Allan Paulin

Dear Rachel and family, I am sorry I was not able to be there on Friday as I was travelling back from my daughter's graduation in Christchurch, but I was pleased to be able to watch Allan's service today. It was great to hear family and other tributes, to learn more of his life, and to confirm my own experience of his kindness, humility, depth of faith, Christian leadership, and tremendous gifts of encouragement and understanding of others. His help was most significant to me when I came to Knox and Dunedin in 2000, and his guidance and concerns (including about my overly academic tendencies) were so much what I needed as I tried to find my feet in that role. It was great today to see family likenesses in so many dimensions - the view from one of the cameras revealed some uncanny physical resemblances! John and Rose's tributes spoke for me as well. I also value Allan's example as a grandfather - a role I am still learning. However I cannot go near a ladder without thinking of him! Perhaps he is still saving me from myself. Blessings. Grâce à Dieu!

Was saddened today to learn of Allan's death. Allan Paulin was my headmaster at John McGlashan College. I remember him as a caring, dedicated and thoroughly decent man. My thoughts go out to his family.

Warmest regards and sympathies to Celia and families for the passing of Alan. Alan was such a steady and constant force who helped many boys grow into well structured young men. Thank you Alan, I always think of you and Celia fondly. Jeffrey Lloyd

Allan Paulin left a great legacy to his family and friends. He was an unusually kind and considerate gentleman. I met Allan and Celila when their wonderful son, Alastair, married my wonderful daughter, Julie. All the rest is history. This day today is a tribute to the life and good deeds of Allan Paulin. He was a "man for all seasons." We are blessed to have known him.

Allan was my employer when I taught at John McGlashan College and I remember him with respect and fondness. He showed a deep commitment to finding good solutions to the many problems that arise in a growing school amid changing ideas. He always took a genuine interest in each student and teacher in the school. I remember him and Celia for their warm hospitality and am grateful for my time at McGlashan working with an honourable man. My deepest sympathy to Celia, Rachel Alastair and families. Pauline (from la belle France).

Sending love and sympathy to you Celia, Rachel and Alastair on the very sad passing of Allan. It is a very long time since you left Hull Street in Oamaru but we remember you fondly through the gate from our home in Greta Street. I will not forget Celia you popping through to help me clean up the rubbish after a long day in the garden. Such kindness. May happy memories help sustain you all. Jan & Rick

Allan was one of the kindest and most genuinely interested in people persons I have met. I greatly admire his generosity with his time in the service of individuals and the community; his great service to education leadership, the Presbyterian synod and the Otago Railway to name but a few. The way he carried his religious faith is a great example of what a genuine person of faith can be, and can offer to make the world a better place. The Paulin family were at first neighbours and very soon wonderful, lifetime friends. I was a child when the connection was created and it only strengthened over time. Many dinners and family events and celebrations were had over the decades - graduations, birthdays, holidays. This continued long after after we had all moved to different places. I would sometimes stay over at the Paulins when my mother needed to be out of town, and always felt very welcome. Although I have been away from Dunedin for a long while, I enjoyed catching up with Allan and Celia. Allan would always ask how my family was doing and what I was up to with genuine interest. He wanted good things for people and loved to hear about them. Thank you for this very positive presence in my life, I hope you knew in your humbleness some of the great impact you had on others. Go well Allan. I send love to Celia, Rachel, Alastair and families at the time of this great loss. May his memory be a blessing, and an inspiration to all of us.

Allan - thanks for remembering my name when I was in Form2. That meant everything at the time and is something I will never forget RIP and thanks for making school years so formative and fun

Allan was very a kind, caring, thoughtful and tolerant individual. He was a loving husband to Ce and father to Rachel and Alastair. He loved his wider family and friends also. Many of his former pupils remember him as a an outstanding headmaster. Recently Derek and our daughter, Charlotte visited him and his face lit up when he saw them. They treasure that memory.

Our sincere condolences to you, Rachel, Alan and family. Also I want to acknowledge the help that Allan was to me as support when going through difficult times in church administration and also his leadership in the O/S synod. May you be surrounded by God's love and support at this time and always, Love from Joy and Graeme Flett