Lionel JEFCOATE Obituary

To all Lionels family and friends, we heard with sorrow the passing of our friend. Our boat was berthed next to "Molly" in the Havelock Marina for years and we became firm friends. He showed us friendship and unstinting generosity, with he and Molly dog coming in for coffee (for him, and the odd snack for her), whenever they came down to the boat. We miss his smiles and the joy of watching him at work in his workshop. The boat building community has lost a true treasure but he has left a legacy in all the craft he built and the wonderful examples of his wood-working skills which filled his home. Our condolences to all who were touched by his love of, and skill with wood. We will miss him.
Gary, Cory and Diane Jeffries.

Dear Jenny, Anne and all the extended family
Thinking of you all over this sad time. It was such a pleasure to meet Lionel in recent years (having stumbled upon him on our family tree) - so full of life, determination, humour and extraordinary creative talent.
Kia kaha Penny Hazard

Dear Anne and Jenny
We of the older Gov Bay community have strong memories of Lionel, his extraordinary skills and energy as a boat builder, his workshop was always a hive of activity and a pleasure to drop in on. We often watched as sailed Nyaid down to the lea of Quail Island. He was generous with his knowledge and skills. I recall his caring of Pam when she was dying, he often drove down from Havelock to give her support.
There are many in the Bay who will be remembering Lionel , and be thinking of his family at this time.
It would be good if Lionels friends in the harbour could gather together to honour his memory. He belonged here.
Mark Belton & Family

Lionel and family were friends and great neighbours in Governors Bay. Lionel also built our boats. "The Galaxy" was a beautiful trawler/crayfish boat, which I believe may have been the first large boat Lionel built in the Governors Bay shed? We watched in awe, as Lionel, the master craftsman, did his magic. Wonderful memories of days gone by. Lionel later built the "Anita Joy", named after my daughter. Lionel will be greatly missed but his gentle spirit and amazing craftmanship and his awesome boats will be around and remembered forever. My deepest condolences to Lionel's Family.

Special memories of Lional at the boatshed Governors Bay.A true craftsman and boat builder along with his dog in the days of hydatids treatments.Ron Petersen LBCouncil

Anne, I have very fond memories in sailing with you and your Dad many years ago. I recall his beautiful and skilfully built home in Governors Bay. Thinking of you and remember you being a great colleague at work in Hereford Street. Thanks for that lovely day out.