Two people hiking on a dirt trail through a hilly grassy landscape with mountains in the background and power lines in the distance, under a clear blue sky.

Black and white portrait of a young man with curly hair, smiling, wearing a dark t-shirt, with foliage in the background.

JOHN SMITH

April 13th 1986 - August 17th 2024 Fiordland, New Zealand

"Though you were taken too soon, your light continues to shine in the hearts of those who loved you."

From the moment he could walk, he was outside - barefoot, sun-kissed, and chasing the next adventure. Whether it was hiking steep tracks before sunrise, catching the perfect wave at the local beach, or quietly waiting in the bush with his dad on a crisp morning, he was most at home under the open sky.

He lived for bonfire nights with friends - always the one to light the fire, pass around a guitar, and laugh loudest. He never missed a family BBQ, showing up with too much food and an even bigger appetite. His presence filled a space. Not just with stories, but with genuine warmth and a quiet kind of strength.

Even through illness, he stayed grounded in the things he loved - taking slow walks when he could, sharing photos of sunsets, and checking in with his people. He faced it all with grit and grace, never losing the spark that made him him.

His time here was far too short, but his impact was deep and lasting. He taught us how to live fully, love freely, and to always make time for the people who matter. His story lives on in every fire we gather around, every wave we ride, and every moment we choose joy.

Two people walking on a dirt trail in a hilly landscape with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

Person hiking with a dog on a mountain trail surrounded by grass, rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks, and cloudy sky.

People raising glasses of beer in a toast, with a rustic wooden background.

A surfer in the ocean with a surfboard, touching his head during sunset or sunrise, with a partly cloudy sky.

Three young men in a dimly lit room with graffiti on the wall. One is holding a black electric bass guitar and has his hands on his head, appearing surprised or stressed. Another is playing drums in the background, and the third is playing an electri

A man and woman walk hand-in-hand on a trail in a mountainous area with dry bushes and snow-capped peaks in the background.

A group of six people gathered around an outdoor dining table, sharing a meal in a backyard during daytime. The scene includes string lights, a modern house in the background, and sunlight.

Young rugby players in a game on a grass field, with one player holding the ball and attempting to score while others try to stop him, some players on the ground and others watching in the background.

A group of five friends toasting with glasses of beer in a restaurant or bar, smiling and laughing.

A man in swim trunks balancing on a rock edge by the water, arms extended, with the sun reflecting off the water in the background.

A man in a wetsuit surfing on a wave at the ocean during sunset.

A man fishing on a concrete dock by the water, sitting on a foldable chair with fishing gear around him, with a view of distant hills across the water.

Three hunters in camouflage and outdoor clothing stand in a grassy field with a beige SUV parked nearby under an overcast sky.

MEMORY WALL

Shared Moments, Forever Remembered.

This space is a collection of memories, words, and stories from the people who knew and loved him best. Whether it was a quick laugh, a shared adventure, or a quiet moment that stuck - every post here helps paint the picture of a life well lived and deeply felt. It’s especially special to read about moments others might not have seen - glimpses of who he was through the eyes of friends, co-workers, classmates, and family. These shared memories mean the world, especially to those closest to him.

A group of five friends raising glasses of beer for a toast in a party or celebration at a restaurant or bar.

“Still saving your spot around the fire, mate. Some nights I swear I can hear you laughing. Always with us.”

— Josh & Crew

“It’s hard to put into words what you meant to all of us. You were the heart of our group - the one who remembered birthdays, who brought snacks for hikes even when we said we didn’t want any, who checked in without needing a reason. You had this way of seeing people, like really seeing them. Through all the highs and lows, especially when things got hard for you, you never stopped showing up with that same gentle strength. You were brave in ways that went far beyond your fight with cancer. You were brave in how you loved. Miss you every single day.”

— Jess

“Miss you every day, bro. Still can’t light a fire without thinking of you and your terrible marshmallow technique. Thanks for all the memories, you made life better just by being in it.”

— Mitch

A group of six people enjoying an outdoor meal in a backyard surrounded by a modern house, string lights, and greenery.

“Family BBQs aren’t the same without your playlists and your ‘secret’ burger seasoning (which was just way too much garlic, btw). Love you forever, cuz.”

— Uncle Dave

“You were the guy who’d drag us up a mountain at 5am just to ‘catch the view.’ Now every sunrise reminds me of you. Rest easy, legend.”

— Aimee

“Even in the hard moments, you found ways to make us smile. You were light, even in the dark. We love you, always.”

— Nana

“You were the kind of person who made everything feel like an adventure - even just a walk to the dairy turned into a mission with you. I remember that one weekend we got lost trying to find that secret surf spot, ended up with no reception, no food, and still called it ‘the best weekend ever.’ That was you - turning the ordinary into unforgettable. I miss your laugh, your terrible sense of direction, and the way you always made everyone feel like they belonged. Thanks for being my best mate and my biggest cheerleader. There’ll never be another one like you.”

— Dan

A man in the water holding a surfboard, adjusting his hair during sunset or sunrise.

“You always said the ocean was your church. Every time I paddle out now, I look up and say hey. I know you’re there - wind at your back, salt in your hair.”

— Tahlia

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES

Do you have a moment, a memory, or a message to share? We’d love you to include it here.
No login needed - just upload and share your words, your way.

Sometimes the most special memories are the ones we never knew - until someone shares them.

Please note: Submissions are reviewed before being published and may take up to 48 hours to appear live.

SERVICE

We warmly invite all who knew and loved John to join us in honouring his life and spirit.

Service Details
Date: Saturday, 27 August 2024
Time: 11:00am
Location: St. Andrew’s Church, Fiordland. 123 Fiordland street, Fiordland
Livestream: A livestream link will be available here on the day.

After the service, please join us for light refreshments and a chance to share stories, hugs, and memories.

EXIT DEMO