James DUTTON Obituary

I was privileged to meet Harry three years ago, and looked forward to spending time with him every time we met subsequently at various family functions. Ideal opportunities arose when he fired up his giant barbecue, which took him aside from the crowd in general, where he was invariably the centre of attraction.
He had hours of fascinating recollections, from the Blitz around Coventry, where his father worked for the Standard motor car company, to being evacuated into the country for safety; coming out to NZ as a 17-year-old, alone with his 13-year-old brother Ted; to his formative years in Auckland of the early-to-mid fifties, including service with the Territorial Air Force. There he befriended many with whom he continued to socialise for the rest of his life.
Life on the beat as a constable in Auckland City afforded many intriguing experiences, as did hotel management in Auckland and Waihau Bay, which also exposed him to a number of hairy adventures with deep-sea fishing.
In every facet of his life, including real-estate and taxi-driving, Harry showed a stoic fortitude with great persistence and ingenuity, always concerned for the safety of others. His recall of the many events in his life was amazing, not to mention the colourful way in which he described them.
I sorely miss Harry and feel deeply for Mary, his girls and grandchildren in their sad loss.

Michael Palairet

Dearest Harry, Loyal, caring and loved friend and brother-in-law of 54 years, the void of your passing is vast. Memories and flash-backs of the times we shared, throughout our family journey over the years, keep playing in my mind. They bring smiles, laughter, tears and deep appreciation of the decent, very talented, and dedicated family man that you were. Thank you for sharing in our lives. I love you brother-in-law. Leanna Traill-Palairet

DUTTON, Harry. Passed away on 15 October 2015. We have shared 63 years of golden memories my friend. Many laughs, jokes, songs and a great friendship. You have been part of our family, and our children's lives and you will be sadly missed by all of us. Rest in peace our friend, until we met again. All our love Ray and Joy Hinton and family.