And of course all his many brothers, sisters and in-laws who played such a large role in his life, along with all his nieces and nephews and their families.
One of the most influential people in Pop's life was his father-in-law Bill Dawson. To the very last Pop referred to him as a great man.
In more recent years came a man who transformed both my grandmother and my grandfather, Joe Latimer.
The renewed friendship after 55 years of Joe's absence from the area reinvigorated my grandparents, and the sight of him turning into the lane brought smiles all round. Pop often lamented that Joe was the type of man he wished he had met long, long ago.
Finally, but by no means least, Ma Jones. As any mother is, a compelling influence on her children and their lives.
I recall a story recently told to me by my grandfather that I would like to share with you. Many years ago, as, like so many of us, my grandfather was rushing about his life, busy building his future, he happened to call in to his family home down Kumi Road for a quick visit. A brief "hello" to everyone and a hurriedly consumed cup of tea, and Pop was up and off toward the door. Ma spoke up: "Danny, where are you going in such a hurry? Come and sit a while with me."
As my Pop sat down, again Ma spoke: "Remember who you are and who we are. There is no need for you to rush about without thought of those who love you or those you love. Tomorrow is another day and you will do then what you cannot today." With those few words, the lesson was learned.
I too have lived a rushed life. And only when it is spread in front of us or we suffer great loss do we see more clearly. I urge you all to see more clearly so that you might not suffer regret in your life.
On behalf of my family, we wish to express our deep appreciation to everyone who attended the funeral service, the burial, or the later gathering at Waipapakauri Domain. So too do we understand the hardship faced by those unable to attend. It has been a comfort to us all to know your thoughts have been with us during so arduous a time.
Additionally, our sincerest thanks to Canon Dennis Urquhart, Dennis Blithe and Geards, Desley Austen and her team of caterers at Waipapakauri, and Wihi Stevenson and the Awanui Rugby Club, without whom proceedings would not have progressed so smoothly.
It dawns on me now that after the death of my grandmother Ena, Pop began in earnest reciting the stories and local histories to me and my sister and cousins as part of his preparation to join Nana. Little did I realise that he was becoming sadder and more despondent each day, despite the best efforts of those who loved him, as his separation from Nana consumed his happiness. He was preparing to leave us.
Happy now, without the pain of earthly life, Nana and Pop watch us from heaven, hand in hand with huge smiles as they celebrate together the tree of life they leave behind.
Daniel Leader Jones was born on May 30, 1926, to Raiha Moeroa (Lizzy, Ma) and Edward Llewellyn (Ted) Jones, and was raised on a dairy farm on Kumi Road. The seventh of 17 children, he finished his schooling aged 12, and while continuing to help on the family farm procured his first job at the bakery in Awanui.
Realising the working hours were a hindrance to his expanding social life, he one day declared, "This is not the job for me" and began looking elsewhere. He found work at the Awanui dairy factory wharf where he met and fell in love with life's love, his soul mate, his truest friend Ena Ruth Dawson.
They married in Auckland in 1947 and their first child, Leona, was born there.
They later returned to the Far North, firstly dairy farming at Awanui and later expanding the range with Puataka, in the sandhill country of Waipapakauri, where years were spent breaking in the land. It was during those years that they were blessed with son William and second daughter Marilyn.
The Great Kauri had begun to spread its roots.
Pop was a man resolutely proud of his heritage, the Maori, the Dalmatian and the Welsh. Many of his characteristics could be attributed back to one arm or more of that somewhat diverse heritage.
My grandfather was a people person. He always welcomed others, and was likely to converse as openly with a stranger just met as with a close family member or friend. He was an intent listener who made people feel welcome.
Perhaps most commendable was Pop's ability and willingness to see the good in all people who crossed his path. I never saw any person turned away from his Awanui home ...
Pop loved to share the finer details of all of his interests, including farming, particularly pigs and all the intricacies involved therein, native timber woodworking, kumara and potato gardening, sport, music, and expanding his worldly knowledge ...
We must be happy that Pop is now with his greatest love, Nana. He need no longer wake each day with the pain of longing pressing down upon his heart. And as my 3-year-old daughter so innocently commented after being told of her grandpop's passing and our intention to place him with her grandnan, he will now be able to once again "have the cuddles" with Grandnan denied him since her recent death.
A mighty kauri has fallen, but he lives on through us all, in our memories for ever. Haere ra Pop.
