Alison Clare EALSON

Missing you doesn't get easier mum! I wish you were with us everyday!
Love you always and forever and wish you could be here.

Not a day goes by that I don't wish for you to be in our lives. I wish my two beautiful boys had more time to get to know their Nanna, although I share daily stories, memories and pictures with them it is still never enough. Mum you would be so proud of where we all are now, your daughter and grandchildren!
No one will ever live up to who you were in all of our lives.
We miss you so much!

6 years ago, January 5 you left us.
Still deeply loved and missed.

It's your birthday my beautiful lover. Will my tears for you ever stop. Missing you.

You are in my thoughts when I walking the hills of Macau RIP Ali x

Darling Ali, On our wedding anniversary, June 3, I brought you a dozen red roses and left them for you on your rock.
It would have been 48 years of married bliss.
I miss you so much.

Darling Ali, The pain of your loss continues as do my tears for you.

mum i miss you so much. one day i hope it wont hurt so much to miss you. i wish you were here to help me through my crappy times. i love you so much

It's a glorious morning here in Hawkes Bay. I'm sipping coffee,watching my three French hens forage(Aussie version-just got them yesterday,and thinking about you Alison.I'm thankful for who you are- and I use the present deliberately because in a real sense you're with me still. One of my granddaughters is keen on horses; I'll give her a horsey-holiday this year and remember you again.We love you Roy, girls and your families. Elizabeth.

Sweatheart, on your birthday, we gathered, your family and dearest friends, at Westridge Outlook. There we said goodbye to you and as the sun set, scattered your ashes on the rock you said was beautiful. We wept for you, drank toasts to you with pink champagne and told you we loved you. You have become one with the rock you thought was beautiful. This place is now sacred to us.

Always remember the good times we had in Dubai and the chats we had while running or walking, cannot find anyone to match you.

Sweetheart, yesterday, June 3rd was our 45th wedding anniversary. I put fresh flowers out for you and wept that you weren't here to share the day with me.
Loving you always,
Roy

Ali, extremely saddened to hear of your passing; can't believe you're gone. Rest in peace.

Roy, please know that we're thinking of you.

Many happy memories from Dubai and Tassie.

We are sorry for Roy and Ali's family's loss. We miss her and remember her fondly from our time in Dubai.

Lots of love and best wishes from Ellen, Richard, Marie-Louise and James-Magnus

I find it hard to think of Alison as 'gone' so my comments are to her. It is a priveledge to be your sister Alison, and despite the distances that have always been there, your love for me and mine kept us close. I'm so grateful for that and honour you for your generous and hospitable nature that allowed us to pick up the family and friendship links easily. With all my heart I wish we'd had some more years to be sisters, but because we can't, your memory will live in our contact with your lovely family. I love you.

Rowena and I still speak of Ali's remarkable courage, humor and positive outlook in those last months. These qualities that came so easily to her are the gold standard for lesser mortals like us to strive for.

We never spent a lot of time with my mum's brothers and sisters as we were growing up - a few trips down to Uncle Alan's house and the occasional visit from Uncle John. Aunty Alison was always the "glamorous aunty", sending us postcards and photos from places overseas I'd hardly heard of.
I didn't spend any real time with her until she and Uncle Roy came to NZ when I was 16 and took me bungy jumping. Despite the fact that we didn't know each other well though, my abiding memory of her is how keen she always was for us to visit and how welcoming she was when we did.
The memories I have of my time in Dubai with her are precious - she made me feel like I belonged and was really part of the family. We have a lot in common, me and Aunty Alison, and I wish I'd spent more time with her, particularly over the past few years. The times we did get together though were always full of laughs and I'll remember them fondly.

I'll never forget Aunty Alison as my 'cool' Aunty. You will always be missed, Rachelle and I would were so happy to have seen you last year, love always, your 'cool' nephew...

Roy's prayer.

They were so caring at the hospital but could do no more for you there,
We brought you home from the nurses to your family's loving care,
They told us you'd live but a day or two more yet you battled on so long,
Was this due just to our love or had the prayers helped make you strong.

I lay beside you at night waiting for your breath, holding mine in fear,
Then your next breath would come and once again I would be aware,
Of just how fragile you had become and more precious just the same,
And waking beside you in the morning, I'd give thanks once again.

So many friends came to visit bringing gifts, the greatest being their love,
And so many came not only with gifts and love but prayers to God above,
Each night I held you in my arms comforting not only you but also me,
Hoping holding you long and lovingly you would not be able to leave.

Family and friends came to see you and your eyes would truly sparkle,
And we lived with this false hope that somehow we were seeing a miracle,
But sadly our hopes faded along with the sparkle in your eyes,
And we knew you were going to leave us no matter what we tried.

At the end we were with you as you lay in my arms gently holding my hand,
We kissed you and said how we loved you and told you of our plans,
And then it became clear to us that you were about to leave this life,
I said again I love you and as you slipped away you squeezed my hand twice.

Your race is run and you have passed us the baton of pain to carry for a time,
Your life's race was too short but you ran it well and filled us all with pride,
Ali, darling love of my life, this is my prayer, and my very earnest plea,
Wherever you are sleeping, sweetheart, if you dream, please dream of me.

Ali's prayer.

Do not weep too long for me for I am now at peace and my pain has gone,
Will I live only in your hearts or is there another life further on?
Is this the big sleep or will there be a door through which I may go?
If there is a door and I am invited through how will I let you know?
My dear friends and loved ones you will know I call you and why,
When you hear the wind in the casuarinas or the black cockatoo's cry,
When the sun brings a rainbow from behind black clouds on a stormy day,
And the wattle's sweet perfume on a balmy breeze drifts your way.

I regret leaving this life, my family, my friends and all my kin,
That I will never walk the beach and the bush nor ride my horse again,
How will my grandchildren grow and what will they become?
Engineers, nurses, loving spouses with beautiful daughters and sons?
My lovely daughters, Kerry, Joanne and Bernice how lucky I was,
To have a family like you would be most mothers' dream because,
We have shared love and times most would envy and my only regret,
Is my being unable to tell you every day I love you yet.

To Roy, my ever-loving companion, didn't we share some beautiful times?
Wasn't the sun always shining, the weather warm and the company fine?
Walking through London, Dubai, Amsterdam and Hong Kong,
Our trek up to Everest was not only for the strong,
We lived and loved in cities and places all over and not just in the West.
Now I have returned to these “Down Under” climes for my final rest.
Scatter my ashes at my favourite spot and think lovingly of me often,
Tell my grandchildren how I loved them and I pray I'm not forgotten.

Dear Roy.
We never forget the hospitality which we experienced during our visit to Brisabne and to your home.
We also appreciate you very much for the care you had given to Ali.
I am sure you have the courage and will power to overcome the big loss.
Our love and prayers to you and your family
Thomas and Sara
Dubai

My condolences and deepest sympathy to you all from your old Air Nugini Hill neighbour.
Grahame McKinney

To Roy and Family.
Our condolences and deepest sympathy to you all at this time.
Wally and Jan Sturgeon.

Dear Roy,We were so saddened to hear of Ali's passing,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Our fond memories of spending time with you both at Country Club Quiz nights,Camping on the beach in Oman. Being with you for all the fun parties especialy Ali's birthday with the KFC and seeing you with your girls will keep you all close to our hearts
God bless you Ali
All our love to you and your family
Frances and Bill

A TRIBUTE TO ALI
from Ali's friends in the Samford Hash House Harriers
The Samford Family Hash, part of the world wide Hash House Harriers organisation, is a running and walking group that meets every Sunday afternoon.
We first met Ali and Roy when they joined Samford Hash. From the entertaining stories told about their HASH exploits in Dubai and other places Ali and Roy took hashing seriously, but they went along with our more informal HASH behaviour.
Ali and Roy were always involved with hash activities overseas (Interhash) and in Australia (Nash hash) For example, in 2010 Ali organized accommodation at a hotel, the Culture Inn, in Kuching which she found on the internet. It looked great on the internet. Samford Hash got more than we bargained for. Some of the rooms were rented by the hour. Ali was naturally mortified. Ask Roy for details. Anyway, the outcome was the hashers had a really great time. The staff were friendly and we got to live and eat with the locals. Thanks to Ali we got to see the no frills side of Kuching, for which we'll always be grateful.
Ali and Roy were always at Sunday Hash when they weren't travelling. They also involved their family in Hash activities. Some earned Hash names which I won't reveal today.
They were keen to be involved in Hash weekends e.g. at Peach Trees and Inskip and at Ballandean who could forget Ali's winning cocktail "the sexy little Kiwi" at the cocktail evening?
She was a fast walker and often met up with the runners at hold checks. At the O'Reilly's to Binna Burra walk she didn't stop for lunch. Fear of leeches could have been a reason.
You could count on a decent walk when Ali and Roy hosted Sunday Hash. Ali liked long walks, but the reward for effort was a great meal at the end. Her Gluhwein was famous.
She could not make the 2011 Red Dress Run, but she was there in spirit when she provided a red dress for David Roberts.
Personally, Barb and I enjoyed Ali's and Roy's company on the trip to the Canarvons, Mt Moffatt and South West Queensland I doubt whether they would forget the road in to Mt Moffatt, especially the logging truck, but the destination made it worthwhile.
Ali did nothing by halves. It was great having her on the trip to Nepal. Their involvement in this trip was in doubt up to the last minute because of Ali's diagnosis, just a few days before we were due to leave. The going was tough, but she finished the trek and saw Mt Everest. A real credit to her tenacity.
The last 15 months or so have been a long hard journey for Ali and Roy, but they were fighters and wouldn't give in. There were some ups, but mostly downs, especially with frustration about treatment. Along with family and other friends, Hash has kept them company on this journey. The first question when Hash friends met was, "How's Ali? What's the news about Ali?"
Right up to the end she was interested in others, commenting only a week ago to Jo," Nice top. You've had your hair cut ."
How Hash felt about Ali was shown by our gathering at Joanne's place on Ali's last Sunday. Ali, true to form, persuaded us to do our run from there. It was great that Roy was able to join us.
Ali was generous, hospitable, a great host, a terrific cook, the best of company and a real friend.
Good bye Ali. We'll all miss you.

my mate - Jude

We will miss Ali's calm and relaxed manner and her capable and confident ridng skills and surely Caro will miss his Tuesday rides with Ali. Best wishes to Roy and Family.
Slickers Horse riding Management and staff

Dear Roy-Words can not express our sorrow at Ali's passing. The sadness though is overshadowed by all the wonderful memories of the great times we've had together with you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you- All our love and best wishes
Larry and Karon

Roy, Jo, Kerry, Bernice and families. Very very sad news. Will always remember the happy times with Roy & Ali & the girls enjoying refreshments on the lanai in Dubai and at numerous other parties & BBQs. Rest in peace Ali.

Dear Roy & Family,
We were very sad to receive the text message of Ali's passing. We treasure our memories of your visits to Toogoom, particularly our boat trip up the Mary River. Hugs and warmest wishes to you all at this sad time. Rest in peace Ali.

Dear Roy & Family:
Michael and I were truly saddened about Ali's passing. We remember fondly your trip to North Vancouver a couple of years ago and dinners at both Peter & Sue's and our house and the laughs about the "Beer Can Chicken". You all had so many fond and wonderful memories in Dubai with Linda and Malcolm as well. Rest in peace Ali! As ever, Barb & Michael Landrey, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Ali lived life to the full and did things that other people douldnt dream about. Australia, Papua Mew Guinea, Oman, Dubai. What an experience.! Roy and Ali were set fair to pursue Chapter 2 at Mount Nebo but sadly ot was not to be. She would not want us to be sad at her passing although it is desperately hard not to shed a tear. Vale Alison Our Love to Roy at this sad time

Dear Roy, Jo, Kerry, Bernice and your families, our prayers for comfort for you all during this sad time. Such fond memories of good times spent with you all.

special memories with laughter and warmth and kindness - Dave and Fi

Will for ever remember the great times I have spent with Ali and Roy in Fiji, Port Moresby and in Brisbane as well as growing up with her in Christchurch New Zealand. Sadly missed. John (brother)

The wind blows the grasses
And whips the horse's mane
They travel, horse and rider
Through the bush of ever green

Hills roll by and clouds pass
But steady are the horse's hooves
Upon the wind-blown plains
As they travel, horse and rider

There is no trail they follow
No path that can be seen
There they travel, horse and rider
Upon the endless bushy green

We will miss you on Tuesdays Ali. Our rides will not be the same without you; your riding buddies Jill, Sandy, Robyn & Shaz xx

Death ends a life, not a relationship, you will live on with all of us Ali. Rowena and Niels Faerch

We will always remember foldly the good times spent with Ali and Roy in Dubai and back home in Australia. Ali will be very sadly missed by all our family. Max, Izzy, Kristen and Alex.

God Bless Ali and love and thoughts to you Roy and all the family. So many fond and happy memories in Dubai and here in Australia. Love always Jeana and Mike Scott

I was saddenend to hear of your passing, as you were always so full of life and had a great character. I remember with fondness learning dance routines with Kerry and Joanne in your front lunge in Fiji, and some great holidays at Paradise Point singing "Pearly Shells" in the Talent Contest and the slippery coconut log across the pool. Not to mention the Friday nights down the Bowling Club. Then we were all reunited in Port Moresby for more amazing memories. I hope you are a peace now Ali, and your spirit will live on in your gorgeous girls. Sending my love to all the family. Stay strong and my thoughts are with you all. Sarah Smith