John TAYLOR Obituary

Although this is late to say, I was very saddened to hear on a recent short visit to New Zealand, that John had died earlier in the year and that of his beloved son Simon last year. A heavy burden for any family to bear.

Both Martin and I have such happy memories of our time in Masterton and at Rathkeale and the kindness and support John always showed Martin as a teacher there and myself when living at the school with my father.

I will always remember John´s great empathy and love when he gave me the news of the unexpected death of my father. John was a great supporter and friend to my father making his year there a very contented one.

We were so grateful for Johns immediate happiness and agreement when we wanted to marry at Rathkeale a few years later. John was always so very kind making our day a joyful one.

Even though it is many years since our time in New Zealand - we were still very sad to hear of John´s (and Simon´s) passing - our love and thoughts go to all the family at the very sad loss of so warm, generous, gregarious and fun gentleman - he was indeed a good man and am sure is greatly missed by you all.
Lis and Martin Dobson

I was so sad to hear of Johns death.
He was a great Headmaster, charismatic, speaker and life enthusiast.For many of us he was the surrogate Father figure and his message to us was that of hope ( and discipline!).
Brilliant teacher, sportsman, actor ,speaker and leader. What a loss. My sympathy to Sarah and family. This from a Rathkeale old boy.

I have only just found out that John has passed away. How could that happen. It is only a few months ago that John wrote, "here we are 2 silly old buggers still enjoying family and friends etc." No wonder he is not answering his emails.
John and I have known each other since we were at kindergarten in 1946. We went through primary school, secondary school and university together. Even after I went to Australia in 1964 we stayed in touch, visited one and other and reminisced about the state of world rugby. We were due to have a post-covid reunion in August. I am still shattered. I cannot imagine what Sarah is going through. First Simon and now John. Life can be cruel. I have lost a very good friend but Sarah has lost the love of her life. Our deepest condolences Sarah. Love Garth and Carole.

I was listening to the pod cast between two beers with Ali Williams and my world stopped when Ali mentioned the sad news of John´s passing. As a former Kings college pupil from 84-88 I was really lucky to have him as a headmaster. He displayed tremendous passion for the college and the Kings way. I always remember after leaving the college and returning to referee rugby with Auckland Rugby how welcoming and friendly he was. One of life´s true gentlemen. RIP JT and love to Sarah and family.

We are so sorry to hear of John´s death. He was a fine gentleman and a greatly respected headmaster. Sending our sincere condolences to Sarah and family. John and Jenny Villiger

Deepest sympathy, Sarah.
Denise (9 Parry)

My memory of JST goes back to late 1960s when he and Sarah lived above the FDS at 4 Armagh St when John taught at Christ's. (Those Taylor parties!) Then he appointed me to Rathkeale while I was in the UK. A good man in all ways.

Big loss. Special man. God speed.

Jane and I first met John when our daughter attended college. It was a great priviledge to work alongside John and Sarah on various fundraising projects and later at the University.
His cheerful yet very thoughtful disposition was an absolute joy.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

our sympathies to Sarah, Sophie and Lucy we will never forget John, a truly outstanding man.

Jane and Owen Williams

JT was my Rector and House Master at Rathkeale in 79
A fine man with great values and principles which he passed on to us "juniors" for a first year as boarders
I take away from Mr.Taylor a message he gave me which was
You haven't come this far,
To have only come this far.
I'm thankful to have been part of of the History that Mr.Taylor etched into Rathkeale history
Im saddened to have left us.
My thoughts and condolences to Mrs Taylor and families
Kindest regards
Malcolm Carrad

Hello to John Taylor family, Would kindly like to send my condolence to Taylor family to your loss of a father and wife. John Taylor was my headmaster during my time at King's College from 1988 - 1990. Even though did not have much to do with John Taylor, my parents did with my ongoing bullying as a boarder at St Johns. I know John was very much behind the scenes as Principal to make my experience as a boarder as pleasant as possible, under very difficult circumstances. Largely to John working closely with my parents, I enjoyed three years of good education and experiences, and will be always grateful to the opportunity and John's leadership at the school. Also, believe John had a big part to play in being able to get know Reverend Warner Wilder, and helped my greatly going to one to one talks with Warner Wilder.I remember John Taylor's calm demeanour, professionalism, sense of humour and dedication to his students will be always remembered. Kindest wishes Richard.

June and I met John and Sarah through my sister Sally Rumbold. We have lived in Canada for the past 45 years so have not had the privilege of knowing John in his working life but understand the formidable contribution he and Sarah have made over the years.
John became a great mate who was known as my "twin" as we were both exactly the same age.
I miss your presence daily even 8000 miles away John!
Hugh & June Richardson

John Taylor was an exceptional person in every way. My eldest daughter had 2 years at King's under John and I often saw him at chapel services and sports games. He was very friendly and interested and was passionate about high standards and a good education. After he left King's he worked for the University of Auckland in a building in Princes Street just along the road from my office so I would often see him and talk in Princes Street - just a thoroughly nice person who will be sorely missed. RIP John.

JT was a very presence in our lives, from his influence at Christ's College, then as headmaster King's College while our son Richard was there. Not easy years to be a Head but John and Sarah opened their house to us and made us so welcome. He has left his mark. Your job is done John and your energy well rewarded

Our sympathy at this sad time.our thoughts are with you all. Robin and Glenys Still

To Sarah & family,
The Waddell family send our deepest sympathy to you all at this sad & difficult time.
John made a significant contribution to the lives of our two sons, David & Rob at Kings College ; always cheerful, positive & encouraging.
We are also mindful of John's most valuable work since then for Auckland University & well beyond; always for the wider benefit of others.

Dear Sarah and family
We remember John as a kind, thoughtful, can-do man. His inspirational leadership and service to education reflects a life of service and enduring value. We remember, with gratitude, "John and Sarah" as amazing team during their tenure at Rathkeale College. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Cliff and Gerry Bouton

Saddened to hear of John´s passing, such a tough year for you all. John is most definitely remembered as the greatest leader of Rathkeale School. Lots of love Wends (Cameron) & Smythy xx

John was my tennis coach and mentor at Christs College.I was fortunate to always have his encouragement to be the best I could be both on and off the court.My condolences to Sarah and the Taylor family.

Dear Sarah and family. I am sending you my deepest condolences at this sad time and remembering the great years we had at Rathkeale. Both John and yourself made a huge contribution to the school and positively impacted on many of our lives over those formative years. I will always remember John as a hugely motivated, determined, inspiring and strict but fair leader who made a difference with us all. with love and thoughts Dave Hutchison.

Dear Lucy , my thoughts are with you at this difficult time , I just lost my Dad three weeks ago so understand how you must be feeling xxx

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Dorothy Booth (Masterton) and Richard Poole (Howick), ex Dyer St. Lower Hutt, fellow tennis players.

John was an outstanding educator who inspired generations of students to believe in themselves and in the power of education. His service to The Trinity Schools, King´s College and Auckland University leaves a lasting legacy. A giant kauri tree has fallen. Rest in Peace

John leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and transformation. Their leadership inspired countless individuals to believe in the power of self belief and to strive for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A life well lived. Rest in Peace

John was an inspirational Headmaster, forward thinking and well ahead of his peers in an era of change in education within New Zealand/Aotearoa. A kind man who always set the standard and gave the benefit of the doubt to students and staff alike. He will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to Sarah and the family.
Chas,Lucy, and Kate Foxall.

John was the second Headmaster of Rathkeale College, from 1979-87, and he served as the Patron of our Association. As Robert Blackett has said above, JST was an inspirational leader. He made an enormous contribution to the college and the Rathkeale community. Old Boys from those years will remember keenly the standards JST set and they will be saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts are with Mrs Taylor, Lucy and Sophie and their families.
Edward Cox
President
Rathkeale Old Boys' Association

Apart from being an outstanding headmaster at Rathkeale College he was also an enthusiastic and vital member of the Masterton Rotary Club. He was chairman of the committee that organised the function when I was to become President of the club and he flew up the Wizard of Christchurch to be the guest speaker! What a hoot! R.I.P.

John was a wonderful Headmaster and I had the privilege of being his Deputy for his last eleven years at King´s College. He was such a positive and inspirational leader and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Our sincere condolences to Sarah and family. RIP JT.
Robin, Cheryl, Shannon, Cain and Adam

We first met you at Rathkeale where you were building boys into men. Our son was on that journey. Thank you John, RIP and Rise in Glory
Glenys and Bob Clark

John was a wonderful human and a fine Headmaster. I had the privilege of working with him for many years at King´s and he led the school superbly. Condolences to Sarah and the family.

Mr John Taylor was a wonderful Headmaster to my son Sampath , (Major House) at Kings College.
May his soul rest in Eternal Peace . Our sincere Condolences to Sarah and the family .
Dr Nelum , Sampath and Indra Soysa

A wonderful headmaster.He was a great supporter of our efforts to gain entrance to Oxford University for our son, That year 5 for James was a unique experience and has resulted in his amazing success.
We as a family owe John a great deal for his support and continued interest. Hal Lawry

We remember and thank John for his days at Rathkeale and the tutelage and all-around support to students, including our son. You made "good men".
RIP John and Rise in Glory.
Glenys and Bob Clark

An inspirational Headmaster during his years at Rathkeale College. A true leader who encouraged his students to set high goals and strive to achieve them. JST, thanks for all that you did for Rathkeale College and NZ education. Thoughts are with the family at this challenging time.

Incredible memories and gratitude for how John supported our 3 boys at Kings. Sarah and John opened their home on the grounds to us many wonderful times. Such a positive and inspiring role model always encouraging to work hard to realise your full potential. Condolences and love to Sarah and family. Doug and Trish McKay.