Jonathan DOUGLAS Obituary

My sincere condolences goes to Nikki, Ella,Grace and JD's family and friends. What an honour and privilege to have known him it was. Not just as a colleague, but also as a friend. When I arrived in NZ in 2008 I had the privilege of working under him for close on 3 years. He was one of the most humblest and genuine people I have ever met. He was an absolute genius in his field of work and taught me more than he probably ever realized. No problem was ever too big or small for him, even if he did not always have the answer right away, he would always return with a solution. "Let's look at it tomorrow with fresh eyes!" he would sometimes say,and sure enough, the next day the problem would be fixed. Even to this day, if I face a challenge in my work, I always think" what would JD do?"
JD, although we were living worlds apart the last couple of years I often think of you and probably always will. Thank you for everything you have done for me,and showing me acceptance when I needed it most, and just for being you!RIP!!!
Marius Rossouw

JD was unique in the marine industry. While a very experienced and skilled tradesman he retained a personable attitude and demeanour that set him apart in his field.
No matter the situation JD would remain calm and would always seek out the positive solution looking forward rather than dwelling on the past.
I never recall him raising his voice, or losing his temper, he always kept it together, he never spoke ill of someone behind their back, nor did he belittle people.
JD always had time for you no matter how busy he was and in more than 30 years in the Marine Industry he stands out as easily the best People Person I have ever worked with.
To Ella, Grace and Nikki, Each day we went to work you had shared your very special man with us, and we were all much the better for that. If his legacy is that he left a lot of us with a much more positive outlook on life then he has delivered the most important message.
But there was something else that made JD really special, JD could see potential in other people that they never even realised that they had in themselves! This was a gift in him that the many of us who worked with him will be forever grateful.