Patrick PARSONS Obituary

I was saddened to hear of Patrick's passing. We were colleagues during the Napier inner harbour inquiry before tge Waitangi Tribunal in 1993 to 1995. He was a talented and careful historian with a massive, detailed understanding of Hawkes Bay history.

I played Pat in the final of an age group tennis tournament in Hastings about 1960. I have put his heritage in Familysearch. His other tennis playing cousins (Marilyn Simpson and Perry Harrison) are documented there, also. Pat was a true gentleman.

Thank You Pat
Hugs and tears my friend , Grant

In 1980 l worked in the local sport store in Napier "Dennis Cawston Sports". Patrick at that time was a keen tennis player and used to play tennis weekly with Dennis my boss. At that time Patrick new l was a keen trout fisherman and he brought me in a photo of Phillip Parsons and Jimmy Ross admiring a trout together. A photo l have always admired. I met Patrick only one time later in passing in the Main Street in Waipukurau. It was Waipukurau township anniversary and Patrick had written a book about my home town and he was selling and signing copies of his book. I would like to pass on my condolences to the Parsons family on the passing of Patrick a pure gentleman sorely missed.

Condolences to Pat's family. While I only met him once, he was very generous about sharing some photos and stories of my father Dudley Morrison, his cousin. I spoke to him to let him know that my Uncle Colin Morrison had died about 3 years ago, but he could not make the funeral. Unfortunately we have not had the opportunity to catch up in recent years.

Thank you Pat for the many shared hours. I shall miss you not being around.

On behalf of the members of the RD 9 Historical Trust who wrote "West to the Annie", I know I speak for all of them in acknowledging Patrick's contribution to this important history of Hawke's Bay. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside Patrick and share a small part of his extensive knowledge.

Thank you for letting us know - Tracey and I are saddened to loose a lovely gentleman and customer like Patrick at this time year. We have grown to know Patrick over the years and loved to hear of his life's interests and stories - including archeology. He was a kind gentle soul. We will miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Chris - Onekawa Books & Gifts

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

We had the privilege of meeting Pat through Phil Belcher over 20years ago, and he quickly became a profound source of inspiration for us. His passion for history, especially Maori heritage and genealogy, was truly remarkable. Pat's extraordinary memory for Maori names and stories left us constantly in awe. Despite his vast knowledge, he remained a humble, kind, and generous soul.

Rest in peace, Pat. With love and admiration.

I was saddened to hear about Pat´s passing. He achieved more than most and has left an enduring legacy.

Thank-you Pateriki for your precise penmanship, helpful advice, wise counsel, difficult questions and thoughtful insight over many years scrutinising and sharing the intricate web of Ngati Kahungunu whakapapa. It is an honour and privileged to know your generous nature, sharp wit and brilliant mind.

As you now traverse to the other side of the veil, I find solace in that you will have direct source to all your unanswered questions. Enjoy the adventure.

May all who know and love you find solace in the legacy of your life. As a respected colleague and trusted friend, I will miss you. Haere ra e te tuakana, haere, haere.

Our Deepest Sympathies to the family, a great orator, and keeper of knowledge, he will be greatly missed by the entire district . RIP Pat

My deepest condolences to Pat's family.

Hawkes Bay has lost a remarkable man who devoted many years to Maori genealogy and histories.

Also, he was of great inspiration to me when researching our Lopdell family. Pat was such a valuable asset to us. It is hard to believe he will no longer be at the end of the phone offering advice or answering my questions.

R.I.P. Pat

I met Pat at HBHS , back in the early 1980s , and enjoyed each others company for many years with many over lapping interests , i moved to australia , we remained in regular phone contact , i will miss him , a great bloke , rest in pease old buddy ..

Matua Pat...

"E koingo ai nga wai kare moana a roto, a wairua - Oh how my essence, my waters grieve..."

Words will never be enough to acknowledge the depth of gratitude I have for the generosity you exemplified throughout our time working together. That is what you and I connected over - old, smelly, beautifully broken and imperfect manuscripts. Thank you for your precious time. Thank you for our discussions. Thank you for our debates. Thank you for sharing your dreams. Thank you for fostering mine. Thank you for picking up the phone and indulging me with your knowledge, sense of humour, banter and passion. I am a much richer person in mind, in body, in spirit, and in soul. Thank you for being one of the most profound and selfless teachers I had in this life. I love you Matua Pat.

To the family of Matua Pat.

Matua Pat and I worked extensively together on many, many projects concerning our shared passions of history, archives, manuscripts, and most importantly the Blake and Tipene Matua Whanau manuscripts project. In 2021 we produced the exhibition-symposium Marama: Manuscripts with Memory

We clashed, we argued, we debated, we laughed, we deep dove, we worked hard, and we shared in some of the best moments of discovery. He was determined that someone would continue his legacy and without him, and so many of his calibre and rarity we would have never achieved as much as we have towards understanding who we are as a nation and a people.

Thank you for the gift of Matua Pat.

"When silence calls at the end of a scythe
It strikes ...
Felling trees that believed they were strong and formidable ... but down they fall..."

"Haere atu ra e te manawa kai whetuki.
Takahia atu ra nga tapuwae a te aumangea
Kua whai i te ara a Tane ki te huinga o te kura
He awhi reinga ki a nehe ra, aue!
He maringi a wai... he ware e kore e ware"

Sleep now sir... sleep well.

Naku i runga i te aroha

Waitangi Elizabeth

A lovely friend met through tennis. Had some great times. A lovely gentle man . Condolences to his family. RIP Pat

RIP Pat. We will remember fondly all the happy times we spent with you, especially playing tennis and tramping in the Kawekas and Ruahines. Lots of lovely memories made with you over the years
Kevin & Rae Mitchell

A gentleman and historian who quietly contributed an enormous amount to the life of Hawkes Bay with his wealth of knowledge and great appreciation of the cultural significance and the understanding of our homeland.Thankyou Pat.