John Joseph O'Sullivan

8 October 194129 August 2019

O’SULLIVAN John Joseph

Passed away peacefully at Te Rangimarie Hospice on Thursday 29 August 2019, aged 77 years.  Dearly loved husband of Heather (nee McLeod) for 51 years.  Loving father, father-in-law and Grandy of Sarah, and Jasmine; Katie, Chris, and Sophie Wyllie.  Loved brother of Tim (Canada).

In preference to flowers donations to Taranaki Hospice would be appreciated and may be left at the service.  Messages for John’s family may be left on his tribute page at www.eagars.co.nz/john.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Eagars’ Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Monday 2 September 2019 at 2.00pm, followed by a private cremation.  John’s service will be live streamed via his tribute page.

Eagars Funerals

Notice by Eagars Funerals

Tributes

Such sad news! So pleased I didnt hear about it until this morning as it was my birthday yesterday. We were in the same class at St Joseph’s, Harlesden when we were very young. I missed his birthday greetings to me....now I know why! May you rest in peace John, we will all miss you greatly.

Jean Walker nee Hermsen

Sad news to learn of John's passing while I was overseas. ⁣⁣John ,JJ to many, will be fondly remembered by many people he worked or socialised with over his life. For my part our first meeting was in 1973 during the final construction at New Plymouth. John was popular among the group of new operators because of his willingness and ability to easily explain or lecture on the control systems.⁣John was a great Engineer and manager; a fearless fighter for his beliefs and principles. John could be a hard taskmaster with high standards, sometimes seemingly unforgiving, but always supportive and ready to make allowances. John had a wicked sense of humour, ever ready to poke the borax but just as happy to take it with a laugh when appropriate. John loved the cut and thrust of vigourous debate too. He gave a ready ear and critical response to other views. John was able to bridge the gap with all other disciplines even those who did not share his love for the beautiful game. Farewell John Kevin Turner

Kevin Turner

Suzanne and I would like to say a few words as part of the celebration of John's rich and successful life. John had an impressive number of outstanding features to his character that I have always admired and I want to reflect on just a few. We first met in Hamiltonin the mid 60's as raw young engineers with the NZED while enjoying the freedom provided by our first pay packets. Picture a bare flat in East Hamilton with John, Jeremy and I enjoying the delights of Bavarian Bitter and discussing what we would like to do with our lives. It was from there that I first noticed John's competent approach to professional engineering, management and leadership that blossomed throughout his career in the Electricity industry. Later in 1970 while Betty and I were visiting my new parents-in-law in Holland, John and Heather came to visit. One evening we watched a football match between a London club and the Dutch Ajax. John was so nervous that he couldn't eat his dinner and throughout the game the room was filled with continual slogans of encouragement and insults in several different languages. It was then that I first noticed his passion for the "beautiful game" that continued throughout his busy life. Although we didn't see much of each other during our busy career years, we always kept in touch and retirement allowed us to visit each other more. John continued to study a wide range of topics after retirement to feed his huge intellectual appetite and I was continually impressed by the depth and range of his general knowledge. Of course the most important attribute John possessed was his warm and friendly character together with his love and devotion to his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather. John will be sorely missed but he has left behind many happy memories.

Tony Bowen

We very much enjoyed having the O’Sullivans as neighbours in Tensing Place for your short stay in Wellington. Happy memories. We salute John’s memory and send our love, Heather, Sarah and Katie. Kaye and Dennis Lally

Kaye Lally

So saddened to learn of John's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing John for the last 8 years as a member of the Rulings Panel. He was a very special, caring person and I am so grateful for the time we spent together chatting about our families and the Energy Industry- mostly at Wellington airport waiting for our respective flights. The funeral service was a wonderful tribute to John. Thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Heather.

Sue Roberts

We are very saddened to hear of John passing Rip. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Heather & Family. Fond memories of time spent in UK. From O’Sullivan cousins Michael John & Johanna also Mum Alice

Alice O’Sullivan

51 years - what an achievement. Remember Hamilton and the weekend tramping trip to Whitianga in the Anglia. London and the beautiful thatched cottange covered in roses. Maybe New Zealand didn't need nuclear power. Wellington and New Plymouth where Sarah, Katie and Stephanie played together as toddlers. Since leaving New Zealand we haven't visited New Plymouth often but you John and your family have been in our thoughts keeping in touch with yuour annual newsletter. Go well John and love to Heather, Sarah, Katie and their families. So sad to hear of your passing John. Barbara, David, Emma and Steph.

Barbara and David Watt

Dear Heather, Katie, Sarah, Griz, Jasmine and Sophie, So sad to hear the news of John's passing. What a beautiful service. A great man and a huge loss.... treasure those memories, especially most recently with baby Sophie. Our thoughts are with you all. Lots of love, Tammy, Glenn, Pippa, Seb and Jess.

Tammy Brooke

I was very saddened to read of Johns passing Heather. I hope you and your family can drew on memories to get you through these very tough times. Thinking of you, sincere sympathy Claire

Claire Chamberlain

To Heather and family, ⁣we are very saddened to hear of John's passing. We have fond memories of times spent together in Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ron and Stacey Buchhorn - British Columbia

Farewell John, a more kind English gentleman you would not meet. We will be celebrating a life well lived and honouring the wonderful man you were. Heather, you have shown the ultimate love caring for John until the end. With love to you all, Angie, Malcolm, Leo and Millie.xxxx

Angeline Elder

So sorry to hear of John's passing. A real gentleman, with a generous spirit. We had fun with our local body campaign in 2013 and John always brought along an excellent bottle of wine, along with his wit and wisdom to our campaign sessions. One of the good guys. He'll be sorely missed.

Len Houwers

To Sarah and your family. My thoughts are with you. Your father was one of the most principled and compassionate people I have had the privilege of working with. His influence and inspiration has been a great gift. I am saddened by the news of his death. I celebrate his life.

Chris Poff

Sending much love to Heather, Sarah and Katie, Grizz and John’s gorgeous grand-daughters. We have many happy memories of our catch up in France many years ago. We will make sure we have a dram of Scotland’s finest in your honour John. love Kirsty, Ross, Luke and Josh xx

Kirsty Mavor

We shared a room in 1966 when we were student apprentices at GEC in Birmingham. Lots of fun, good-natured arguments, and evenings in th epub. My thoughts are with Heather.

Austin Hughes

We will always feel a part of the O’Sullivan extended family, and we will miss you dearly John. Lots of love to Heather, Sarah, Jasmine, Katie, Chris & Sophie. With all our love The Copland Clan, UK

Deborah, Malcolm, Maggie & Jack Copland

I am so glad I came to NZ at Christmas to visit with the family, and complete John's bucket list," to play golf with my brother". I spoke to John on skype, and he did tell me not to come down for this occasion, so I will follow it on Live stream. My Prayers are with my brother, and my Sorrows are with Heather, Sarah,Jasmine, Katie,Chris & Sophie. Thanks again for the books at Christmas. Your brother, Tim

Timothy O'Sullivan

So sad to hear of John’s passing. My condolences to Heather and the family. Julie & John Penny UK

Julie Penny

The smile here says it all, John. We, the Taylor family are very saddened to learn of your passing - we've had some great times together and will have a "red" for your wake after the live stream of John's service. Our fondest love to you Heather, (my very good friend of 60 years,) and to your lovely family, Sarah & Jasmine; Katy, Chris & little Sophie.

Ray & Judy Taylor, Phillip & Susie

Heather and family - we are so sad to hear of John's passing and know he will be greatly missed. Lovely neighbour and friend over the years.

Jean and Peter Craven

So sorry to hear of John's passing. A wonderful man and family friend. Our deepest condolences and love to Heather and family.

Shirley, Ross and Pauline McLeod

So sad to hear of John’s passing, love to you all.

Glenice and Bernie Lile

Farewell Old Friend. It has been our privilege to have known you and to be your friend. A kind, wonderful man, who is going to be missed by all. Our love to Heather, Sarah, Jasmine, Katie, Chris and Sophie. Jackie and Mick Jacks, Benfleet, England

Michael Jacks

Goodbye Boss, fond memories of our time at New Plymouth Power Station. Started as a Boss but I farewell you as a friend. My deepest sympathies are with Heather and the girls at this difficult time. Joanne Frame, Melbourne, Australia

JOANNE FRAME

A wonderful man who will be sadly missed but remembered with a smile. Sending all my love to Heather, Sarah, Jas and Katie xxx

Rachel Trusler
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