SIM, John Rex (Rex)
Peacefully on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his family, at Dunedin Hospital; in his 96th year, after a short illness. Dearly loved husband of the late Joan, and Daphne, much loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, step-father, uncle and friend to many. The Tainui Bowling Club, Patron of the Pirates Rugby Club and member of the St Kilda Men's Club. Special thanks to the staff at Dunedin Hospital ward 8A, for their thoughtful care.
A celebration of Rex's life will be held in Dunedin Crematorium Chapel, Tomahawk Road, at 10.30am, on Thursday January 30, followed by private cremation. Messages to Rex's page below
Live stream
Livestream Service Sheet SlideshowMessages
We have emailed you a verification code. Enter it below to publish your message. It can take a few minutes to arrive, and it is worth checking your spam or junk folder.
Thank you. Your message has been confirmed and will appear shortly.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Rex's passing, but grateful I was able to see him full of life in late December last year. He was regaling us with tales of his youth and our dear grandmother Joan (his sister). He was such an athlete! Towards the end of our visit, he showed us his photo wall recounting his achievements - from gymnastics to rugby. I will hold the memory of that visit close. He lived life fully and he will be sorely missed
Dear Rex.Thankyou for being a wonderful husband to our dear late mother Daphne and Stepfather to us girls .Yvonne .Colleen ,Rhonda and Robyn and Pop Rex to all of the grandchildren.We Will remember Rex as a loving man who enjoyed his bowls ,Rugby and taking our Mum on her first and only cruise which they enjoyed so much.RIP Dear Rex.Colleen❤️💕xxx
I was deeply saddened to hear of Rex's passing. He holds a special place in my heart, as he was a loving and dedicated husband to my Nannie, Daphne. I cherish the countless wonderful memories of spending time with them both, from sleepovers at their Dundonald Street home to their visits to our crib in Lowburn. I even remember when Rex was with us in Lowburn when we received the sad news of his mother Win's passing. We were always delighted when Rex and Joan attended our family gatherings. Celebrating Rex's remarkable life and his reaching the age of 95 is a testament to a life well-lived. Sending love and thought to all his family X
Rex you attended a lot of funerals in your time, you would have loved yours. It was heart felt and everyone mentioned your kindness. I am so grateful you made my mother Joan so happy. John and I have tried on a few occasions to replicate you and Joanie’s drinking ritual, with underwhelming results. It always makes us smile, and think of you both. You always made myself and my family welcome when we were over visiting. I loved the last time I visited, when Joan had died, you were still living life. New heat pump, new lounge, lovely new blue jumper, and still interested in what everyone was up to. Independent to the end, rest in peace Rex.
Rex, you were my first coach at Pirates in the Colt's grade in 1967 and 68. We had two great years and it must have been quite a job keeping us under control. You had a great understanding of young people and were very tolerant. I enjoyed catching up at Pirates and Kings anniversaries over the following years. Rest in Peace! Stuart Smith
Rex you will be sadly missed by us all, you were a very important part of our family and we appreciated the time you spent with our mother Daphne and how well you loved and looked after her until she passed. We have so many great memories and we will miss you so much, RIP dear Rex❤️❤️
To the family, I knew Rex through bowls being played @ the stadium. I’m very sorry to hear of Rex’s passing. He was a lovely man we got on very well Anne
To Rex’s family It was a pleasure to have known Rex as a fellow member of the Pirates Football Club. I have always found him to be a dedicated and loyal member as well as a good bloke. His office of Patron was a testament to the esteem in which he was held. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the funeral, but my thoughts will be with you at this time.
The Leith Bowling Club send condolences on the loss of John. A great bowler. We wish all his family and friends our deepest wishes.
Rex sending a warm embrace to you Rex, we talked recently and you sounded happy , memories of helping you in the garden are now more special. Im at peace myself knowing you found the love of your life with Joanie, and the years that followed were both you and Ma's favourite point in time. Our family is your family and thats what counts when we are openminded and loving May you find a beautiful Green , with Joanie waiting for you to Bowl. And a cheers of the drink that was top to bottom. ❤️❤️❤️ Love and Life
Rest in peace sweet Rex. I really enjoyed seeing your smiling face every time you came in for an appointment. I will miss telling you to stay out of trouble and threatening to wrap you in bubble wrap. You were my favourite wee patient and will miss you dearly.
To Rex's family. It was a pleasure to have Rex and the late Joan as our neighbors. A friendly wave and a hello never went unnoticed. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend Rex's service but my thoughts will be with you.