Rex DOWMAN Obituary

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. From Ian Helen Matthew,Che,Shannon and Elvina(D)Dowman family Auckland/Taumarunui

So very sorry to learn of Mr Dowman's passing, as a past student of Mrs Dowman at Woodleigh School, Mr Dowman was a wonderful caring principal. My deepest condolences to the family.

We were very sorry to learn of Rex´s passing and our family has great memories of his very effective leadership of Woodleigh School - a great educator who was a real gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. RIP Rex.
Richard, Linda, Stephen, Rachelle, Richie, Natalie & Andrew Crowe

Mark, Janelle, Ben and Sam we send our condolences on the loss of your dad, father in law and poppa. Linda, Stephen Carter and family

I knew Rex as a colleague, associate and a friend.
Professionally he ran an excellent school, as an associate he worked tirelessly to assist his fellow headmasters and as a friend he warmly supported his friends.

Staff under his guidance developed extra teaching skills, pupils developed and matured in his schools while parents learned child-raising practices. Whose who didn´t were soon apprised of the need for change.
Rex was a thinker. He didn´t seek formal recognition on educational matters. He thought things out and as ever proved to be an educator.
Go well my friend.
Bryce Smith

They say at such times that a mighty tree has fallen which would seem appropriate as Rex was a competitive crosscut sawer - when he was talking about it I could imagine that sawdust flying!

Wood sawing was a contrast to teaching where he was a respected educator. When I was appointed to Vogeltown School ( with little previous experience) Rex was my 'go to ' man for advice.

He liked to say he was educated at Tommy Bothwick College - by which he meant Waitara High School.

We will miss his sense of humour and his straight shooting approach to life.

They don't make them like Rex these days. He will be well remembered by all who knew him. Haere ra eh hoa

Great Teacher, Principal, Axemen and a all round great guy sorry to hear, condolenses to you Horse and Janelle and family

My condolences to you, Margaret, on the loss of your life-long partner, Rex. May the many memories you have give you happiness.
Paula Cole

My condolences to you Margaret, Sue and Brendon and the rest of the family, Rex was the sweetest gentleman i have ever met

Deepest sympathy to the extended family. I enjoyed catching up with Rex and Margaret when visiting my mother (Joyce Dowman) in Hawera as she would want to visit them in New Plymouth. A sad loss, kindest regards Philip Dowman (Melbourne).

Rex was resolute. Unwavering in his determination that his school would withstand the sternest scrutiny. It was our lucky day when our children attended Woodleigh School. I was secretary of the School Committee for several years and saw many examples of his inspirational leadership, not domineering but making his point in a laconic manner mixed in with a quick and dry wit.
I visited him at home once and he was doing press ups with his son on his shoulders. " Training for wood sawing as two handed partner to World Champ Merv Jensen" he said. A tree was leaning at the back of the school and thought to be dangerous. Rex called the Education Department and a team of contractors arrived to demolish it. A lot of chat about how difficult and dangerous it would be. Enough. Rex took the saw and cut it down himself.
A life well lived. He ran the race. He kept the faith. A privilege to have known him. Condolences to his family on their traumatic loss.

Thinking of you at this sad time. Growning up Both Stuart and myself have fond memories of Rex with our father Logan. Travelling all over the place with wood chopping. Much love to Margaret and the family.

Kristine& Stuart Mitchell

I too was a pupil of Rex Dowman, from Woodleigh school, he was very compassionate towards me being deaf and helped me at school to gain confidence and a love of sport, I went on to playing Hockey for Palmerston North Teacher's college from 1988-89. R.I.P Mr Dowman from Amelia Burling nee Butler. To his family so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man.

As a little girl who attended Woodleigh School in the 70's, Mr Dowman was one of my favourite principals. He always took time to interact and talk to his students in the playground and encourage us, and I remember he had a kind and gentle manner about him. Years later as an adult I ran in to him in NP and he remembered who I was, which I was amazed about. Sorry to hear of his passing, what a truly beautiful legacy he has left behind. Donna Kernot (nee Putt)

To Margaret and all the Dowman family.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all.
Rex touched the lives of many children included ours.
Our son Michael remembers "Mr Dowman" would often be asked to kick the rugby ball during playtime. One day he obliged and kicked the ball so high when it finally landed on the concrete it knocked the air out of it to all the children's amazement.
Thankyou Rex for your service to the Community.
RIP
Raewyn Yiannett and Family.

To Margaret and family, my sincere condolences . An amazing man and mentor.
Don Garmonsway

Condolences to Margaret and the Dowman family .on the passing of one of life´s true gentlemen.One of Taranaki´s great educators in his day.Always good for a yarn.
May he rest in peace.
Bruce & Jill young

We were saddened to hear of Rex's passing and our thoughts are with you all. Rex was a true educationalist and superb leader at Marfell and Woodleigh schools and in the wider Taranaki education landscape. He was a mentor and friend of mine during my teaching career in New Plymouth and his sensible suggestions always led me in appropriate directions. I will always remember Rex with great affection. Me te aroha tino nui atu.

My condolences to you Sue and Brendon in the loss of your dad .i remember Rex at Marfell but didn´t realise he was your dad Sue . You have inherited his love of education and helping children .

Rex was a great man who often spent time in the playground at lunchtime, he would often kick a rugby ball so high in the air for us kids that we were amazed. Rest in Peace Mr Dowman. Woodleigh School and Marfel School.

Sincere condolences to the Dowman family. We have very fond memories of Rex when the Collins children attended Woodleigh School. RIP Rex you will be missed. Margaret Kevin Joanne Michael and Seamus Collins

The best headmaster a school could have two of my boys did so well at Marvell school thanks to Rex a fantastic leader so sorry to hear he has passed,on

To Margaret, Sue and the Dowman Family. Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great man. I'm sure you all have some wonderful memories of him. My best working years were at Woodleigh School when Rex was Principal. I was his "office lady" for almost 4+ years and was absolutely gutted when he retired. He was a lot of fun to work with. RIP Rex xoxo

To Mark, Jan, and Sue so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Sincere Condolences to you and your families Regards Wendy and Jay Whitaker and Dorothy Magon.

Dear Sue, Brendan,Ollie and the wider Dowman family, sincere condolences at this sad time
From Joan and Grant

Pls accept my deepest sympathy Mark, on the sad passing of your Dad...thoughts with you & your family ...

So very sad to hear of your families loss.
Mr Dowman was my principal at Woodleigh School. In later years I meet up again when helping my dad with his lawn business. It was great, Mr Dowman remembered who I was and over a few cups of tea we talked about his wood chopping and many more stories. So sad for your loss.

Rex was a superb example of a true educator. He was an exceptionally caring principal with regard to the all round well being of his students, was highly respected by other principals and teachers - always prepared to share his expertise, especially with younger members of the profession. He was definitely an exceptional person remembered with affection and respect. My very sincere sympathy is being sent to Margaret and to all of the Dowman family at his loss.

Simply put, Rex was a great man. He was my mentor, my friend and my inspiration during my early years as a teacher. To Mark, Jan and Sue and families, my sincerest condolences, Rex will be missed but not forgotten. Respect.

Sincere condolences to the Dowman family and in particular to Rex's sister Mary at this sad time . Foundation pupils of Waitara District High School in 1947. Good memories of those early years. Margaret Dugdale nee Mallett, and Warwick.