Dianne Castle writes…
Since losing Dad on June 26th, our lives have been uprooted in a way we could never have imagined. And while the shock and heartache have felt unbearableble, we have been carried through it all by the love and support of the many people who loved him.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone who came and worked tirelessly at Dad’s tangi despite their own grief, to those who brought armfuls of food and flowers, to everyone who shared chairs, tables, utensils etc to help us feed and accommodate the many visitors we had over the five days, and to all the generous people who provided koha.
We would also like to acknowledge with deep gratitude the beautiful acts of service and honour bestowed on Dad. To have a mere laid upon his coffin, and a haka performed as he was laid to rest, has touched our hearts. Dad would have been moved beyond words.
To everyone who came and sat with us, grieved with us, and shared waiata, korero and karakia, we thank you. To everyone who came out and farewelled Dad despite torrential rain and freezing conditions, we are forever grateful.
And most importantly, to those who came and spent time with Dad in his final months, thank you most of all. You lifted Dad’s spirits when he needed it most.
We owe a debt of gratitude to many, but would like to extend a special thanks to: Min O’Carroll, Rani O’Carroll, Whare O’Carroll, Meree O’Carroll, Henry O’Carroll Lawton, Edwin Ray O’Carroll, Sean O’Carroll, Huria Murray, Wendy O’Carroll, Bernadette O’Carroll, Tash Hutchieson, Jacque O’Carroll, Carrington O’Carroll, Morgan Te Whetukura Matthews, Freda Gotty-Katene, Weno Ckta, Jivanni Adams, Sheryl Wall, Paula Marshall, Mavis Jackson, Dave-Jo Laurence, Karen Atkinson, John Bartlett, Brenda Laurence, Tanya Victor, Dixie Watene, Paula Kihi, Denis Hikuroa, Darrell Ahu Paula Davey, Sherry Teika-Anglesey, Ben Hubbard, Jack Wharepouri, Jarrod Atkinson, Rosemary Joyce Roberts, Misty Sansom, Kaseylindy Wheatley, Shane Hunt, Gayleen Marie West, Hospice Taranaki / Te Kahu Pairuri ki Taranaki, Brian Darth Funeral Services. And to these people who we cannot tag: Rawiri Doorbar, Jodie Prime, Joyce Blattler, Fiona Lowe, Terry O’Carroll, Warren Hikuroa, Sandra Lee, David Castle, Riki Tan, Moana Watene, Felix and Marie Ngatai, Lyn Tuffrey, and the Mason and Rona whānaus.
