Dad passed away on Saturday morning. While it was not a surprise it's still hard! He was a trail blazer in many ways - coming to Auckland by himself (by boat) in 1950 to go to school. I might add a few things to this thread just because I feel like sharing some memories ...
What a huge loss for you and the family. He sounds like an amazing person. Best wishes to you all.
Sad for your lovely family. I still have a dad and my memories will always be us on the sea or a beach. Forever look to the horizon for sails
Oh my the family resemblance is strong. Sorry to hear. ❤️
Thanks Nic! Yeah, the family resemblance is very strong. It’s easy to tell my grandfather, father, my son and I are all related! 🤣 when I was 20 I was at the Leigh pub & some old guy propping up the bar asked if I was dads son - turns out he had played rugby against dad back in the day …
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Wonderful memories, sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry for your loss.
There's lots to celebrate there in just a few posts but sad still ..all the best to you and family/friends.
Those are beautiful photos and memories. I’m very sorry for your family’s loss.
I’m so sorry for such a big loss, Tony. What a wonderful legacy he’s left ~ thank you for sharing it with us. And thanks for the link to that camping ground too! Such great memories
Thank you! Yes, he has quietly left a legacy. On the camping front ... I've been around a fair bit of Northland and Coromandel so let me know if you want more.
Thanks!
Really sorry to hear about your dad, Tony...sounds like a great guy and awesome mentor...
What amazing memories. Much love to you and your family.
Ahh man that’s rough. Take care and condolences.
Thinking of you at this very sad time. 💐. Take care.
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Sorry to hear that. Condolences to you and yours.
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Sad to hear Tony but sounds like your Dad made the most of the life he was given; well lived and well loved by his wonderful whānau. Aroha to you and your family at this time. 🌿🕊️♥️
My sincere condolences to you and your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing your Dad with us. I very much enjoyed your remembrance of his incredible journey through this realm & the love that bound you There is never enough time…you have my empathy & understanding 🫂
My condolences to you and your family. Your Dad seems like he was an amazing man.
He was quiet but had a big, positive impact on some.
So sorry to hear this Tony. I remember meeting him many years ago and seeing where you got your smile from. 💐
Thanks Jo. 🤣 that would have been quite a few years ago … probably around the time my daughter was born (and it’s her on the day of her graduation in the pic with mum and dad)
ah man, so sorry to hear that. Love the photos - cherish those memories.
Hey Tony I am so sorry for you loss. Condolences and arohanui to you and yours mate
I'm sorry. What an amazing man he was. Thanks for telling us about his life.
More Tony’s dad pictures. This time from late 50s/early 60s. First mum and dad, next mum and my Aunty Betty (an amazing lady who has worked against domestic violence and represented Tonga at UN DV fora), and dad on a night out
A good looking man. And Aunty Betty has that powerful aura of someone who takes no stick.
Wow he was cool looking guy.
When dad arrived in Auckland he could not speak english - attended the local primary school for a few months to learn english and then moved to secondary school where he was the first Tongan to attend (and made a name for himself in rugby and athletics) www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/loc...
His biggest professional achievement would have been designing the Catholic Basilica of St Anthony of Padua in Tonga. 😀my grandfather built it, uncle Lopeti made the curved pews ... and now it needs major renovations 45 yrs later youtu.be/Aaufivad-jw?...
It wasn't just bricks and mortar for him. He organised groups of Tongans to come to NZ to work in the factories and remit money home and then also assisted through the detestable "dawn raids" - I recall having people staying with us and asking for assistance.
Mum (of English and Danish heritage) and dad never had much but they managed to give us kids an excellent start in life while also dealing quietly with a lot of racism.
They gave me my love of the sea through summer camping holidays on a farm in Northland. The only fixed amenity was a tap in the paddock (we dug our own long-drop when we arrived) so it was NOT expensive but they were wonderful times.
😂 We were one of two families camping in the valley. It's a wonderful spot and has grown to be a lot more organised! I have taken my own kids there a couple of times and recommend it if you like seaside camping. check it out now: www.campingholiday.co.nz
My wife spent a lot of time at that campground about 30 years ago herself
Great thread and such a wonderful tribute to your Father. That Basilica is stunning.
Yeah it is. 😂 I visited as a kid during the build and got told off for climbing up the beams of the partially completed roof (I wanted to look at the view).
They are fundraising for repairs / restoration now. I am going to look through dads collection of plans to see if I can find something useful for them - but sadly I recall a lot being water damaged years ago so I'm not likely to find anything too useful.
Good luck and hopefully you will find something they can use
So very sorry. He sounds like a man with a strong compass.
Thanks for sharing this Tony. Your dad's life is worth celebrating.
Thanks Russell, and yes, this thread is one may for me celebrate his life.
It reminded me of when I talked to Will 'Ilolahia about his story. Those first Tongan migrants really did come into an unfamiliar world.
Very true! Dad worked with many at that time to ease their transition to living in NZ. I remember seeing and hearing dad work with many people when I was a school boy.
*one way for me to celebrate ... (bloody typos)
Dad enjoyed some painting (landscapes) and a lot of pen & ink drawing (mostly trees and landscapes). I have been with mum today and this is the last drawing he did - just a week before he passed away. At some stage I may add some of his work from over the years
Snapped a quick photo of one from his sketch books. This is the coast at Bland Bay, just south of the Bay of Islands, Northland. Camping there with my family and mum and dad came for a few days. @ninjakitty.bsky.social add Bland Bay to your list of Northland seaside camping spots.
I will! He was very talented!! 👏
Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man.
So sorry for your loss! Thanks for sharing a bit about him
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos and memories ❤️ I'm sorry for your huge loss. What a life he built for your family & what a legacy🌿
Such lovely memories. Thank you for sharing and warmest condolences to you.
What fascinating stories, sorry for your family's loss.
That's terrible news, Tony. My condolences on your loss.
Thank you for sharing. What a legend - an amazing man. So sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing Tony. These are inspiring stories. So sad for your loss. ❤️
He (and mum) had a big influence on me (obviously) and many others. 😂 I'm feeling good about dropping stuff into this thread but also sitting here with tears rolling down my face.
Dad had a good memory for dates & politics. When he died, I suddenly realised that I couldn't ever check details with him again, that chapter had closed. It's hard letting go. Feel the love, treasure the memories.❤️🩹
🫂He has left a wonderful legacy. AoNZ is all the better for people like your father.
I’m so sorry, Tony. He sounds wonderful. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family and all the lives he touched. ❤️
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May his memory be eternal.
Thank you!
Isa Tony, what a loss. Thank you for sharing some of your dad’s love & achievements. A real ancestor 🤎
What lovely photos. I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️
Shalom, may his memory be for a blessing. Wishing you long life. *hugs*
He sounds like a great dad, the kind who would have been happy and proud of your memories of him. It's always hard to lose such a parent, except you do not quite lose them... 🤗
I am so sorry for your loss. He looks a lovely man.
Sorry Tony. I feel he had a great life.
I’m so sorry Tony. Sounds like your Dad had a life well lived. He must have been very proud of your involvement with the coast guard - an adventurer after his own heart.
😀He often asked about my adventures on the ocean - both personal and as a Coastguard volunteer. When I was a kid I remember watching him in the sea and it transitioned to him watching me and then him asking me about what i've been getting up to.
Kindred spirits - in every sense. You’ve very lucky you had your Dad for so long. 🙂👍