Leading from the front issuu

not far off 80 years of age, this particular journey was
simply a step too far.
Robert did encourage Marie and Jessie though to,
“Find themselves the best dresses and hats in the shop,
and stay somewhere nice”. For Pat, marrying Catherine
didn’t surprise him at all and in time, any dismay that
either family felt at the time of the wedding, eventually
dissolved, as irrational prejudices tend to do.
FAMILY BUSINESS BECKONS
When he finally did join the retail trade, Pat made the inspired
move to sell carpet, rugs and vinyl, ably assisted
by carpet layer and upholsterer, Harry Temple. Although
Pat’s new career was determined by family obligation,
he injected his trademark enthusiasm and love of fun
into his work. Over time he and his team successfully
recreated and expanded the business into a chain of
stores throughout the region, with a very sharp accountant
on board too, Peter Danks.
A people-person to his core, Pat was a huge asset on
the shop floor and had a strong sense of colour too, which
he used to gently guide his customers towards making
the right flooring — and later furniture — choices for their
homes. “Yes, that colour will look great in your home, and
Axminster hides a multitude of sins, Mrs Jones”.
He was popular in the community too. He genuinely
cared for people and as a young man, was keen to help
out wherever he saw there were needs. In essence, he
was driven to help those who were marginalised, especially
due to circumstances beyond their control.
RANFURLY SHIELD GLORY
DAYS — HAIL PRESIDENT!
Following his marriage, rugby remained a huge part of
Pat’s life. He played half back for NHSOB for around
eight years, and even represented Hawke’s Bay for one
and a half games. A good player but not a great one,
Pat went on to support Hawke’s Bay rugby by becoming
the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Football Union president
for a year during the Magpies stunning three year reign
when they held the Ranfurly Shield from 1966 to 1969 —
the hallowed ‘Log o Wood’ — for 22 consecutive games.
Part of securing success was finding great players
from around the country and enticing them to the Bay.
Rod Abel came up from Christchurch and Pat and Catherine
often invited him home for dinner. She cooked
tripe and onions for Kel Tremain too and Neil Thimbleby
and Barry Neale were often at home as well.
Pat and Marie create their own worlds 23