John HEENAN Obituary

I have very special memories of Mr Heenan, "2B class or not to be, that is the question?" this is Dunedin North Intermediate 1962, I had been in 1C, but it was decided I would go to 2A, however my mother who kept a close watch over all things intervened and it was decided on 2B. I recall on one occasion my mum 'nellie' came to the classroom door and they spoke outside the class for a good deal of time, nothing was ever said to me so I had no idea what was discussed but I knew by intuition that I wasn't meant to ask.
He would quote Shakespeare, read us poetry (Sir Henry Newbolt - play up, play and play the game) and read George Orwell's Animal Farm (I had no idea it was a satirical crack at the Russian Revolution) and other similar tales
Out of the blue one day it was announced that for all interested parties, the class was to undertake an Educational trip to Wellington, can you imagine the excitement. A woman chaperone for the girls and Mr Heenan, we departed Dunedin Railway Station in a steam train to Lyttleton for the overnight ferry to Wgton, not sure but it may have been the Maori, visited Parliament Buildings, Kiwi Keith Holyoake was then P.M, an art gallery, Todd Motors for lunch where they were assembling the very first Valiant cars and a stop in Chch (billeted) in a home that smelled strongly on Spring flowers and then return (4 days?) So he went to a lot of time and effort to co-ordinate the logistics, once again never forgotten.
Oh then in the final days of that years some of the more adventurous, sassy girls conspired and gained access to his cupboard and cut up his strap, leaving the pieces for him to find he was not pleased. He made them go to then leather merchant Glendermid and replace the said disciplinary weapon. I believe he lived in Montague Street, Northeast Valley, not far from where I live today (my parents home) and could be seen cycling to school with bicycle clips around his ankles to prevent any nasty accidents with the chain

Unlike most other teachers, Mr Heenan is seared in my mind like fire in the sky. A kind, caring person (we knew the boundaries tho) and wonderful teacher.

R.I.P Mr Heenan

I remember joan and john as lovely next door neighbours. our late daughter elizabeth spent a lot of time with their daughters. a wonderful garden, home and family. my thoughts are with you all. love lena scott.

So sorry to hear of John's passing - a lovely man and a good friend who will be sadly missed by us all. We have some lovely memories of time spent with himself and Joan.

On behalf of the living remaining members of the North East Valley Scout Troop especially in the 1950's we salute Jack as being our Scouter and testing us all to do adventures beyond our scholarly ability. It has only been distance that has kept us all apart. The Remaining Scouts being Bryan Lowe living in NSW Australia Graeme Pierson of Christchurch and Warren Duff of North Canterbury. Thanks Jack for the memories. Warren Duff

Sorry to read Mr Heenan has passed away, he was a good teacher when I was at Wallacetown Primary School and I should have probably listened more. Like you Wendy I remember that strap cutting ceremony. Wish the family all the best on this sad occasion.

. MR HEENAN WAS A LOVELY MAN. HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF GRASMERE SCHOOL WITH MR HEENAN BEING THE PRINCIPAL. MRS HEENAN IN THE LIBRARY.
SENDING LOVE TO HIS FAMILY
REGARDS BERNADETTE AGNEW

We have very fond memories of John´s time as Principal ar Gasmere School. He was very caring, positive and considerate of everybody whether pupil,staff or parents.
Joan and family we pray that you will all know Gods everlasting arms surrounding you and upholding you in these days and weeks and months to come.
With our loving thoughts,prayers and Gods Blessings to you all. Robert & Margaret Erskine

I have fond memories of John from teaching at Grasmere School in the mid 70s.
He was a caring principal and his passion for art and craft was inspiring to a young teacher.
Condolences to Joan and family.

I remember John well from my years on the Waihopai School BOT. My children remember him well as Principal. A gentleman who always had the interests of his pupils at heart, and promoted good values amongst them. Condolences to all the family.

I remember Mr Heenan well, he taught me and some of my siblings at Wallacetown school in the 1960s. A lasting memory was cutting up his strap, and he signing all the little pieces for my classmates and I, when we left for high school. Thank you John for your years of teaching and condolences to Joan, Kathryn, Susan, Tracy and families.