Peter Kohing 17/11/1939 - 20/08/2010

[NZBC]

Peter Kohing passed away peacefully at Mary Potter Hospice (Wgtn) on Friday 20th August 2010, surrounded by his family.

Much loved husband of Audrey and legendary father of Justine.

Loved brother of May & the late Ernest; the late Tom & Pam; Percy & Margaret; Paul; Josephine & Victor and cousin of Wing-On & Pauline.

Respected and loved uncle of Adrian & Debbie, Stephen, Vivienne & Paul, Robin, Chris & Julie, Katrina; Michael & Linda, Lyndsey & Matt, Jennifer & Iain; Trevor, Sharon & Iain; Joanne & Doug, Andrew, Allistair & Rachel; Raymond & Sheryl, Deborah and Rebecca and their families.

If you wish to send Peter’s family a message, please visit his tribute book below or send c/o PO Box 7123, Wellington 6242.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wellington Chinese Sports & Cultural Centre, PO Box 541, Wellington or to the Mary Potter Hospice, PO Box 7442, Wellington South.

A funeral service will be held at Old St Paul’s, 34 Mulgrave St, Thorndon, Wellington on Wednesday 25th August 2010 at 11am, followed by burial at Makara Cemetery.

www.tributes.co.nz/ViewMyTribute.aspx?id=5564

[NZBC]

KOHING, Peter
Dearly loved brother and brother in law of May and the late Ernest, respected and loved uncle of Adrian & Debbie, Stephen, Vivienne & Paul, Robin, Chris & Julie, and Katrina, loved great uncle of Jordan & Hayley; Chelsea & Natasha, Courtney and Matthew & Brianna.

KOHING, Peter
Dearly loved brother and brother in law of the late Tom & Pam, respected and loved uncle of Michael & Linda, Lyndsey & Matt, and Jennifer & Iain; loved great uncle of Mitchell; Jason and Aaron.

KOHING, Peter
Dearly loved brother and brother in law of Percy and Margaret, respected and loved uncle of Trevor, Sharon & Iain, loved great uncle of Caitlin, Hayley and Liam.

KOHING, Peter
Dearly loved brother of Paul, respected and loved uncle of Joanne and Doug, Andrew, Allistair and Rachel, loved great uncle of Julia; Aidan, Jessica and Samantha.

KOHING, Peter
Dearly loved brother and brother in law of Josephine and Victor, respected and loved uncle of Raymond and Sheryl, Deborah, and Rebecca, loved great uncle of Angela and Jamie.

The Wilson Funeral Home
Members of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ

[NZBC]

Kim Tily
23/08/2010

Dear Justine,

My heart goes out to you and your Mother at this very sad time.

I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family at
this time.

Take care

Kim
Dennis and Chris Thompson
23/08/2010

Audrey, Justine and family

Please accept our deepest sympathy over the recent passing of Peter. He was a very special friend and wonderful inspiration to us all.

I know he will be deeply missed by you particularly and our kind thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
David Jeffries
23/08/2010

Go in peace Peter.

Thank you for all your wonderful personal attributes which have been shown so well recently to inspire all your many friends.
Jian Sun
23/08/2010

Audrey and Justine,

I will never forget Peter and his Range Rover that blocked Greame's garage for half a century.

I have fond memories of Peter through the outings we had with Jenny and Bobby. He was a man of his words, and was always there to relentlessly offer help with immense patience.

A great loss to us all.

Sun
Noeline McAlister
23/08/2010

To Audrey & Justine

My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Peter and I have enjoyed some great conversations over the past few years, he is a lovely person and a true gentleman.

Kind Regards
Noeline
Lucille Lecky
23/08/2010

Dear Audrey & family

My mind goes back to the school days of Wellington Technical College and prefect Peter.

Peter a wonderful person always with a smile and a laugh. I had the pleasure of meeting up with you two many years later at Churton Park school the day we last voted for a new Govt.

It was lovely catching up with him hearing about all the wonderful things Peter had achieved over the years a great man who will be so sadly missed by so many.

Our deepest sympathy to you all

Lucille Lecky (nee Drings)
Tom Burke
23/08/2010

To Justine

Very sorry to hear about your Dad Justine. I know he was a huge part of your life and it must have been very sad when he finally passed away.

My thoughts will be with you on wednesday when you say your final goodbye.

Take Care

Tom Burke
[e-mail]
Leon Taylor
23/08/2010

Aunty Audrey and Jus..

Very sad today to hear the news of our uncle Peter. We obviously all will miss him but it hurts me more so that I am unable to be with you both now.

A very strong, hard working, fair man who set himself high standards. A role model to any that knew him. A man whose family came first, a priority I try to put into my own life now. A tremendous friend to both my parents, the type of which you rarely meet in life, evidenced by the duration and sincerity that it held.

Left with many good memories we are all privileged to have had some time with him. No doubt you are now surrounded by loving family and friends to support you both in your journey forward from here and continue to make him proud by being what you always have, his loving family. It is a time to grieve now, as we all will in our own way, but I believe we will all see each other again.

kia kaha and all my aroha

Leon
Stuart and Mona Chung
22/08/2010

Dear Audrey and Justine,

We are very sad to hear about Peter. He was a great man in the Chinese Sports Cultural Centre and the Line Dance group.

Also a message from Alex and Jean Donn from Dunedin who send their condolences. They are very sorry that they cannot be at his funeral.

From Mona and Stuart Chung
Peter Coad
22/08/2010

I am very sad to hear of Peter's passing. He will live forever in our hearts.
The 125th Anniversary coming up will bring many of Pete's old class mates together & he will be there with us.

Vale Peter...

My Sydney phone number is 9647 1764 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 9647 1764 end_of_the_skype_highlighting - email: [e-mail]
Philip and Virginia Chong
22/08/2010

Dear Audrey, Justine and Family,

Our deepest sympathies are with you on the loss of Peter.

Philip and Virginia Chong
Murray White
22/08/2010

Peter and I were prefects at Wellington Technical College in 1957 and 1958.

We had morning tea a week before he died. Reminiscing about people and events from those happiest of years cheered us both, no matter how fleetingly.
Bridget & Martin Neylan
21/08/2010

Dear Audrey, Justine and family,

Our thoughts are with you at this time. Peter was a wonderful man who always made us feel so welcome within the WCSCC community. We always think fondly of the Moon Festival and New Years dinners we shared, and of course dancing will just not be the same without him! We will miss him so much but he lives on in our hearts and we are sending lots of love your way.

Thinking of you,

Bridget and Martin Neylan

Robyn and Larry Thompson
21/08/2010

Dear Audrey and Justine,

We are very sad to hear that Peter had passed away. He was a well respected gentleman who dedicated his life to serving others both as a teacher and as a dedicated member of the Wellington Chinese Sports and Cultural Centre.

We both remember him in the kitchen organising many a fabulous meal for the fundraising events at the Centre.

Peter will be sadly missed by all but nothing compared to the loss that you will both feel.

Our thoughts are with you at this time

With our greatest sympathy

Robyn, Larry, Joshua and Samaria
Lucy Chang
21/08/2010

Dear Aunty Audrey & Justine,

Words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear!

Our thoughts & prayers are with you and the family.

With Deepest Sympathy

Lucy & Corne
South Africa
Lee nee Wong
21/08/2010

To the family of Peter Kohing

I was surprised and saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Peter. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.

Uncle Peter, I will always remember you as my headmaster and Wellington South Intermediate. You were always caring and always ready to help with a kind word or thought.

RIP Uncle Peter
Rosemary Cole
21/08/2010

As a brand new relief teacher for Te Aro School, I was very grateful that Peter made me feel welcome and valued each and every time I was there.
He was a very busy man, but he always took time to check I knew where the refreshments, facilities, relief work/timetable and a teacher buddy were.

It made you want to relief teach there - plus apply for a part-time/fulltime job there. What a brave taonga/treasure Peter was... and what a sad loss now.

What a tragic waste!

My Deepest Sympathies to the Kohing whanau,
Rosemary Cole
[e-mail]
GODFREY & PAULETTE SMITH
21/08/2010

Our hearts go out to you Audrey and Justine, and extended family.

You can be assured that he was the best of men and will not be forgotten.
He was our Best Man. The best flat mate you could ask for, and I consider him in times gone by, my best friend.

Paulette & Godfrey
David Taylor
21/08/2010

Dear Audrey,

I was saddened to read of Peter's passing today.

I first knew Peter as a prefect when I was at Wellington Technical College and then got to know him on a more personal level when you and I worked together at the Wellington Railway Post Office. I last met you and Peter about 5 years ago at the Petone Workingman's Club while staying with my brother in Wellington.

I am now living in Auckland so will be unable to attend Peter's funeral service but my thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Kind wishes,
David Taylor,
3-7 Albert St,
Otahuhu,
AUCKLAND 1062
Denise and Cliff Wilson
21/08/2010

Dear Audrey, Justine and Families,

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of your Peter.

Words will not be enough to replace such a wonderful loving, caring man as Peter.

We will always remember him for his excellent organisation of your dances and how much time and effort was put in by you all to make each venture such the success it was.

May you find comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your grief and although Peter is away he is ever near. His presence fills each day. His voice and smile are everywhere, a memory away; and though he is no longer seen by family and friends, he lives, for Peter was dearly loved... and love can never end. In every heart he touched, in every life he changed, in every thought he inspired, his love lives on.

Our special and sincere thoughts are with you all.

Love Denise and Cliff Wilson
Double Click Band
Kevin Beatson
21/08/2010

Audrey, Justine and family,

My sincere sympathy on the passing of Peter. He was a very professional, caring and capable teacher and a great colleague to work with.

I worked with Peter in two schools - Brandon Intermediate in Porirua and at South Wellington Intermediate. He was very supportive and a tutor when I was a very young teacher in Porirua. It was a tough, learning time in this multi-cultural environment. Peter was always there to give advice and support.

There are many ex-pupils and teachers who owe a lot to Peter.

Rest in peace Peter after your many years of service, help and care for others.

Kevin Beatson
Andrew & Wah Ying Chong
21/08/2010

Much remembered distinguished leader of the Wellington Chinese community and educationalist. He will be deeply missed.

Our sincerest sympathy to his family

[NZBC]

Ron Pledger
24/08/2010

TO THE KOHING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

On behalf of the X7s Dance Band, I'd like to add our tribute to Peter. He was obviously a highly respected leader of the Wellington Chinese Community, but also a great lover of music and dancing. In the short time we knew him, he became one of the Band's biggest fans and we will never forget the look of joy on his friendly face when he heard us play the music which he so passionately enjoyed.

Peter will be greatly missed by all who knew him and our next performance for the Wellington Chinese Assoc End of Year Dance, which he was instrumental in organising, will be our tribute to him as we play the music he loved.

May he rest in peace.

Ron Pledger
Manager
X7s DANCE BAND

Ian Smith

24/08/2010

To Audrey and Justine

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of the passing of Peter.

Peter taught us the importance of being a learner and a teacher - ako. He was a true professional, dedicated to the task of ensuring students were provided with the opportunities to a good education, and a caring leader.

Peter had a saying which has stayed with me. "Lets do it now, otherwise it will be another thing to do later.' Peter got things done.

My thanks for the contribution he made to education over a number of years, and in the lives of so many students.

Ka hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane.
The totara tree has fallen in Tane's great forest.

Ian Smith



Line Dance Group WCSCC
24/08/2010

To Audrey and Justine

Our deepest sympathy over Peter's passing. Our thoughts go out to you at this sad time.

It was only with Peter's encouragement that Line Dancing at the Wellington Chinese Sports and Cultural Centre has grown from strength to strength. It is a very welcome activity for the older members of our community.

We will miss him very much.

from the WCSCC Line Dance Group


Lisa Shapcott

24/08/2010

Lots of loving thoughts going out to you and Audrey and your extended family.

Take care
Lisa and Nathan x


Jocelyn Choong
24/08/2010

Audrey and Justine

I am very sad to hear of Peter's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

'This too will pass' Confucius

Jocelyn Choong


Tom & Mary Ng


23/08/2010

Tom and I will always remember and treasure the times that we have shared with Pete. Pete was a real special person and role model to all.

We will miss him dearly. No one will be able to fill his shoes. He has left a mark on our lives and will be forever in our thoughts.

Love Tom and Mary

Our thoughts are with you Audrey and Justine in your time of loss.


Yvonne Chew Lee

23/08/2010

To Audrey and Justine

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Peter who was a wonderful friend, always there to help and advise when needed. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

My deepest sympathy to you both at this very sad time.

Yvonne


Rex & Gina Yee
23/08/2010

Dear Aunty Audrey & Justine,

So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Peter. We will always remember him with great respect and admiration. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. We will miss him.

Lots of Love
Rex, Gina, Ryan, Bradley & Daniel
Auckland


Laytee George
23/08/2010

Dear Audrey and Justine

On behalf of the NZ Chinese Language Association members, our deepest condolences on the passing of our very dear and valued National Treasurer.

Peter also became a dear friend and a valued advisor to me. I will remember the precious time and vision he shared with me for the promotion of learning Chinese in New Zealand, spoken from a gentle, sincere soul.

Our prayers are with you both at this sad time,

Laytee George
New Zealand Chinese Language Association


Norma Withers
23/08/2010

Dear Audrey,

We worked together many years ago and Ray and I visited you once or twice in the early days of your marriage to Peter.

You are much in my thoughts at this time. I know how hard it is to part with a much loved husband even when he has been in illl health for some time.

Please accept my loving sympathy to you and Justine at this sad time - I'll think of you all on Wednesday as you gather to remember Peter's life. He lived fully and to the benefit of his family, friends, collegues and students.

God bless and keep you

Sincerely

Norma Withers


Sally Gough
23/08/2010

Dear Audrey,

Olly, Josh and I send you our love and are sad to hear of Peter's passing.

Love Sally

[NZBC]

KOHING

Peter. - Peacefully at Mary Potter Hospice (Wellington) on Friday 20 August 2010, surrounded by his family in his 71st year. Much loved husband of Audrey and legendary father of Justine. Loved brother of May and the late Ernest; the late Tom and Pam; Percy and Margaret; Paul; Josephine and Victor and cousin of Wing-On and Pauline. Respected and loved uncle of Adrian and Debbie, Stephen, Vivienne and Paul, Robin, Chris and Julie, Katrina; Michael and Linda, Lyndsey and Matt, Jennifer and Iain; Trevor, Sharon and Iain; Joanne and Doug, Andrew, Allistair and Rachel; Raymond and Sheryl, Deborah and Rebecca and their families. If you wish to send Peter's family a message, please visit his online tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz or send c/o PO Box 7123, Wellington 6242. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wellington Chinese Sports & Cultural Centre, PO Box 541, Wellington or to the Mary Potter Hospice, PO Box 7442, Wellington South would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A funeral service will be held at Old St Paul's, 34 Mulgrave St, Thorndon, Wellington on Wednesday 25th August 2010 at 11am, followed by burial at Makara Cemetery. The Wilson Funeral Home FDANZ Tel [phone] begin_of_the_skype_highlighting [phone] end_of_the_skype_highlighting www.funerallink.co.nz

• Published Monday, August 23 2010
• First Published Saturday, August 21 2010

[NZBC]

Anna & Keith Joe
27/08/2010

To Audrey & Justine,

Please accept our belated condolences on the passing of a beloved husband and father.

Peter was such a friendly and inspirational person and you were both wonderful hosts when we visited with Phee.

Take care,
Anna & Keith
Janice Swanwick (Atkinson)
27/08/2010

Peter was my children's principal for all their years at Te Aro School, mostly in the 1990s, and I was on the board for two terms.

He was always welcoming, passionate about the school, and wonderfully entrepeneurial in getting all the resources he possibly could for the school, including the deaf unit, out of the ministry and the community.

I particularly enjoyed working with him on the board because of his sound grasp of the difference between governance (board) and operational, day to day matters (principal and staff), as well as dealing with the vast minutiae of ministry requirements and impressing on us our responsibility as employers.

The governance verus management principal is something many boards around the country (still) fail to grasp, but under Peter the job of Te Aro trustee was made much easier.

I am sorry he did not have the two more decades he deserved following his passions in retirement.
Ailsa Wong-She
27/08/2010

Dear Audrey and Justine

Both Ray and I attended the service, but was unable to express our sorrows personally.

It is with great sadness to hear of the loss of a loving husband and father.

I will always remember Peter's caring and thoughtfulness and sincere concerns for others and his willingness to help everyone! His generous hard working services to the community, especially to the WCSCC, he will be sadly missed by us all.

Take care and look after each other.

Ailsa and Ray Wong-She
Roger Booth
27/08/2010

Kohing family

Sad to catch up with so many of the family in our shared predicaments at Mary Potter Hospice. The ceremonies for our lost ones were only a day apart.

I had previously heard many comments about your devotion and commitment to the task, Peter. I know how hard you work in that profession, but also how you impact on so many lives.

We all played ball together guys, and it's great that we will always be mates. I loved the happy family that was the Eastern basketball community. You had to climb ladders to reach the likes of my (sadly deceased) mate Evan Jordan and the likes, but you just kept trying.

Go in peace Peter. Like my brother-in-law Michael, the pain is now over.

Kohing clan (including Paul. Hi brother.) I hope we catch up again some time soon in different circumstances.

Roger Booth
53 Kiwi Road,
Raumati Beach
Vanessa Wong
26/08/2010

Dear Justin

So sorry to hear of your loss. Peter was a wonderful inspiration to us all. He will be very much missed in the Chinese community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your Mum and the family.

With kindest regards
Steven, Melissa, (Vanessa + Colin Wong), Andrew and Kevin Young.
Suzette Pieterse
26/08/2010

Dear Audrey,

So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband.

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Take care,
Suzette
Sue Quirk
25/08/2010

Dear Audrey and Justine,

What an amazing service today, unfortunately I didn't get to speak to you but I just wanted to say how brave you were Justine and how well you spoke. My thoughts are still very much with you both and Mum from Dunedin wanted me to pass on her support to you as well.

Peter was a great bloke and his salmon dish at my 100 year old house party is still talked about by all.

See you sometime soon

kia kaha...Sue
Audrey Banks
25/08/2010

To Peter's Whanau

My tribute to Peter is encompassed in the following Maori proverb.

Kua hinga he Totara o te wao nui o Tane.
A Totara has fallen in the great forest of Tane.
A great rangatira has fallen.

Arohanui.

Audrey Banks
Bhakti Mistry-Govind
25/08/2010

Mrs Kohing and Dearest Justine,

So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Kohing.

Our thoughts are with you, take care of yourselves...

Bhakti, Sanjai, Sameer and Shaan x
Charlotte Reynolds
25/08/2010

Dear Justine

I'm thinking of you loads, and want to send some aroha to your mum too. I hope we can catch up soon.

Love Charlotte
Val Craven
25/08/2010

Audrey and Justine

This is a terrible time for you. Friends and family will support you.

I taught with Peter at SWIS. I think he was one of the best teachers I ever worked with. In my mind's eye I still see him bouncing down the corridors with that energetic gait of his and usually with his big grin wiped across his face. He had an amazing talent for relating with his pupils. He was just a great teacher especially in maths where I felt a confused idiot by comparison. How lucky his classes were. How lucky the staff were. Peter was often at the bottom of some fun going on.

I'm so sorry that he never got to enjoy the retirement you and he deserved together. Also sorry that getting to his funeral was just too difficult for me.

Enjoy your memories.

Arohanui Val Craven
Jenny Fitzwater
25/08/2010

Audrey

I was really sorry to read Peter's death notice in the paper.

My condolences to you and Justine - I know you will have lots of lovely memories to treasure. It seems a life time ago that we worked together and enjoyed many a long chat.

With very best wishes

Jenny Fitzwater
Bob & Alison Morrison
25/08/2010

Audrey and Justine

Memories of Peter from so many years ago - 60 - Karori, through teaching and to the present day.

I admired Peter's enthusiasm, innovation and his empathy. He was so well organised, had boundless energy and gave so much to so many - including his Chinese community.

Alison and I extend our deepest sympathy.
Ron + Yoland Hoy Fong
25/08/2010

A great supporter of the Chinese Community

You will be sadly missed by all.

Gordon Wong
25/08/2010

Audrey and Justine,

I am one of Peter's many, many former pupils who has Peter to thank for giving me a boost in my education that still has enduring benefits to my life. His energy and passion were boundless. His intelligence was inspiring. His ability to make even the most difficult lessons accessible to easily distracted pre-teens was extraordinary. He could reach out to people and knew how to bring out the best in them. It was no surprise that the same strengths he brought to teaching also made him a leader in the Chinese community. How lucky we all are that he did not limit himself to the classroom to lead others to achieve, to succeed, to share, and to enjoy life.

With warmest sympathy
Gordon Wong
Joycelyn Tam
25/08/2010

Aunty Audrey and Justine

We are thinking of you and your loss with deepest sympathy.

I will always remember Uncle Peter’s passion for uniting the local chinese community and enhancing/maintaining the chinese culture for the current and next generation. He made a huge impact in a lot of people's lives.

I loved the fact that he also shared the passion for ballroom dancing and brought it to the wider Wellington community.

Not only did Uncle Peter have the community spirit but he was also strong on family.

Uncle Peter will be dearly missed. RIP.

With Love, Alan, Joycelyn, Holly and Justin Tam
Sydney, Australia
Keith Young
24/08/2010

Audrey and Justine

So sorry for your loss. Peter was a great guy, he would no doubt be missed by all.

Our thoughts are with you

Bev and Keith Young
Gill Ward
24/08/2010

So glad I spoke to you before I went North for a week, promising to see you when I returned but you died the day I got back.

Oh well, Peter how I remember those times at Te Aro, the ups and downs and the laughs we shared. You were so Bold! Never waited for permission for anything just went ahead and did it. Got things moving. You used to say, "Gill, if you want something done do it yourself!" Within 48 hours of us both arriving at Te Aro School I knew I had met a kindred spirit, you had quaint ways of getting things done and when I queried you, sometimes with amazement, you'd grin and say "We Chinese have different ways of doing things!" I think I learnt some of them from you. Those of us who were your friends then will always remeber you with affection.

Audrey and Justine, I am devasted not to be able to be at Peter's funeral but I will be thinking of you all during that time with love and sympathy.

Peter, you were a one off, travel safely.

Gill
Albert King
24/08/2010

Audrey & Justine,

Sending you both my prayers.

My experience of Peter is of a passionate, committed, loyal, visionary, husband, father, leader, supporter, friend and giver to all his family friends & community.

I wish to acknowledge his interaction with me as a person I respect and will miss.

Acknowledging
Albert
Kevin Hing
24/08/2010

To Audrey and Justine

Please accept our deepest sympathy at Peter's passing. He was a rock for you both and we know you will miss him greatly.

Peter was also a well known and respected member of the Chinese and wider communities and his enthusiasm and energy will be a sad loss for all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

From Antoinette and Kevin Hing


Lisa and Nigel Dong
24/08/2010

Dear Audrey and Justine

Our deepest sympathies to you both on the passing of a much loved husband and father. Please take care of one another and be comforted by the wonderful legacy that Peter has left.

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Warmest regards, Nigel and Lisa Dong and family

[NZBC]

Obituary..........
Peter Kohing
黄
黄
黄
黄 騰
騰 騰
騰 徤
徤 徤
徤
Bak Shek village
白石村
白石村
白石村
白石村
17 November 1939—20 August 2010
My father was born in Bridge Street, Rongotai in 1939. The second son of Wong Ko Hin 黄求興 and Loo Sai Ting盧 細 甜, he was the third child of 6 and the first child to be born in NZ
It was growing up in and around Wellington City where he made lifelong friendships with many
of the Chinese kids that he met via family friends or at the Chinese school that was run every afternoon at St .Mark’s Church School.
Dad went to Wellington Technical College where he was captain of the A basketball team that were runners up at the secondary schools tournament in 1958 and he was also a deputy head prefect in his final year at college.
After high school, Dad went to Teachers College where he embarked on a career of teaching throughout the North Island. Early on in Dad’s career he was posted to little primary country schools dotted around the Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa. There he taught classes of 20-30 kids of all ages how to read, write and count. He often used to say that it was ironic that when he began his teaching career, he was, a young Chinese guy teaching Maori kids English.
When Dad was teaching at these schools, he would often travel in the weekends up to Auckland, Hamilton
or come home to Wellington to catch up with other Chinese families.
By doing this, he maintained his family friendships with many of the otherChinese families in NZ when most only came togetherfor the annual sports tournaments.
In the 1960’s he met my mother Audrey and after they were married in 1967, Dad based himself back in Wellington. For the next 30 years, he taught at schools such as Newtown, South Wellington, Bellevue, Randwick and Te Aro . He also spent a year lecturing at Wellington Teachers College in Karori before I was born in 1974.
My father was a foundation member of the Wellington Chinese Sports & Cultural Centre (WCSCC), and for
the 30+ years after it opened in 1977, he formed part of the core team that fundraised for the WCSCC through its many catering events such as the weddings that were held at the Centre, the Gourmetdinners and its yearly Market days that were held at Turners & Growers. It was also his enthusiasm for education and the Chinese community where he helped to set up the Yau Yihun which was one of the first Chinese Language Preschools in NZ to be recognised by the Ministry of Education in the 1980’s.
In the 2000’s, my father was elected onto the Tung Jung Association Committee, it was here that he reforged some of the relationships he had had with those that he had grown up with. He enjoyed working on a lot of the projects the Association undertook and he was very proud when the new Tung Jung premises in Torrens Terrace was purchased.
Prior to Dad’s passing he was working with some old friends on a book about the sites of Chinese businesses in the Wellington region and work on this book is being continued even though he’s no longer with us.
For those of you who don’t know, Dad was diagnosed early in 2009 with Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer caused by the lodgement of asbestos fibres in the lung walls. It takes about 30 years to show up. When he was told that the outcome was grim, he fought the bravest battle for just over 15 months, which was 7 months longer then doctors thought. My Dad stayed fiercely independent and proud right to the end andMum and I are so proud of him for his courageous efforts with his battle.
Dad has left a big hole in our lives and its hard to get used to the fact that he’s not with us anymore. In the last few months, I have heard many of his friends and colleagues describe Dad as being a caring, generous,
organised, friendly, honourable and dedicated person. To some of you, he was a mentor, an advisor and
a leader.He was an educator and for all of his life, he was dedicated to the NZ Chinese Community. He was a very sociable person, where he could talk to anyone about anything, anywhere, and if he could help you he would go out of his way to help you with what you needed and if he couldn’t, he’d find someone else who could.
My Dad was a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me, he was my Dad. He taught me how to drive, change a tyre and put the oil in the car. He taught me that life isn’t always as easy as it looks on TV and best of
all, it was his enthusiasm for our community that has made me the person I am today.
Mum and I are grateful to those of you who kept in touch with Dad throughout his battle with his illne
ss. He really enjoyed receiving all the emails, letters and phone calls. You all gave Dad the encouragement to keep on fighting right to the end and for this, we thank you.
Justine Kohing
November 2010 www.tungjung.org.nz/images/stories/newsletters/2010/Summer_issue_2010.pdf