John RILEY Obituary

Aloha to the family and friends of Mr. Riley,

Although it has been a number of years since his passing which I did not learn about until recently, I wanted to share my experience with Mr. Riley while attending Waiopehu College in 1986 as a 7th former. I was not a model student by any means and had my share of mentorship sessions with Mr. Riley, but to this day, i will never forget the last time we spoke and the words he said to me during our last personal encounter. By the end of the 7th form I had already decided to leave school prior to finishing and opted out of the bursary exams. I happened to be on campus the day he was diligently going around the school and handing out the bursary exam slips to the remaining 7th formers so that they were able to sit the exams. We happen to run into each other that day and during our brief exchange I declined to accept the exam slip and without skipping a beat, Mr. Riley remarked, "too much of a challenge for you Nevin." Over the years, I have often looked back on that very moment and reflected on how much those words became a tremendous source of motivation over the course of my personal and professional life. Whatever measure of success I can claim to have achieved in my life to date, I will always be grateful for Mr. Riley´s dedication to the teaching profession and his genuine passion for the students in his charge. Regrettably, I was not able to share this with him in person, but to his family and all those who knew him, know that he had an enduring and positive impact on my life.

RIP Mr. Riley, much love and aloha, Nevin Field, Waiopehu College, 1985-1986.

I remember the day I was called to his office at Hawera High School thinking I was in trouble but it was quite the opposite. He tells me my English teacher told him I loved poetry so he gave me a book of poetry written by First World War soldiers. I have never forgotten that day. From his high school student to college graduate he will always have a fond place in my heart. I was very sad to hear of his passing and will always regret not seeing him again. My deepest condolences to his family

Dear Ngaire and family - it was a must for us to come down and join in "The Event' for John, my very dear and very special cousin. It is so 'heartwarming' to see and know the deep respect everyone had for John and how his life years counted for something. I know we are going to miss his presence, his special grace and love as a cousin - will hold onto the privilege Gay and I had of caring for him in April last year with great memory and love - in our hearts forever - cousin Fay (Riley side)

We would like to convey to you all our deep sadness for Johns loss. We remember fondly all the happy times we spent with you all as part of our involvements with Scouts and Venturers. A good man gone but remembered with fondness and love always. xox

Our deepest Sympathy he was an inspiration. He always remembered everyone's name at Hawera High School
Kindest regards
Bruce & Vikki LeQuesne
Australia

I was saddened to hear of John's passing. I will remember him fondly and with a great deal of respect. I can his wry smile now...Farewell and thank you John.

Sorry I can not be with you at John's memorial service. Hearing how others have known this great man over the years would be interesting and enlightening. We will remember him as man interested in the world around him and always ready for a keen debate.
Marion and Merv Lapwood

Our deepest condolences to the whanau Riley.
Kua hinga he totara nui.
John will be remembered in the hearts of many as a great father, mentor, colleague and friend.
He aroha tino nui
Ngaraina and Doug Brooks and whanau, Okaiawa.

John and Ngaire were our neighbours for years...Our children and theirs often at each others...Wonderful Principal at Hawera High Thoughts are with the family

It was a pleasure to work with John and Ngaire as colleagues at Waiopehu College in the 1980s. John was a man who was fully focused on his love of history, rugby, politics and Ngaire.
It was a pleasure to coach rugby with John and share his passion for the game.
Peter Jamieson and Susan McLaren

A true gentleman in every sense of the word.

We salute a brave and special man who we remember with great fondness from swimming days in Stratford. Our thoughts are with you, Ngaire and family, as you pay tribute to a precious husband and father. Wishing you strength and consolation in each other and your memories. Sincere sympathies to you all and please know that we'll be holding you in our hearts.

Our thoughts and good memories are with you, of the early morning discussions by the pool. From Ron June Warren and Marty Hill

Huge love to Ngaire and whanau. What an amazing man. I hope knowing his values, passion and enthusiasm will live on in the thousands of people whose lives he touched, brings you comfort at this sad time.

Our thoughts are with you. May you treasure the wonderful times you had in your lives together and may they bring you some consolation in your grief. Much love the Atkinsons

"Our first fifteen, was the best fifteen, that ever came across another bloody team, glorious, victorious...."
Forty years later, thank you John Riley...you were an inspiration to so many of us at Makora. Ngaire and family, our deepest condolences, sorry I can't be there for the celebration of his amazing life. Kia kaha

John was a principal with passion who led Hawera High School in to the Tomorrow's Schools era. He was a staunch supporter of HHS rugby. Together with Ngaire, John hosted many an interesting and thought provoking dinner party...he was MC at our wedding and one of the first people to congratulate us on the birth of our daughters. John will be missed by a lot of people but none more than his beloved family. Go well John x
Eric & Elise Hansen

Condolences and thoughts to Ngaire and family. From Parkinson's Taranaki North. A brave and courageous man will be sadly missed.

My love and thoughts are with you and the family Ngaire. John was a lovely man with a great sense of humour. I will rememember him fondly. Arohanui Judie Hemara and Whanuau xx

Our thoughts are with the Riley family. Mr Riley was one of my best principals I had as he always believed in all of his students. To this day I always remember this quote he told me on my last day of High School - "That the battlers in the world will succeed". So true. RIP Mr Riley

What a loss! A man of integrity and social conscience, John's leadership at Hawera High had an enormous influence on the education of our four children. Nancy and I will always remember John with gratitude and affection.

RILEY, John:
Kindergarten Taranaki wish to remember and celebrate the contributions made by John Riley during his time as Executive Officer of North Taranaki Free Kindergarten Association.
"He is remembered for his common sense and wise leadership style, quick wit, wonderful sense of fun, love of words and commitment to lifelong learning for all. "
Love and condolences to his family at this time of his passing.

RILEY, John:
It is with sadness that Hawera High School acknowledges the passing of our valued friend, colleague and former Principal. John was appointed to the school in 1987 and was Principal from 1989 to 1998. He is remembered with affection and respect. We extend our condolences to his family.