Patrick RALPH-SMITH Obituary

Dear Uncle Pat,
I'll be thinking of you today from here in Lyon, France, as Aunty Cushla and the family bid you a sad, final farewell. You were always so kind to me when I stayed with you as a teenager, encouraging me with the piano and teaching me the importance of determination and focus. I'll never forget hearing your stories about sailing... and admiring your lifelong patience and passion for the building of your own boats (skills that were so remarkably passed on to your wonderful boys). It's also thanks to you and Cushla that I got to know my grandmother, who let me play the organ for her in church during the holidays. I'll always cherish the memories of those lovely journeys with you and Cushla up to visit the family farm, stopping off for a swim and a picnic on the way. Thanks Pat for your great humour and inspiration over the years. May you go gently towards that new, eternal lighthouse in the distance.

Cushla,& Family
We are sorry to hear of Pats passing. Terrys friendship goes back many years. He did enjoy your visit last year. He really loved seeing you both, it really made his day.Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Rest in peace Pat.

Dear Cushla,
I am sorry to hear of Pat´s passing. He has been a great friend of mine since high school days at Pulekohe and through our teen age years. It wasn´t until he came to our home at Hoggard Place that he found my address. He has kept seeing us twice a year from Hahei. We really appreciated his calls.
Best Regards,
Eric Woolsey

Dear Cushla and Family
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sharon De Luca and family xx

Grandpa,
Thank you for teaching me that everything I do should be done to the best of my ability. You warmed my hands in the morning so I could practice my piano, made sure I ate well to grow tall, and showed me what it meant to be a true craftsman. I´m sorry I couldn´t be there to say goodbye in person but I´m happy you were surrounded by people you love and who love you. I´m thinking about you and grandma every day. I´m going to miss you.

Prayers and condolences to you Joy and family
Requiem
They say "the lighthouse-keeper´s world is round -
The only lighthouse keeper that I know
Inhabits space, his feet well clear of ground.
I say he is of light, of midnight snow.
 
The other lighthouse keeper - he they say
Whose world is round - is held responsible
For manning his one light by night; by day,
For polishing his lenses, bulb and bell.
My man, my friend who lately leaves, is quite
Another type. He climbs no spiral stairs:
But go he does, for good, to man the night;
To reappear, among his polished stars.
-          Sam Hunt

Dear Cushla
Sorry we are not with you at this sad time. Please know that we appreciate the valuable contribution Pat gave to the building.
We will share a cuppa with you on our return
God Bless you and yours
Judy and Jean

Dear Cushla, We have so enjoyed our visits with you and Pat over the years. Always learning something new, sharing laughter, and good company. We will miss Pat and send you our love and sincere condolences.

Dear Cushla and family
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Pat will be remembered dearly by all of us.
A true gentleman
Joy Siebert and family.

Cushla and family, my most heartfelt sympathy . My friendship with Pat goes way back to TeHihi Primary School days in the 1940 to 1952 years. It was wonderful to meet you again some time ago, your sense of humour still there, when I said, " You look just the same" and you replied, " You are still just as short".And your phone call just a few weeks ago, we shared many memories again . I will treasure that with the other memories of TeHihi and Papakura days. Jean McKinstry ( nee Nan Appleby), now living in the Rangitikei.

Ralph-Smith, Patrick (Pat). Dearly loved older brother of the late Don. Loved and respected brother-in-law of Rosemary, and much-loved Uncle Pat of Joanne, Allison, Janette and Deanna and their families. Remembering Pat and his life well lived. Home is the sailor, home from sea.

RALPH-SMITH, Patrick Gordon. Passed away peacefully on 12 March 2026. Loved eldest son of the late Gordon and Una, dearly loved oldest brother of the late Don, Jim and Peter and adored oldest brother to his only sister Joy Bodman, brother-in-law to Mitch and special Uncle of Shirley, Allan, Kane and Chris and their families.