Gillman Laing

An amazing father, caring brother, exceptional chef and self confessed one eyed otagoite, passed away on Sunday 7th April 2013.

Our Dad was one of those men who went out of his way to look after everybody, whether it was fixing our friends’ childhood toys, landscaping friends/families backyards, sanding/staining everyones furniture. “Our Dad Would Fix It.” He excelled at everything he put his hands to, be it citrus pruning, being the trump card at our family sports game or marinating/decorating the Xmas hams every year with impeccable detail and taste precision. His hard working, mentoring nature has led to him being admired across the country.

He helped shape the future of Hillside/Tranzrail, shouted many orders to the boys in the army and raised two extremely independent girls, this kept him busy and focused until the end. Always being the one out there driving change at whatever he was doing, especially throughout his working career.

He held a life long love affair with cooked breakfasts - eggs, bacon, sausages and hash browns. His dinners were never meat and three veg, there were always stuffed peppers, courgettes and potatoes on the table with beautifully marinated meats and sides which were fit for the best. We always asked ourselves “Dad When Did You Have Time?”

Dad took extreme pride in his children and now grandchildren (Holly, Phoebe, Teale and Xavier, he finally got the boy he’s always wanted after 6 goes). He taught us to strive for everything and “Go For It” and things shouldn’t be done in halves. Well now we have our own kids Dad, “Are We In Trouble” - independent, headstrong and determined - definitely pose their own challenges as you knew.

Growing up in our house, his closet break outs of Fred Estaire, a house full of loving friends, family and rock and rolling to The Shadows and Neil Diamond was the norm. He taught us about the importance of people and living life to the fullest. Our house was often the meeting point for most of our friends because Dad made everyone feel so welcome.

Because of Dad's fear that the Cantabrians would throw him a "DB Party", we would like to throw a party ‘Free Of Any Theme’ this weekend. You can find us at:

The Garrisons club (old Sergeants’ Mess Army Drill Hall), Bridgman Street, South Dunedin at 3:00pm, Saturday 13th April 2013.

In lieu of flowers we ask you donate to Waipuna Hospice,
www.waipuna-hospice.co.nz or PO Box 1156 Tauranga 3140.

Our Gentleman, Our Dad, Our Life.

Love You Dad, you will be forever be in our hearts...

Love Tania and Melanie.

Jones and Company Ltd, FDANZ

Service Information: Date: Time: Location: 13/04/2013 3:00 p.m. The Garrisons Club (old Sergeants Mess Army Drill Hall Bridgman Street South Dunedin View Map of Location