My father was the eldest of three children. He was born into a hard working family where his father was a master carpenter and whose primary job was going around New Zealand buying hotels / bed and breakfast hostels, fixing them up and then re-selling them. It is said my dad went to 27 schools in his early years because of all these moves. Dad served in all military services and became qualified as an electrician. He served in the second world war in the Pacific fixing up American aeroplanes (Kitty Hawks). At our aviation museum here in Auckland we have Kitty Hawk No: 51, apparently dad worked on this plane. My father was not one to show great emotion however in saying that he lived for his family. He instilled values and the knowledge as to what was right and wrong. He was strict but that was OK, as at least you knew where you stood. Dad was an extremely hard worker. He worked 7 days a weeks all his life and only stopped when he could work no longer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 1978 but that did not stop him he carried on working. He was the bravest man I have ever known. He knew he was dying but NEVER complained, he would always have a smile for you. This tribute is for you dad. I hope you are looking down on us all and are proud of our achievements. We are who we are because of you. My only regret is that you never saw your grandchildren before you died. You are now with mum so rest in peace knowing you did a great job in raising us. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about you (and mum) so in our hearts you will never die. Derrick
My father was the eldest of three children. He was born into a hard working family where his father was a master carpenter and whose primary job was going around New Zealand buying hotels / bed and breakfast hostels, fixing them up and then re-selling them. It is said my dad went to 27 schools in his early years because of all these moves. Dad served in all military services and became qualified as an electrician. He served in the second world war in the Pacific fixing up American aeroplanes (Kitty Hawks). At our aviation museum here in Auckland we have Kitty Hawk No: 51, apparently dad worked on this plane. My father was not one to show great emotion however in saying that he lived for his family. He instilled values and the knowledge as to what was right and wrong. He was strict but that was OK, as at least you knew where you stood. Dad was an extremely hard worker. He worked 7 days a weeks all his life and only stopped when he could work no longer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 1978 but that did not stop him he carried on working. He was the bravest man I have ever known. He knew he was dying but NEVER complained, he would always have a smile for you. This tribute is for you dad. I hope you are looking down on us all and are proud of our achievements. We are who we are because of you. My only regret is that you never saw your grandchildren before you died. You are now with mum so rest in peace knowing you did a great job in raising us. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about you (and mum) so in our hearts you will never die. Derrick
