Patrick Jonathon Howell

A life that connects to others goes on forever.

Obituary

Its, with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of Pat who was born on 17th March 1951 in Huntly, NZ and passed away on the 20th of July 2026 in Sydney.

We hope that Pat (aka Dad, Poppa, little brother) will be remembered for his cheeky smile and fondness for dad jokes and fishing, for his love of having his children and then grandchildren nearby and for being one of the hardest working people we've ever known. 

Pat worked as a ship's providor, a Mr Whippy driver and on the oil rigs in Marlborough Sounds. For many years he was self-employed as a floor sander. I have never met someone more meticulous about vacuuming than Dad and he would not be happy until each floor he worked on shone like gold. 

He loved sport and would like nothing better than a beer while watching the rugby, rugby league or cricket. He would patiently explain the rules of each to us as we grew up but I think I know how to swear at umpires/referees so well purely from those early years. 

While we do not know much about Dad's early life as a child, we know he brought three children into the world (Mel, Sean and Tara) and was proud of all our achievements. He loved talking about his kids and then when they came along his 4 grandchildren (Jackson, Tyler, Ollie and Lucy) were his true joy and in his later years nothing brought a smile to his face faster. 

Pat's passing leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him

Thank you for being the best Dad and believing in us. Rest in love. Moe Mai Ra.

More information

Pat's final wishes were for a private cremation and no pomp and ceremony. He will be cremated and his ashes returned to Mel in the coming weeks. 

We would love the opportunity to share stories and pictures of his life. Either on this page or in person. Feel free to add as much as you would like. Or just share your best dad joke or favourite sporting memory with us. 

If you are in Sydney and would like to come and join us for dinner and raise a glass in celebration of Pat's life the family are booking a table at Regents Park Pavilion (Dooleys) at 6pm on Thursday 30th July. Please let us know if you would like to attend for booking purposes. 

The image at the top of the page is one of our favourite family camping spots at Rapanui Beach on the North Island of New Zealand

Gratitude

The family (Mel and Lee and their children Jackson and Tyler, Sean and Carly and their children Oliver and Lucy, and Tara and Alex) and Pat's siblings Mike, Yvonne, Steve, Meryll and Bronwyn wish to thank: 

Gregory & Carr Funeral services - especially to Mark Dawson for his patience and understanding
The entire team at IRT Berala on the Park for their daily care whilst Dad was a resident with them. The smiles and willingness to answer all of our questions will never be forgotten. THANK YOU x 

Timeline

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

July 23, 2026

1

Dear daughter here is a beautiful photo of you and your dad on your wedding day xx

Karen Jones

July 22, 2026

1

Love you Mate.

Sean Howell

July 22, 2026

1

As a little kid I had a recurring nightmare. It stemmed from a silly thing about the cold that Dad would say ”Don’t let Jack Frost nip your toes” or maybe it was when he lit a fire in the pot belly stove he would say “Don't let Jack Frost down the chimney”. Of course my little brain with a big imagination turned that into an evil Jack Frost Character with big sharp teeth and long claw shape nails and a big black beard coming down the chimney to get my toes. The only safe place where Jack Frost couldn't get me was on Dads shoulders. He was my hero.

Sean Howell

July 21, 2026

1

Pat, my little big bro or the Mafia or Daktari amongst unusual other names back in the day! Pat always knew how to stir things up and dodge behind the big boys back in the 70’s. Loved being amongst the guys doing what guys do best. Still remember early years spending time doing’ boy games’ just so I got to spendi time with my two youngest brothers like climbing 30 metres up the top of the pine trees next to our home in Morrinsville or building huts in the hay barn in the farm. Lots of memories have faded now but Pat’s pride was mostly in his children-Mel, Sean and Tara. I’m sure he would have loved to aspire to the levels those kids rose to but he was never shy of a hard day’s work whatever he chose on any given day. There will be more memories popping up as time goes by
Fly high, little big bro💞💞with Mum, Dad and Tom- tell them we love them and we’re okay. RIP 💕💕

Merryll Leckner