Alister McDONALD Obituary

Michael Watkins Resthaven. Cambridge 21.2.25

I have friends holidaying in Golden Bay at present. So I'm sitting here in a rest home. musing about when I used to spend a lot of time there. And it came to my mind that the last time I'd seen this real good bloke, was in the Collingwood pub. Now what was his name, so it took me a bit over an hour, when it suddenly came to me......Alister McDonald. Then I began to wonder if he would still be in those parts, or had moved on. So I thought, let's get online and have a look see. Well it didn't take long to come up with the very sad news of his passing. Very sad indeed, such a big man, strong and passionate about life to the full. I first met Alister about 1981-82 when one night he came into the Swan Hotel in Motueka, which I owned at the time. The bar was pretty quiet. but it soon got filled with raucous laughter, as we both got on so well, in no time at all. After that he would call in whenever they were going through. I say they, because there was
Jenny also, with their newborn babe, who after me reading the Obituary, I assume to be John. And so if I'm correct would be aged about 43. I faintly remember one night, being able to help them with something, I no not what, after all these years. They were living at I
think could have been Mariri, Lower Moutere or Mapua. In that area somewhere. And then I remember
when they went to over to Golden Bay to begin the Cockle venture. Eventually, except for meeting him that day in the Collingwood pub, our friendship faded when I sold up and moved away. He'd told me he was
from Woodlands, and because I'd earlier spent twenty years in Gore, we had a bit in common. So finally after
all my memories of a really good, intelligent, genuine and humorous bloke I once knew, I will come to a close. Jenny, may God bless you and all your extended family that I never met, but wish I had, and take care.

I saw the obituary for Alister in the seafood industry magazine and would like to offer my condolences to the family. I first met Alister back in the 80´s when I helped him get his applications approved by MAF for an experimental permit to harvest cockles with his radicle new harvesting machine.
He was an interesting sort of a guy and we spent lots of time in many bars, not only solving most of the problems of the fishing industry, but also developing a good friendship based on a mutual respect for one another.
I would loved to have been at his funeral and shared the many story´s I could have told about this hard case kiwi bloke.
As is often the case, we moved on as our paths drifted in different directions and I haven´t seen him for close to 30 years. In this time I haven´t forgotten him and often think back to the hard case times we spent together. Rest in Peace my old friend.
Cheers. Graham Olsen

That is very sad. A good bloke. Always enjoyed catching up and hearing his stories and perspectives on things. He will be missed.
Gary Rountree MacLab (NZ) Ltd

Very sad to hear this news! Many years of business with United & lots of banter with Alister, Chris & Dean. Bloody great product and man to boot. Miss the calls Mr. Cockle

So very sad to hear of AJ's passing .
We always enjoyed a visit from him , such a jolly ,humorous clever guy . One of life's interesting characters and yes ,larger than life .
He will be missed by all who loved him
Bill and Judy Haywood Nelson

Sad to hear that AJ has gone. My sympathy Jenny.
Will remember AJ as a kind and intelligent man. He always had an interesting and entertaining take on things. John Wilson

Alister/cockle
I knew AJ well. spent many hours over the years with him in Pakawau, Collingwood and the west coast of Tasman District. he was a "much larger than life" person, and sad that he has departed. I hope all his children are well.

I knew Alister/cockle well. spent many hours with AJ over the years at Pakawau, Collingwood and the west coast of Tasman District. sad to hear that he has departed. he was a "much larger than life" person. I hope all his children are well.

Sorry for loss , He was a wonderful generous person ,who was kind and helpful too us will not be forgotten easily

Thankyou Woodlands, Southland NZ for the lifestyle and dedicated hard work to produce an extraordinary Friend, Partner, Father, Entrepreneur. RIP My Cockleman. love Jenny Cooper