Thinking of you Jo Chris & family at this sad time. Jo the thing that stood at most and strongest was the memory of your father being a very kind, friendly, loving & welcoming person. He always had a kind word for everyone. Love Rex, Glenda & Anna xx

I remember Kevin’s quiet and effective leadership as PPTA General Secretary. His wise guidance was always valued.

I first met Kevin in 1979 or 1980 when I was catapulted as a very young teacher onto the newly established PPTA Salaries Planning Committee. After a disastrous salary round, Kevin had been appointed as our first Salaries Officer, bringing a wealth of expertise to what had previously been a somewhat amateur negotiation process. I was surrounded by people with far more knowledge and experience than myself, but from the beginning Kevin made space for me to be heard as a member who was living the daily life of a classroom teacher. I had the privilege of working with Kevin over the next 13 years through my time on the National Executive and as National President in 1990-91. He was not an educator, but he believed in social justice and the importance of having a high quality national public education system. He was deeply knowledgable about industrial relations and a skilled negotiator, often able to see a solution before others could. He was respected not only within PPTA but throughout the union movement. As a person Kevin was always friendly, calm and supportive – I seldom, if ever saw him lose his cool in what were often very challenging and stressful circumstances. He brought wisdom, experience and integrity to the table – New Zealand education and PPTA members have benefited from that. I am grateful to have known Kevin and thank him for his many years of service to us all. I know his family was important to him. it must have been so hard for you to lose your Mum, Denise not long ago and now Kevin. I wish you all the strength and aroha you will need to get through this difficult time.