Frank DODD Obituary

DODD, Frank (Frank). Born January 19, 1935. Passed away on January 03, 2022. Kua hinga te totora i te wao nui a Tane. Frank was born in 1935 in Ponsonby, Auckland to Charlie and Agnes (nee Duffy) Dodd. Charlie was a wharfie and Ponsonby was in the heart of working-class Auckland. It was not the gentrified suburb Ponsonby is now. It was a tough upbringing and one that honed his lifelong sense of injustice and compassion. Frank's parents were heavily involved in the Auckland waterfront strikes of 1951. Charlie was on the picket-lines and Agnes was leading the women's union auxiliary supporting their striking husbands. Frank, then in his teens was a runner â?" carrying messages between the various union factions. This experience led to his lifelong association with the union movement and the NZ Labour Party. He remained a true believer his whole life. Realising that the way for working people to improve their lot in society was through education, Frank studied to become a teacher and was the first member of the family to attend University. Over the years he became one of NZ's most highly respected school principals at Hawarden District High School (now Hurunui College), Takapuna Primary, Northcote Intermediate, and Mt Eden Normal Primary Schools. He was also active in the New Zealand Education Institute, the NZEI - the NZ primary teachers' union. He rose to become its President in 1985. Frank changed the lives of many. It was not uncommon for past pupils and colleagues to pay their respects to him when they bumped into him in the street. Frank loved his Rugby League and swam almost daily for many years. He completed numerous cross-harbour swims until only a few years ago. Frank always strived to be the best Father he could be and for that his three sons, Aaron, Joel and Jonathan will always be grateful. He, along with their Mother of course, set them up for life â?" and at the end of the day that's all any parent can hope to achieve. Frank is survived by his wife Naomi, his brother Malcolm, his 3 Sons, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.... His was a life well lived. Kia hora te marino Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana Kia tere te karohirohi i mua i tou huarahi The funeral will be held at at 10:30am, Monday 10/1/2022 at Dils Funeral Home, Schnapper Rock Road, Albany.