from you. Always cheerful and positive, that’s how I will remember you. Peter, a good last trip We will follow the ceremony on stream.

Wim, Anne-Marie, and the sons

DAD…you are not only my dad, but you are also my best friend. I am so happy we have spent so many precious moments together. You have loved and cared for me when times have been tough. You have made me laugh, cry, sing and dance when times have been good. You taught me many things such as how to ride a bike, how to tie my shoelaces and not to mention how to drive a car and I am told I am not a good driver, so I think I match your driving style - Father like Daughter huh. You have always been generous and kind-hearted and you looked after all your children in the same way and encouraged us to be who we are. You brought so much joy to our family more than you know. My Father didn’t tell me how to live, he lived, and let me watch him do it. I loved the times we spent together as a family at the beach house in Pukehina, whether it be collecting shells, swimming or making jellyfish traps in the sand. I loved the times we spent socialising together and there where lots of those. We spent many a day having a drink over nice food, spending the evening at the club with a beer and a looking for those lost TAB tickets. I loved going to your place on a Wednesday night and you would cook me dinner. Cooking was not one of your strong points, but you gave it your best. We did enjoy quite a few laughs when the macaroni cheese was thickened with icing sugar instead of corn flower - Father like Daughter huh. Thank you for all that you have taught me and that has made me the person I am today. You are always in my heart, and you are my Hero. There are special people in our lives who never leave us even after they are gone. We do not remember the days; we remember the moments. I love you so much and now I need to say goodbye. I am so proud to be your daughter. Love you DAD From Margot

Margot

Dear Dad Anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad. You're a loving father, tender and kind. What a beautiful memory you will leave. I look back at the photos of your lifetime. Europe, Route 66, the beach house. I realise what an incredible life you have led. My best memories are of the beach house and the many attempts you tried to get me out through the waves in the little dingy. It was always an adventure and in most cases unsuccessful. You're an amazing father and will be missed. See you on the other side. Love , your daughter. Mary Ann.

Mary Ann Keech

Piet, you were a social brother to Ted and brother -in-law to me. You are in my heart. To never forget the moments that remain in our memories. Lynne, children and many friends. Everyone look back and remind him of a wonderful person. Courage in the future. Love Jeanne

Jeanne van der Maat-Rijks
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