John WILLS Obituary

'Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane. A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane'.(Mori proverb)
Uncle John is that totara, a great man of great importance in my world and that of my family.He has known me from my birth, always been a part of my life. A neighbour in Kaukapakapa, a friend, a story teller, a mine of information of all sorts of things, a loving husband to Aunty Norma, proud father of his children, and proud grandfather and great grandfather.
He (and Aunty Norma) have been there for me and my family for 4 generations, and will be missed immensely. Visits to Orewa will not be the same now without him to go and see and to hear war stories, farming stories, and to learn more about his long association with my family. xxx Liz Carter

Uncle John, you have been in my life since I was a baby and I simply cannot imagine what it will be like with you not here. There is just so much to thank you for - you have helped our family over the years so much. You were one of the people Mum would call when Dad was having a bad day - you were the driver to appointments, the 'let's chat about the war' guy, the fix it guy when things were broken and Dad couldn't remember what to do. You were the guy who would ring to check if Mum was ok and who would walk over to visit and give Mum a break.

I loved visiting your house on the way home from work and checking in on the latest new facts you would have to share.

I enjoyed the Friday car rides to North Shore hospital to visit with Aunty Norma when she was there - although you absolutely 100% would never let me drive you in my car - always you driving in your car.

The visits to you at the rest home were always a little bittersweet as I know you would have preferred to be in your own home but I admired your pragmatic approach to the change in your life. I know I failed many of the spontaneous quizzes you threw at me (how fast is the speed of light again?) but I also loved that you knew so much.

I learnt about loyalty watching you visit every day to see your love Aunty Norma and how thoughtful you were seeing to her every need.

I learnt about the value of friendship watching you support so many people in your circle - including my mum and dad.

I learnt about the need to keep occupied, keep exercising and keep going - every day - just keep going.

I really truly thought that you would be the one person who would live forever so I am still surprised to find that you didn't - but you gave it a bloody good go Uncle and you deserve a rest and to be with Aunty Norma again.

I love you Uncle John - always will. Go well and know that you will not be forgotten

Chrissy xxxxxx

John, a hero and true legend! You were a massive inspiration to all whose heart you touched! It was such an honour and privilege to have known such an amazing man! Your kind heart, loving nature and stories of your past will remain with us forever. You will be so dearly missed! Rest In Paradise John! Your now back with your beloved Norma!
Lots of love, forever and always.
Mark, Leeanne, Joshua, Lily and Riley Wilson xx