John Patrick Knowles
Also known as "Ricky"
28 March 1946 – 16 September 2025
John Patrick Knowles
Also known as "Ricky"
28 March 1946 – 16 September 2025
KNOWLES, John Patrick - better known as Ricky. After an extremely long illness from pot room asthma, Ricky passed away peacefully at Southland Hospital on the 16th September 2025 in his 80th year. Dearly loved by Stephen, Rochelle and family. Much loved Uncle of his extended family and friends. Ricky immigrated from England and left behind his seven siblings and later an adopted niece, Amanda Winteringham. A special thanks to his friend and advocate, Denise Lormans, who has tirelessly worked along side Ricky in his endeavours to get justice for his illness. Also thanks to the St John Ambulance services for taking care of Ricky over the years and taking him to his holiday home at Southland Hospital! Thank you to Good Partners night carers who looked after Ricky over the last couple of years, and A.C.C. for allowing this to happen. We would also like to thank A.C.C. and other case workers. Ricky fought a courageous battle for near on 40 years. He got every ounce of life out of his frail body. We always joked that he had more lives than a cat and he certainly did. A special significant person in his life, was the late Doreen, for giving each other a life worth living. A service for Ricky will be held at the Lindisfarne Methodist Church on Monday 22nd September 2025 at 1pm, followed by a private cremation. Messages for the “Knowles” Family can be sent to P.O. Box 632, Invercargill or on Ricky’s tribute page mwfunerals.co.nz/s/ricky.
Notice by Macdonald & Weston Funeral Home
Funeral service held at Lindisfarne Methodist Church
Tributes
Dear Johnboy, so sad to see you have left us. I was your ED nurse over many many years, and got to know you and Doreen well. Gosh we has some fun Johnboy, always referred to you as my "ED boyfriend', talk about a cat with 9 lives!.Be at peace now, no more fighting to breathe. It been a pleasure to know you. Rest in peace. Love to your family. Jane Brown x
So so sorry to hear ricky lost is battle . He was such an awesome person always had a good joke to tell and we laughed alot when doing his cares, always stood up for what he believed in sorry for your loss take care zivana hcnz
I have had the privilege of helping and supporting both Ricky and Doreen over the years, first as Ricky's legal advocate, but also in later years as someone he could talk to when he was worried, planning his next adventure, looking at his ACC entitlements, as well as being someone he could also share his slightly off colour jokes with. I will miss his humour, his mischief, his love of life, and the sparkle in his eyes. From the whole team at the Southland Community Law Centre, but in particular myself and our receptionist who got to know him well through all the wee chats when he called in to the office , we wish Stephen and Rochelle & their family nothing but strength and peace at this time of immense loss.
Sad that Ricky has gone, he sure was a hard case and did live life to the fullest. We cherish your friendship over many years. All of our love to his family.
Condolences to the family. Have known Rick as Pom for many years, while a worker at Tiwai. Then a regular at SDHB. Great fight Pom.
Notice by Macdonald & Weston Funeral Home
Funeral service held at Lindisfarne Methodist Church
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