Rest in Peace Uncle Athol. Your kindness and warmth will stay in our hearts forever. We will always remember the wonderful support you and Aunty Joan gave to Mum and Dad while Mum was sick in Waikato Hospital. I’m sure you will enjoy catching up with Dad and sharing a few good laughs. The gardens will be blooming…

Thank you Poppa for everything you have done for my little brother and I. You truly were an amazing Pop, but also an amazing friend. Poppa taught me not to take life so seriously and to always have a laugh. Our usual goodbyes to eachother always ended with "Stay out of trouble!" as I think he knew I got my playful nature from him. Unfortunately for my poor coworkers, they now have to deal with my pranks in the work place that are heavily inspired by Poppa's school stories. Fortunately for me, I have a lot of fun doing it. It has earned me the nickname "Trouble" in the office, which is also what Poppa would call me. I now always think of him when I get called my office nickname. Poppa also had a love for crafting and innovative ideas. His crafts were a large part of my childhood, with the jungle gym he made in our backyard and other little things he made with my little brother. He was very patient with both my brother and I. However, you could tell it tired him out when he'd fall asleep, gob open, on his arm chair after lunch. Who knew being patient with two enthusiastic, energetic, grandkids was so tiring! In his final years, Poppa and I went out for dinner and lunch when I visited. It was so lovely speaking with him and hearing more about his life and the lessons he had learned. I also loved hearing the way he talked about Grandma and his love for her. I really won the lottery with having such amazing grandparents in my life. Although I am sad that Poppa has passed, I am happy he is reunited with his love, Grandma. Stay out of trouble Poppa! And say hi to Grandma from me x

Thank you pop for all the memories, advice and adventures we had in your backyard. Your garden will forever grow with me. Love you poppa

Thinking of you All, at this time, and the fun, laughs at the hospital Store.

Condolenses to the family, growing up across the road from the hospital store with the Porteous were great times. RIP Athol

Codolences to Athol's family.I grew up in Grant VC street just round the corner from where the Porteous's lived in Waihi Road. We had some great times as kids in King Edward park growinhg up.

Pop taught me so much, how to grow things, how to build things, and above all, how to be a stand-up person. Some of those lessons came gently. Others came with a bit of tough love. Looking back, I'm grateful for all of it, because it made me who I am. He was the kind of person who could hand you a shovel and a lesson at the same time. He taught me precision and pride in a job done right, measuring twice (unless he said once was enough) and cutting once, and never settling for "good enough" when "well done" was within reach. Pop wasn't just all lessons, he had stories to tell. Some wiser than others. I still laugh thinking about the time he told me about him and his friends shot pin tipped arrows at each other and telling me the trick to not get hit was to not run in a straight line. Questionable, but a good point. He was an amazing family member, and someone I looked up to. If I could ask for one more thing, it would be more time. That being one more afternoon in the garden, one more project in the workshop, one more story I probably shouldn't repeat. Pop, I hope you're up there having the time of your life, finally reunited with Grandma. We miss her dearly, and now we miss you too. Until we meet again, Pop. Thank you for everything.