Donald
Vernal Oliphant
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May
1, 1926 - July 11, 2004
Don passed away with his family and friends beside him at the Waikato hospital
in New Zealand. Donald Vernal Oliphant was born in Renfrew, Scotland, to William
and Margaret Oliphant. He was the oldest of three boys. Don loved growing up in
Scotland, but always desired to see the world. When he was 17 years old, he
joined the Royal British Navy serving as signalman during World War II with his
first assignment on the HMS Loch Quoich. During these years he lost most of his
friends. Once the war ended his love for the sea and travel did not. Don joined
the Merchant Marines and sailed on many ships several times around the world
visiting almost every exotic place you can imagine. Some of his favorite voyages
were on the Queen Mary, (now a hotel in Huntington Beach Calif.), sailing
between England and New York. His children and grandchildren loved to hear his
stories of the places he went and the things he saw.
He met his lovely wife in one of these exotic places, which ended his traveling
days. He fell in love with Helen Judith Hurihia Barlow, and her country (New
Zealand). They were married in Otaki, New Zealand, on July 19, 1951. They were
blessed with six children. Don and Helen joined the LDS Church on February 19,
1957, which quickly became the focal point of their lives. In 1981 they moved
with their youngest two children to America to try a new voyage. Don built his
own business and in doing so taught his family the importance of strong work
ethics. They
retired in 1993 to serve two LDS missions at the New Zealand Temple. After the
second mission, they decided (with the help of many friends) to stay in New
Zealand. He was able to take his wife home to Scotland to meet his two brothers
and their families which he himself had not seen in 50 years. Don’s love for
others will always be remembered by the service he shared with everyone he met,
even after listening to all his corny jokes. Don was in all facets a true people
person. He loved the Maori people and learned to speak their language fluently.
He loved his position as a Chaplin at the Waikato hospital. His last day on
earth was spent giving comfort to others in the very hospital he left us in. He
is loved and will be dearly missed in New Zealand, Scotland and America.
Dad, your voyages have not ended but have just begun. Your loved ones will watch
for your signal light to guide us home. Ka kite ano matua Rangatira.
Poppy we love you!
He is survived by his wife Helen, and their six children Donald (Maude),
Jennifer Atkinson (David), Maureen Griffiths (Calvin), Peter (Sylvia), Bruce
(Cynthia), and Celeste Brown (Rodney). His 23 grandchildren and his 14
great-grandchildren; and his two sisters-in-law Helen Oliphant, Betty Oliphant
and their families in Renfew, Scotland.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brothers Frank and
Robert of Renfew, Scotland.
POST NOTES:
Dad was taken to the Tuhikarmea Marae (Ancestral meeting house) at Temple
View, Hamiltion by his family (Whanau) after they arrive from America. There he lay in state
and the
family stayed with him. Over the course of 3 days days many of his (and Helen's)
family and friends stopped by to pay their respects and tell some of his corny
jokes he had shared with them over the many years living amongst them. It was
enjoyable to hear the stories, told by his friends and beloved family. Many speeches
(korero), songs (waiata) and stories were enjoyed by all. Many mentioned Don had
that same little smile on his face he would have when telling his jokes and
stories. Saturday (July 17th) He was transported to The Glenview, LDS
chapel for the Services. Their his children, Celeste, Bruce, Buff and Jenni paid
a fitting tribute to their dad in song and speech and honoured the Legacy he had
left them. Following the service to the sounds of Scottish Bagpipes, Don was
carried out and taken to the Newstead RSA (Returned Servicemen Association)
Cemetery on the outskirts of Hamilton.
There, to the sounds of the Military Taps, the Last post and the dedicatory
prayer by his youngest son, Bruce. Don (Dad) was laid to rest to come forth on Resurrection
Morning and be reunited with us all once again.
'Haere Matua Rangatira, Don. Haere ki te tupuna, Haere ki te kororia o
te matau Matua i te Rangi, Moi mai ra.'
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