Lyndsay Bernard Williamson was the most wonderful husband, dad, POPs, brother and son anyone could have. He had a beautiful, caring, kind soul, a cracking smile, infectious laugh and always loved to see the fun side of life. He was a great listener, supporter and friend, always cheering you on and putting others in front of himself. Even though he didn't say it a lot, you knew he cared for all of us deeply. He had the craziest sense of humour and loved to laugh - especially with his grandchildren - often spending hours outside with them instead of the adults in the pursuit of crazy fun. He adored his wife, Betty, deeply and enjoyed over 50 years of fun, love and adventures with her. Right till the very end, she was the only one he recognised and always perked up when he heard her voice. A true 'real life' love story. Lyndsay was also a family man - not only creating a loving environment with Betty for his children, but also his wider family. He spent endless weekends helping his parents out on the farm or just 'chewing the fat' over a cup of tea with them and also loved being around all of his brothers and sisters. Their weekends away together were always such a highlight for him. Right till the end, he would talk about Graeme, Janette, Christine and Trevor.
He was also a very clever man - always in the garage (or at the Muffler Centre) tinkering away and figuring out how to create or fix things. He was also a bit of a 'dare devil' and there are countless stories of his endeavours as a skilled top dressing pilot in the early days of his career.
Everyone loved 'Lyndz' ...and there are so many great stories about his adventures in life. We are so grateful he was part of our lives and we will never forget all the fun times as well as the caring, kind, funny, pragmatic, beautiful man he was. We will always remember you for who you were - a happy, vibrant, fun, caring family man and we will always love you POPs. RIP now x
Betty's tribute to her beautiful husband:
Welcome everyone & thank you for coming. A good number of people here we have known for 40-50 years and the people who introduced Lyndsay & I are also present ~ Bev & Trish a great job you two. We had 50 happy years before the rot set in.
Everyone meet my family and my heros. All of them, including the grandchildren, have always been there to help Dad and Pops over the long 7 year journey.
Dementia has robbed us but we were lucky to have had Lyndsay until he reached 80. We have lots of good memories. Lyndsay was the best husband and father. We enjoyed a fun life and worked together in business after Lyndsay gave up topdressing in 1977 after 12 years.
If Lyndsay could hear me now he would be saying “Well if you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry move on”. Lyndsay always had a smile on his face and worrying was my job!
He was a dad, a friend, a go-kart mechanic for leigh & charlene. He could not get Jonelle to race as the crash helmet would mess up her hair. Jonelle & Shelley were the pit bunnies and ran the café under my supervision. We went all over the North Island racing & to the Nationals in Christchurch.
We did everything as a family as we believed the best present you can give children is time.
Lyndsay loved fun and playing with the grandchildren. There was always a ball waiting when we arrived at Caleb or Jake’s house but, as the dementia progressed, he got quieter & less interested. One of Charlene’s school friends messaged to say our house was the fun house and they were always welcome even when they were little shits.
One Halloween when I was away, the family got Lyndsay to take them and their friends collecting in the shop truck. I would have said here is a bag of lollies each, stay home and stop cutting up my sheets.
A lovely comment from lyndsay’s sister christine
“Lyndsay loved flying so now he has his wings”.
Very true as the life he had in care was not him and he did not really know us by sight. He knew me by my voice and would smile when I was present. We will miss Lyndsay but his passing was a blessing as he could not get better. The care at Bob Owens was amazing.
Lyndsay’s idea of a funeral was a piss up so lets do it!
Leigh's tribute to his best mate and Dad:
We gather to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man, our beloved dad. I must admit, I'm not quite sure where to begin, as there are countless hilarious memories that flood my mind.
Dad was always there for us, supporting our endeavors no matter what they were. From kart racing that Charlene and I competed in, to chairing committees, he gave his time generously to the community.
He was very proud of all our achievements that Jonelle Charlene and I managed to accomplish over the years
At young age I'll never forget the days he tested my spelling skills, making me laugh with his witty remarks like, "it would probably right if you lived in Italy or somewhere!"
Dad had the talent not only behind the wheel of a car but also as a skilled pilot. I remember him letting me steer a plane at a young age, and it was both thrilling and nerve-wracking! His love for fun and parties, especially during Christmas, always was his highlight and undoubtedly dressing up as Santa.
Speaking of shared passions, Dad and I bonded over our love for cars, racing karts together when I was young. This led us to the Formula One in Adelaide for my 21st birthday, and let me tell you, it was an awesome trip! We got to witness the legends like Aytron Senna and Alain Prost in action
Dad even took me to lunch at a place served by topless waiters. Talk about unforgettable experiences!
I think this was the build up to something bigger as he got to organise my stag party when I got married.
That was a lot of fun.
But above all, Dad was an exceptional Pops to all our kids. He spent quality time with them, riding bikes, and going to the parks. He loved music and his humor never wavered, even during his battle with dementia.
During his time with Dementia Carolyn and I took him back to the Mount as he was staying at Jonelles while mum got a Knee replacement.
He told us a story about how he was looking at buying an Aussie car but didn't like it so he farted in it and shut the door.
As we bid farewell to him, we know that we'll miss his fun and laughter dearly. But we also cherish the incredible memories we created with him. So here's to you, Dad, for being the most supportive, hilarious, and loving father any of us could ask for. Rest in peace, Dad.
Jonelle's tribute to her Dad:
In loving memory of our dear Husband, Dad and Pops
This tribute is to remember Lyndsay, a loving husband, Father and Pops. You were a remarkable man who touched our hearts in countless ways and you always brought a fun side to all who knew you. Your hilarious facial expressions, gentle nature, kindness and wisdom were a testament to your beautiful soul. Your six grandchildren loved playing with you in their younger years, you were a fun, caring Pops and you gave them time which they will all cherish and remember forever. Though you may no longer be with us in body, our memories of you will forever live on and always be remembered. Rest in peace Dad. You will forever be cherished, loved and missed. Jonelle, Steve, Zoe and Jade xx
Christmas at the Whites 2011
Santa and Mama Claus
Dad’s life story - part 2
Dads life story
NYs
Manawatu Muffler Centre
