Allan MARRIOTT Obituary

MARRIOTT, Allan Kenneth:
On Christmas Day 2016 at Mercy Hospice, College Hill, Auckland, as a result of a brain tumour. After a determined effort to continue to live his life as fully as he could, he died gently in the arms of Gay Sharlotte, his deeply loved wife and partner of 45 years, supported by his sisters Hazel Lanyon, Wendy Bywater and their families, and his extended family and friends. Allan was a much cherished and respected husband, brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and good friend. Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff for their caring support of him and Gay and our families over these last precious days together. Allan was born in Eltham, Taranaki, on March 1, 1944. He was a teacher, community development worker, adult educator, counsellor, and an athlete from an early age and throughout his life, as well as a rugby player. He was a 5 times published author and most recently Independent Chair of the Rural Canterbury Primary Health Organisation. He was still writing only days before he slipped away from us. A private funeral was held to farewell him in the midst of his family in Auckland and a memorial wake was held at the Poppy Room at the RSA in Central Christchurch.
He had life
And loved the world:
Even when it drove him mad
With its mediocrity
And cruelty and worse
He fashioned it
And people too
And with sardonic wit
His irony laughed at it
And made it bearable
For him, and you.
Are we to flicker, fade
And only go out, too?
He was no candle
He was a testament
To good sense
And good will
A brave and stubborn
Steadfast man
Who said he'd live
As best he can.
- Candles,
Wayne Jennings, 2017
Any messages to his family can be sent c/- PO Box 3158, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch 8140.