On 18th August 2019, peacefully in his 74thyear surrounded by his doting family on a magnificent West Coast day in his piece of paradise. Dearly loved soul mate and hubby of 51 years to Jan and father to his three very proud and adoring children Shaun, Maria (Robinson) and Cherie (Moore). Loved father-in-law to Susan, Brent and Jason and hero to his 8 grandsons Brook, Taylor, Thomas, Adam, Blake, Travis, George and Hugh. Precious son to the late George & Patricia Drylie and admired brother of Roger & Pam Drylie, Rosemary & Ron Bothwell and Beth & Alan Tester. Dearly loved by the Rodger families and his many friends throughout the Coast community.
A truly amazing man who has extracted the most from life with his family and in the communities which he has stoically served. John’s passing has broken our hearts but we feel so privileged to have walked with him through parts of his life journey. Messages to 60 Ballarat Rise, RD 2, Hokitika 7882.
A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Westland Boys’ Brigade Hall, 290 Hampden Street, Hokitika, on Thursday 22ndAugust at 1pm, followed by a gathering to share fellowship and refreshments in the Hall. Family will then lay John to rest in a private burial service at the Hokitika Cemetery.
Deepest Sympathy to you all. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love gives us memories no one can steal.
So very sorry to read of Johns passing he was a gentle soul and will be missed throughout the community. Our thoughts are with you all
Our love and thoughts are with you guys at this sad time. I have fond memories of John during my time at Boy’s Brigade with my dad Mort Cruickshank. We also appreciated his help and support when dad passed away last year.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Although I don’t know exactly what to say, I want you to know that I am with you in thought and wish you comfort and peace as you remember Mr Drylie
Jan. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Chris and Dianne
A great man. Such total commitment to the people of Hokitika. Rest in peace, John. Thank you for your kindness.
Fondly, Nick Meissel
Thinking of the family at this time. Mr Drylie used to do religious studies when I was at primary school, and I used to be in the WHS Senior Orhestra with him at high school.
Condolences to all of Johns family. Such a great man, he will be sorely missed by all.
Hello family
We are so sorry to learn of your very sad news.
John will be sadly missed by a lot of people.
and we have memories of this kind and genuine man
Thinking of you all and lots of love xxxx
Jan & family very sorry to hear of your loss
Deepest sympathy to Jan and the family. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.xxx
John’s passing will leave a huge gap, not only in your lives but in the lives of so many others and in the Hokitika community. His care and understanding was limitless. He made a difference. Our love and sympathy is with you all.
Deepest sympathy to Jan, Maria, Shaun and the rest of the family at this sad time. What a sad loss to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Big hugs to you all. What a loss to the community of Westland. Regards Julia Ryall
Our deepest sympathy to Jan and family.
Our sympathies are with you all.
An awesome man with a commitment to service to his community. We had the privilege to be involve with John at Boys Brigade . What a role model for all the boys over the years.
R I P John.
Raewyn and Ross Taylor
Greg Taylor
Daryl Taylor.
To Jan and Family. So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. His memories will continue to warm your hearts.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
A great loss to our community, John has given so much and to many. Love to Jan & family at this sad time.
Our deepest sympathy to Jan, Shaun, Maria and Cherie and extended family members for the loss your family are experiencing with John’s passing. Now at peace, cherish the memories.
Jan Maria Shaun And Sherrie and whanauso very sorry to hear about your loved one I know the pain yous will be going through you are in my thoughts much love xxxx thinking of you Blake xx
Love, Hugs, and God Bless to you Jan and your Family. So sorry to read John has passed on. Stay strong and keep your lovely smile.
Our deepest sympathy to you all in your sad loss. John & Elisabeth Gibb
Very sorry for your loss Jan,Thinking of you all, lots of love From Judithand IJudith
Dear Mrs Drylie, Shaun, Maria, Cherie and families,
Saddened to hear of Mr Drylie’s passing.
Much love to you all
To Jan and familyyou are all in my thoughts with love at this sad time
Our deepest sympathy and love to you Jan, Shaun, Maria ,Cherie and families is extended after the very sad news of John’s passing. He was such a gentle, humble and passionate man – we all have lovely memories to remember of him. Love to you all.
Kathy, Russ, Jason and Tracy Clifton, Australia
To Jan and all your family We would like to extend our very deepest sympathy to you all in the sad loss of John. We will never forget how wonderful he was in our time of need, a very special man. Love to you all Pam and Justin Wells
Jan and family, thinking of you all at this sad time in your lives. Stay strong, enjoy your wonderful memories. Kay and Jack
He totara whakahingatia i te ngahere o Te Wa Nui o Tane Mahuta. Ka nunui oku nga roimata moku ki a koe e te rangatira me ou whanau hoki. Ka nunui aku moemoea whakahingatia waenganui no a taua ke! Kei te whakanoho koe i roto i nga aroha o tou matua tuupuna I Te Ao Wairua ke! Moe mai, moe mai i roto i te aroha o Io Matua Kore. As I am in Australia currently I cannot be with you all at this time. However know I will see you all when I return to Awatuna soon. John my dear friend sail the seas of time with me always. Apiti honu tatai honu te hungamate ki te hungamate, te hungaora ki te hungaora tatou ki a tatou. Na Hemi.
Deepest sympathy to you Jan and your family. Thinking of you all at this very sad time
To Jan, Shaun, Maria, Cherie and partners/grandchildren
My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I know Dad (Bernie) found comfort talking to John shortly before Dad died 12 weeks ago about their similar health issues and prognoses. They will be up there having another catch-up, saying they gave it their best shot, but then moving on to talk about the great lives they lived, having no regrets.
Believe me, they continue to be around us as the good husband, parent and granddad they always were. You just have to look for the signs that they’re helping us from a different place now. I have had my sign, that’s how I know this.
Go give him the good send-off he deserves. Do him proud, and as you read your eulogies, remember my dad’s words to me “no one wants to listen to a crier!!”
Kind regards, Sharon O’Regan
To Jan, Shaun, Maria, Cherie and families.
What a huge loss for you all and also for Hokitika. Last time we spoke with John we saw him struggling some, and sad as it is that he has left you, he is now without any pain and suffering.
What great memories we all have of John, memories never die, just fade a little with time.
Thoughts with you all as you say farewell to a wonderful husband, dad and grandad.
Jan, Shaun, Maria, Cherie and respective families. We are saddened to learn of your beloved John/Father’s passing. He has touched so many from all walks of life. Much love to you all. God Speed.
So sorry to hear of dear John’s death. We hold on to some wonderful memories of shared precious family time together in Blenheim and St Ninian’s church.
“Well done, good and faithful servant – enter into the joy of your God.”
My deepest sympathies to you Jan,Shaun and wider families. John helped me a lot from the time I was on the Westland BOT and with Coast Care Trust. John was like a wise man that you could go to with problems and come away with the right solution. I send you all my thoughts from Southland.
God rest your soul John.
So very sorry to hear of the death of such a good man. John gave so much to the community and was a respected and admired friend to many. You’ll be feeling the loss so badly, Jan and family. Hugs and deepest sympathy to you all.