As I live across the pond in England with my mum (Jude) I never got to meet Pop in person however I will always cherish the Sunday morning skype calls that we did every week to catch up with Nana, Pop & Auntie Raewyn. One of my favourite memories with Pop was when I was around 11 years old & my dad had just taught me how to play the ukulele, so naturally as a creative 11-year old I decided to start writing my own song . After a week of practicing, I decided to perform it to Nana & Pop. Ukulele in hand & vocals at the ready, I sang my little heart out. Once I was finished, I was met with a great applause from Nana & Pop & high words of genuine praise that really inspired me to keep up with my musical theatre passion. Although my song was not good (it was pretty terrible actually), Pop's heartfelt smile & reassurance meant everything to me. The last time my mum went back home to NZ, she visited Pop & Auntie Raewyn in the care home they were staying in. Before mum left, she asked all of the family if there is anything we wanted her to bring back for us, and my only request was for her to get Pop & Raewyn to draw me a flower. Mum delivered on her promise & returned home with the two sheets of paper you can see on my bedroom wall. We knew Pop wasn't doing too well health wise, however to mum's surprise he managed to draw the beautifully detailed picture of a flower for me. What a trooper! It's one of my prized possessions & I'm eternally grateful that he mustered up the strength to draw it for me. Last Christmas we had a family facetime with Pop & Auntie Raewyn, at this point Pop was starting to decline but throughout our conversation I saw glimpses of a smile on his face & I managed to snap a screenshot of this cheeky smile, which I have also got framed on my wall. Your love for us & our love for you is a warmth that travelled across the oceans, I'm so grateful that I got to know you & I'm proud to call you my Pop. I love you so much Pop, rest easy

John had a way with words - it didn't matter how diverse the occasion, John could find the appropriate words to suit. He wrote numerous verses over the years, to which I was privileged to receive copies. We will miss your ability to use the English language for writing. God bless you. Love, Cousin Nyra and Ray