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John Doonan

December 13, 2023

Passed away too soon at home, on December 13, 2023, aged 65 years. Dearly loved husband and soulmate of Christine, dearly loved father of Peter, Matthew, Kate and partners Sarah, Jacky, and James, adored Poppa of Florence, Gus, and Hazel. A huge thank you to the many friends who have shown their support and love with baking, meals, flowers and kind messages, thank you to all the palliative care and district nurses for their constant support during this difficult time. Messages to 140 Havill Drive, Awatuna 7882, or can be left on John’s tribute page at www.thompsonfd.co.nz. At John’s request a private service at home has been held, followed by cremation.

24 Comments

  1. Janice and Brett Phillips

    Sending our heart felt sympathy to the Doonan family John was a very respected teacher and always great to catch up for a yarn he will be missed

    Reply
    • Jodie Linklater

      Deepest sympathies to Christine and family.

      Reply
      • Lynda & Ray

        So sorry to hear, sending love and sympathy to Chris and family

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        • Adrian Gardner

          So sorry to here this I will miss our chats . A great loss of a great man . Thinking of you all at this sad time

          Reply
  2. Geoff and Doreen Marshall

    To the Doonan family
    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

    Reply
  3. Bernadette & Mike Havill

    So very sad to read this, such a a great teacher and always had time for a yarn, love to you Christine, Pete, Matt and Kate❤️

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    • Megan Wilson

      An absolutely wonderful man. John you were one of the best. RIP. Sympathy to John’s family and friends.

      Reply
  4. Karen Palmer

    Such sad news what a wonderful man gone way to early

    Reply
  5. Alison Houston

    Sorry to here this sad news. He was a great person to work with at cobden school .

    Reply
  6. Glenn

    So sorry to hear this news
    Many many bike races I can remember with John . Such a amazing guy.
    Love and hugs to family.
    Benge Viv and Dillon

    Reply
  7. Phillipa and Mike Muir

    We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. My memories of John are of a vibrant, fun, witty colleague and friend. I will miss his sharp sense of humor.

    Reply
  8. Maylene Burden

    Very saddened to hear of John’s passing. Condolences to Christine, Peter, Matthew, and Kate. A much loved teacher of Kokatahi Kowhitirangi school by both kids and parents. RIP Mr D ❤️

    Reply
  9. van den Boomen family

    Sorry to read about the passing of John. Condolences to the family.

    Reply
    • Rachael Roberts

      Chris there are no words – he was such a special man.
      I’ve known him through teaching, his spin classes, coffee and biking.
      He had such a caring nature and a wicked sense of humor.
      My thoughts are with you and the kids.
      A real good bloke – R.I.P John

      Reply
  10. Dianne & Chris Ward

    Sending our kindest thoughts to you Chris & to your family, on the sad loss of John. He was a wonderful teaching colleague, always having time for a chat/discussion. I will always remember his ease of laughter. Such a loss to you all and to the community. Sincere Sympathy.

    Reply
  11. Carmen Hartley

    I so enjoyed many chats and laughs with John at various schools, biking, spin, and at many random times and places over the years. Always so positive and cheerful. So very sad to hear this news and sending condolences to you Christine and all the family.

    Reply
  12. Jacqui and Mick

    We are so sad to hear about John’s passing. He always had a smile and time for chat. He made a positive difference to all the students and teachers he worked with. He will be terribly missed. Sending our condolences to Christine, Pete, Matthew and Kate <3

    Reply
  13. Suzanne Dent

    Heartfelt condolences to Christine and your family. John’s spin classes were the only spin classes I ever enjoyed! A great guy gone way too soon.

    Reply
  14. Teena Vincent

    My deepest condolences to Christine and family. My memories of John are very fond ones. Always a laugh and a smile provided to brighten up any day. A great Principal, and colleague. I’ve biked a few rides with John also….he was always so helpful. May you rest in peace John, you will be dearly missed. May the legacy you’ve left comfort your family as they navigate the grief of losing you. xxoo

    Reply
  15. Sandra Pfahlert

    Chris and family, we are thinking of you all, treasure your memories of a lovely, well respected man, Sandra Pfahlert & family

    Reply
    • Wendy and Tegal Oats

      Such a shock to hear of John’s passing.
      He was a fabulous teacher, father and husband. Always great for a chat and a laugh.
      Sending our love n condolences to Christine and family.

      Reply
  16. Sian and Allan @ 49

    So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Gone way to soon. A man with a wonderful sense of humour.
    Condolences to Chris and family – know that you are in our thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  17. Matthew Fairmaid

    So deeply sorry to hear of John’s passing, a wonderful and respected colleague of Rose’s who she worked with for all those years at the Kokatahi Kowhitirangi School, Rose enjoyed working with him and also the contact with Chris, Pete, Matt and Kate, for myself he was a respected person and friend to Rose and I, I will miss my contact with him.
    To all the family remember the wonderful times you had with a respected and colourful person.
    RIP John.
    Matthew and Rose Fairmaid.

    Reply
  18. Alex Coleman

    Thoughts and love to all the Doonans. So sorry to hear about Mr D. He will be missed.

    Reply

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