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!! 👏
Dad’s funeral is this morning in Onehunga. We’ve been going through things to put up memory boards 🤣 it’s a bit like an art exhibition with sketches and paintings all over.
I enjoy how his art makes me see these things again that I've experienced. The banyon in particular...
I’m very sorry for your loss.
🤣 none of the family are what you might call Royal fans … but mum and dad did get invited to a function with the Queen on the Royal Yacht Britannia when she was touring NZ in 1977 … I remember mum trying to find a dress for the occasion
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.