John and I first met at Trentham Post Office accommodation centre 1959 and became good friends. From there we moved together to share living with three other Post Office w0rkers in Wellington South until I got married. I moved back to Napier 1964 and we did not meet up with each until 2010 when I surprised John with a visit. I knew the pub he drank at and told the barman to make sure John got a beer. I got my beer and sat at a table in a corner and waited for John to turn up. When he tried to buy a beer the barman told him he had one paid for and somebody was waiting for him to have a get together. Never seen anyone so surprised that he would travel from Dannevirke Hawkes Bay to Invercargill just to have a drink. We stayed at his flat for 5 days and I returned home. I had a later trip and looked John up but did not stay with him. We spent about three days around city and Bluff. From then we stayed in touch by email and phone until he died. Great memories

Woody, Just learned of your passing online. So many workouts at World Gym! We'd have a yarn & a chuckle, I valued your friendship. Meant to visit you before I left Invers but it didn't happen. Go peacefully Irene

Woody, you were a good man and a wonderful uncle. Visiting you in Invercargill as a youngster was always so fun and exciting, and even though we saw less of each other as the years went by, it was always so great when I got to see your lovely smile and hear your silly jokes :) Rest in peace Uncle John, much aroha.

Thanks John for being a great school friend at Tauranga Boys College in the 1950's. And also for the continued contact and friendship ever since. I will always remember the fun we had together. Rest in peace, John. Graham Woods.

Woody I really enjoyed your cheeky grin and we had some fun great conversations - particularly the witty ones- considering your hardships you just got on with it - I respect you for that - it any have been easy rest easy fella With fond memories Tony Foley

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a member of our gym World Health and Fitness for many years. RIP John.

Your a good man Uncle John. A great friend to our Dad as wee girls on a Sunday bringing us our wee 50c mixtures. Remembered our birthdays. May you rest in peace without suffering. Bless