Alan was one of a kind and they definitely smashed the mold. One Alan was more than enough. A complex man with many memorable traits; some good, some bad but definitely unforgettable. A roaring laugh that could convulse him into hysterics at the likes of Mr Brown’s Boys, sometimes loud enough that a neighbour would ring up to ask Is Alan OK? He had an almost limitless appetite for Chinese steak and vegetables and chop suey, yet at the same time hated rice and avoided pasta. For dessert he might have a bowl of beautiful fresh strawberries, smother them in cream, icing sugar, then mash them into an unrecognizable slop. Brandy was his spirit of choice with ginger ale in moderation. He refused to drink water (stripped the body’s minerals). After dinner he would be found soaking in the bath, singing along to his radio and soaking his bones. A shower wouldn’t do it. When it came to the beach, he wore his tried-and-true speedos, defying any current fashion. He was a man of principle. He didn’t care what other people thought of him. He asked a lot of questions. He always wanted to know what was true so he could disregard the false because he grew up with many mistruths about his origin and family. He had no time for BS artists and you always knew where you stood with Al. A YES man he was not. He was firm but fair, mostly; no one’s perfect. At times a little heavy handed with punishment and he wasn’t big on first offence diversions. He did have a faith in God Almighty as creator. When I was young he said to me “As far as I am concerned, this is the truth. But I’ll let you decide for yourself what you want to believe. Your mother and I will accept anything you want to believe in but this is it for me”. We left that until the last few years when spiritual conversations were coming up more. We were just starting to build on that when this happened. Just not enough time. The candle went out. But I am grateful Dad went out quickly, he didn’t suffer long. It was one really bad day at the office but now he can rest. He would not have wanted to linger on for years incapacitated in any way for others to be burdened with. And I do believe he is alive in God’s memory as it states in Luke 20 verses 38 “He is a God, not of the dead but of the living for they are all living to Him.” So, I believe and hope to see you again Al. Well done mate, rest easy. We love you.

Goodbye Bro. As Stuart said, they broke the mold when you were created - one of you was more than enough... I am glad Chrissy and I saw you at the house before the service and were able to say goodbye because I stuffed up the times and missed the service. It was great to go back to the house and spend some time with the whanau afterwards. You and Robin were especially supportive of me, particularly through my first marriage and subsequent divorce and whilst I thanked you for that it really is a debt that can't be repaid - other than with a thank you. Fly well and be at peace. Always remembered. Onward.