Ivan AITKEN Obituary

RIP Ivan from Hunterville School friend and Marton District high School

Memories of Ivan (Father)

To Ivan's family, our deepest condolences. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend his service but we do have some very fond, unforgettable memories of him. We taught with Ivan at Tauranga Intermediate back in the seventies and eighties. Both Pam (now living in Whanganui) and I (Northland) spoke on the phone this morning for nearly two hours about Ivan and laughing hysterically about some of the memories. We would like to share some of them with you.

At the time Ivan as DP, with Best Bets in his back pocket, would patrol the school with his big booming voice and kids would scatter and run back into their classrooms, pulling up their socks and sitting quietly when he passed by.

We were a group of young, attractive, hard-working women on the staff with Ivan - Pammy, Connie, Kathryn, Merrilyn and myself and to us he was Father. With his cheeky grin he took an interest in our social well being. Someone had organised a staff TGIF social club which was frequently attended by the above. They were great party days with fun, laughter and a time to release the stresses of the teaching week. It was during one of these occasions that a friendly challenge to a game of squash between Ivan and myself was organised. The date was set - two weeks to the day and an unbiased and appropriate referee was appointed. The ref happened to be Dixie Cockerton, the formidable and highly respected principal at the time and a top ranked netball coach.

However, by the time the match took place the challenge had become anything but friendly. The staff took sides and side bets were placed. Dastardly schemes and retributions were actioned. The heat was turned up! Books, dusters, chalk and files began to disappear. Rumours about secret coaching sessions, held late at night at the Mount were heard. After school one night, my motor scooter was stolen from the staff carpark, and was found the next day behind a school building. The culprit was identified by a witness - the groundsman. Quite a few hours later at 2.00 am, a sleepy Glenys answered the phone to a sweet young voice asking to speak to Ivan. Revenge was sweet!

On the afternoon of the match, the whole staff, including the groundsmen turned up to watch and cheer for their favourite competitor. It was indeed a great match and both fought desperately for the last winning point. At the end of the match, a very concerned Dixie asked to be shown the location of the phone as she felt a strong need to ring for an ambulance (for Ivan).

Although there are hundreds of entertaining stories about Ivan, he was a great friend and a loyal, respected colleague. He loved the school and he loved his rugby. He could take and give a joke, waltz gracefully, speak honestly and his handwriting was beautiful. He was my leader of the pack. And that's another story!

Rest in peace old friend. E moemoe, haere ra.
Arohanui
Paulene Malpas, (Malps) Pam Woisin (Pammy) and on behalf of Connie Farrell (deceased) and the other girls' .


Memories from Pammy that she would like to share.
He was passionate about the Tai Mitchell Rugby Shield and worked hard with his rugby boys to make sure their weight reached the required level.
One night after celebrating my birthday I received a DIC - my first and last. I lost my licence. Father (Ivan) picked me up every morning and drove me to school until I got a special licence. I have never forgotten his kind gesture and his understanding as I felt so ashamed. I have great and wonderful memories of those days with a wonderful guy - Ivan.

My sincerest condolences to Karyn, Trudy, Lesley and families on the passing of a wonderful man.
Ivan was my teacher way back in the early 60's, then I got to work with him in the late 90's in Tauranga. He was such a caring, and inspirational human. One of the two teachers in my life that I hold dear from my time at Manunui Primary.
He and your mum Glenys were also friends of my parents in Manunui and I used to baby sit you when you lived there. We all had some wonderful times together and I treasure those memories.
Ivan was without a doubt one of the reasons I took up teaching (although no longer teach, but still work within Education). Rest in peace Ivan, say hi to Glenys, Ollie and Ally from us all
Susan Keys and family - ex Manunui.

To the Atiken family,
A wonderful teacher and much respected community member during his time at Parewanui School.
Our thoughts are with you all

To a great man Ivan Aitken thank you for all that you have done in the school rugby.
From Mitchell Brown , Reece Brown Samantha Brown
Fly High and Rest in Peace
From Annette Brown
PS Thinking of you Karen

To Karen, Trudy and Leslie, my thoughts are with you and your families at this sad time.
My fond memories of your Dad go way back to the days of Parewanui Primary School where we lived right next door to you guys. My Mum and Dad (Merle and Dave Anderson) and your Mum and Dad were pretty close and I can recall many a night they would get together for a meal and end up playing cards - the laughter could nearly lift the roof off our home. Fond memories are what we have and can look back on and smile

So sad to read this post. Mr Aiken didn’t teach me at intermediate but he had an involvement in my intermediate years. He was always interested and very supportive of me and my tennis. I’ll never forgot ball room dancing in the school hall and Mr Aiken looking around the whole room deciding who would be his partner to demonstrate the waltz. I was clutching onto the curtain with sweaty hands hoping not to get chosen but in my heart I just knew he would choose me. I always got sweaty hands and didn’t want to hold hands with any boys. I just wanted the floor to open up swallow me. I saw Mr Aiken in New World supermarket last year and he said he remembered me which I was so impressed by. Then I saw him in a Zimmer frame this year so he must of deteriorated really quick. RIP you were a great teacher and I have found memories of you xxxx

To Karyn, Trudy and Lesley,
Thinking of you all at this sad time. I have fond memories of your Dad - my teacher in the later 60's early 70's.
He will be remembered as a great teacher and friend to many I am sure. Take care and remember all the good times and happy memories. Love to all, Adrienne Bruhns (nee Carson)

My sincere condolences to trudy, karen leslie and family..
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Xx