My sincere sympathy to the Poole family. My husband, Bob, enjoyed his friendship with John when he worked at the Hospice Depot. He also going out to your farm and seeing the new cowshed. We also enjoyed John’s skilled with creating wooden things. A couple of our children enjoy their puzzle boards. John was very sincere person and we miss him in the Village and also as a member of our Mass group on Sundays. Sincere sympathy and prayers Barbara Martin

To the Poole Family Sending my deepest sympathy to the family at this sad time. You will all have wonderful memories of John and of a long life well lived. With kindest regards Maree Horgan and family

A very caring person. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Bernie and Roslyn Karam

Our condolences to the family. John was a great man & I believe a bit of a hard case. My father Jack Wisnewski worked with John in the Butcher shop in Opunake. I heard many a story over the years when they worked together. One that comes to mind is the wheelbarrow race on Xmas Eve down Tasman street. Lois & Steve Leeks

Sympathy to the Poole families The loss of an important person in your lives

What special memories we have of dear John, first and foremost as Maureen’s Dad and as a great friend to his son-in-law, my brother Danny. The Saturday races will not be the same. And I’m sure Danny will recall fondly of John’s insistence in pushing him in his wheelchair at the Races, in those earlier years. I remember him visiting my mother in hospital with a bag of grapes in hand. He visited many others I’m sure and always with a gift of grapes. On one of our visits I remember him calling a family game of Bingo and you could tell he’d done this many times, as he had the bingo lingo down pat. What a lovely memory of Bingo and Croquet to share with our daughter Emma and take back to Brisbane. Our heartfelt sympathy to all the Poole family. Patricia Bourke and family Brisbane

So sorry to be writing goodbye to you Uncle John. You were a true gentleman and always had time for your family and friends. You embraced all of our family as your own and my children have fond memories of their childhood out on the farm with you all. In your later years you still made time to go visit dad (Joe) and have a cheeky drink and a game of cards. It was funny to watch you both try and work facetime, laughing at how you both had no idea what you were doing. You were loved by many and our sincerely condolences go out to all the Poole family. Daryl, Margaret, Carlee and Eloise XOXO

Sincere condolences to all the family, meet John at weddings, and races and loved his gentle and welcoming manner, a great family man, who will greatly missed..

I had a surreal experience, as a child, kayaking on their farm with Rob and Steven in particular. John's humour and positivity in driving us back to the homestead were warmly appreciated. I was always eager to hear his family stories when I saw him at the many and recent Masses in New Plymouth. I will greatly miss him and offer his family my deepest sympathy

Dear Poole Family, I am deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. John was an absolute gentleman, kind, funny, loving and a wonderful and very dear friend of my father and mother the late Brian & Margaret Conaglen and our family. The Poole’s and Conaglen’s grew up together and farmed alongside each other. It was a lifelong friendship. I know how deeply saddened you all will be at losing your beautiful Dad, Granddad & Friend. I’m truly sorry not to be able to attend his farewell as am currently overseas. He had a wonderful life. A lovely man who is now resting at peace with his dearly beloved wife, Beth. Our deepest sympathy, Maura and Neil.

Very sorry to hear this sad news. Mr Poole was a gentleman, with a wonder late wife and family. Thinking of you all. Condolences to all

To the Poole Family John enjoyed his life showing me the farms of Robert & Claire and Stephen & Maria, also a great card player (sadly missed) & altogether a very nice man who was very proud of his family. My Condolences Bob Pigott

To the Poole family I was so sorry to hear that news today. Thinking of you all at this sad time Trish Stevenson Wellington

To the Poole Family, Our love to you all at his sad time. John was a great friend to our family in Pihama and Dad (Bob Archer) spent many happy hours together. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you will all share. Bronnie Read