Daniel William (Dan) Knowles

Darling Dan, I was so blessed to meet you in the early 90's as a teenager when I decided to do my formal training with you at the Ettie Rout centre to become a volunteer support person. You were so supportive and welcomed me with open arms. I still vividly remember the incredibly powerful workshop you facilitated on death and dying where we had to visualise our own funeral, it was very profound and humbling. We spent many hours making thousands of darn red ribbons each year for World AIDS day on 1st December then we'd head out into the streets with buckets and sell the ribbons to raise funds for the Ettie Rout centre. We caught up in Sydney but i'm sorry our paths didn't cross more whilst there especially since we both lived in the same city for a while. I always admired the love that you and Isamu shared, you were such a beautiful couple, so caring and supportive. You made such a big positive impact on so many lives young and old, you are a rear person whom has made a big difference in the world by you just being you. You will be dearly missed by many and always remembered in our hearts. sending you lots of love Isamu Kia kaha Ngahuia

Noel Tointon, and myself Suzanne Tointon at 38 Dundonald St, and Daniel, we spent a lot of our childhood together. Falling out of trees, playing cricket, watching lots of Carry On films. Daniel was very kind and patient to show me how to play golf, giving me lessons on Chisholm Park golf course. Plus donated an old golf bag (it did have a hole in it), but it did help. In general helping me to start golf when not many school girls were playing golf. He was a lovely person to know and very kind. A shame we lost contact but he shall be missed. Great to see he found the right person to fall in love with to spent his life with. Suzanne

Dan was a wonderful colleague, neighbour and friend to us both. We well remember Dan and Isamu's kindnesses to us during the earthquake years. I shared many entertaining car trips to school with Dan and always think fondly of his kindness and sense of humour. Sending all oujr love to Isamu and the rest of Dan's family. Josie and Alan Welch

Dan, I have many lovely memories of you and Isamu through our participation together in many events during our 'gay rights' and Aids awareness days , and through our mutual friendship with Gabriel Alston. I have very recently been looking through many of his photos and you both feature often, together , the loving couple , laughing away. Gabriel held you both in very high regard, as do I. Thinking of you Isamu with lots of love , John

Dan. You were a kind and gracious man. Im glad your fight has now come to an end and that you can be at peace now. My heart goes out to Isamu and all the family. Fly high mate.

Thank you for being the amazing person you were. Sending all our love from Aus. Love to Isamu and all the family x

A truly wonderful man whom I had as my head of department at Linwood High School. Always kind and caring, Dan you are and will always be truely missed. RIP Sir x

Goodbye Dan you beautiful man and our much loved friend. It matters that you trod the earth proudly, not arrogantly, but on feet that weren't afraid to stand their ground, or move quickly when the need arose. It matters that you eyes have been on the object always, aware of its drift but not caught up in it. It matters that we were young together, and that you never lost the instincts and intuitions of a pioneer. It matters that you were brave when retreat would have been easier. It matters that, in many places and at many times, you have made a difference. Your laugh mattered. Your love has mattered. Above all, it matters that you have been loved. Nothing else matters.

Farewell Mr Knowles, Some of my fondest school memories come from having you as our home room teacher. Nothing was ever too much for you — you always had time for every one of us and somehow knew exactly how to help, no matter the situation. Over the years, I’ve often thought about you and remembered just how kind, caring, and genuine you always were. From our special home room excursions to our fun Friday afternoons playing Xbox and enjoying a can of cold soft drink, you were such a big part of my life during those years. Thank you for being one of the best teachers I ever had. You made a lasting impact that I will never forget. Sammi

My parents had the privilege of calling Dan a close friend, and as a happy result of their wise choice; I had the privilege of calling him my godfather. I have always been aware of my parents' love for Dan, and the special regard in which they held him. My own earliest impressions of him were those of an approachable, warm, genuine, funny, and eminently kind-hearted man. He has been an irreplaceable source of joy and support to our family over the many years we've had the pleasure of knowing him, and a better godfather could not have been asked for. He will be missed immensely by us all. Love you Dan, thanks for all the great memories. And love to dear Isamu too, who is in our hearts at this time.

Dan & I met when the Christchurch Branch of the AIDs Foundation was initially set up. He was passionate about equality for gay people in NZ at that time, & a strong advocate for his many friends. Isamu & Dan were generous hosts and we enjoyed several Japanese at their home in Central Christchurch. Rest in peace Dan. Love Peter & Robert.

Darling Dan, always so supportive and caring of others, you will be missed by many. Special love to Isamu, Anna Reed ex NZPC.