John FITZSIMONS Obituary

By far the most influential teacher I ever had. We would regularly run into each other in the street down town and he would remind me of the times I talked in class or caused other trouble. But it was always said in a friendly way :-) I honestly believe he cared about all his former students and was genuinely interested in what happened to them in later life. A true gentleman

Fond memories of family times with cousin John. He will be greatly missed.

Fitzy - Someone who inspired you to dream and expand your knowledge - both through books and drama. The only teacher who loaned out classics to a student out of his car boot. - ex Timaru College

A teacher with a truly formidable reputation when I was a student. I was at that time a somewhat challenging student, and was sure that Mr Fitz would take an instant dislike of me, but instead he recognised in me something more that bad behavior. He challenged me, gave me a pathway to be passionate about books, shared the stage with me in drama productions.
Mr Fitz and Mrs Grubb helped shape me in ways that I reflect on often to this day.

Travel well Mr Fitz

I met John in 1968 when he came to Milton and we boarded together. We became instant friends and ,most amusingly to him, he discovered he was related to my fiance , and so would eventually become a distant in-law. He was a great friend of my wife and I and became a much loved honorary uncle to our children . We will miss him very much.

What can I say about Mr Fitz? Despite being more mathematically/technically inclined, his English classes stand out as my favourite. He had a wonderfully sharp sense of humour and a deep passion for what he did. May we all achieve even a fraction of the impact he had on the lives of so many. Rest in peace, Mr Fitz.

Mr Fitz so many lovely memories that people have shared about you. A wonderful tribute of how you touched so many peoples lives', in such a positive way.
You used to always tell me off for biting my nails, or Rubber Necking (turning around to talk to people). And that ruler on the desk was so loud :)
I also enjoyed the dictionary game too so you could leave early.
He taught us how to meditate, his passion for Shakespeare and Drama and helping us build our confidence public speaking.
Rest in Peace Mr Fitz.
Ka aroha hoki

Thank you "Mr Fitzsimons" for your help in my early education. You were my favourite teacher & I enjoyed your classes & company in them. You were the one teacher we all have that you never forget & changed the way you thought..& you never forget me as we chatted through the decade's.
Thank you for your efforts to all the people you taught over the years..what an impact on peoples lives!
Rip legend

You were our teacher, drama coach and treasured friend of the family. You are fondly remembered for your wit, charm, kindness and smile. You're life was well lived and made other's lives better for being part of them. RIP Mr Fitz

Rest in peace good sir. As a student, I enjoyed sharing a classroom with you. As an amateur thespian I enjoyed sharing the stage with you and as a sweet tooth I enjoyed sharing cake. My fond memories and the words shared here from students and friends alike, are testament to your greatness as a teacher and as a man.

Dearest John, fun, friend, inspiration - how we enjoyed our Shakespeare production both on and off stage - an incredible human whose legend will live on through his charm, wit, teachings and wisdom - Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM xx

Everyone I met who knew you had the kindest and lovely words today. It is a testament to your wonderful life as a much adored teacher that is truely impressive

My teacher mountain view.let me borrow wireless radio for nite to listen to allblacks play South africa.thank U.maru

What a great teacher, i wasn't the best pupil, but i did learn a lot and retain it aswell.
His homour was second to none.
I'm even worried about my punctuation now.
Thanks for putting in the effort.

Mike Talbot.
RIP

It's fair to say that, for me at least, there was life before 6th Form English and life after it.

If you got an A from this man you knew you earnt it! And it was a pleasure to keep in touch over the years and to hear the tales of his childhood, his life in London and Paris, the early days of his teaching career, etc.

Fitting he should pass at the end of autumn, and in Elloughton, since he had fought to have the name of our school be Elloughton High, which I agree would have been a much better name!
Already i miss the afternoon catchups where (the late) George-the-cat would wander in to join the coversation, and after which he would try to talk me into taking away more of his hefty art books and, when i relented, say he expected me to have read them all before my next visit.

I found his brand of pessimistic stoicism refreshing too: 'Oh don't worry about me, I'm quite happy to sit here and vegetate.'

He would be flattered indeed by all the messages here.

I doubt I'll ever meet someone as colourful, witty, charming, and intelligent, all in one bundle.

We who had him as teacher are the lucky ones!

RIP Mr Fitz

'the rest is silence'

John did not just teach students. He taught his colleagues as well with the same enthusiasm, mischievous sparkle and gently persuasive manner. His methods were irresistible: Sumptuous meals, chocolate cakes and opera. He was a true gentleman and friend.

Mr Fitz, an absolute legend! You teased relentlessly, yet did everything in your power to make English (especially Shakespeare) meaningful for your students. Even going to the extent of getting me a book that had Shakespeare's English on one side and 'normal' English on the other! Hands down, my favourite teacher. You continued to give me a hard time, all these year later, whenever we met in Timaru. Thank you for your dedication to your students and for being an amazing man. You will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace xx

I have nothing but fond memories of Mr Fitz, he made learning fun and classes always with a laugh and a cheeky grin.
The world has lost a one of a kind gentleman. May you rest in peace in that giant library in the sky.
Sam Okonne (Morris)
Student

My english teacher at Tokomairiro High School 1969, had me read The Scarlet Pimpernel, later taught my daughter at Mountain View High School in Timaru, RIP.

One of my favorite teachers during my school years. Loved your classes and the enthusiasm you shared with us all. Meeting you again years later is a special memory. May you rest in peace

Farewell Sir, and thank you for introducing me to Die Fledermaus and beef wellington. I did not know it at the time, but you were a greater influence upon me than I could have imagined.
Rest well, Mr. Fitz.

One of the best English teachers I had the privilege of being taught by. Rest in peace.

I remember everytime after talking about a subject you would wash your hands. And reading a newspaper made from rice. The 1980s , Gosh that certainly was a long time ago. Rest In paradise Mr Fitz

Mr Fitz, you were a true gentleman, certainly my favourite teacher at Mounty. You always had time for all your students, inside and out of school. I remember many times stopping to chat to you at Northtown mall over the years. You never forgot who I was and I enjoyed chatting to you on those occassions. I remember your love of the Queens english and how you would correct us, and we would have you on pretending not to know. I remember you scolding me over bitting my nails and you made a bet if I stopped you would bake me a 'true chocolate cake' such a kind and caring soul, I was truely sad to hear of your passing. A great man gone but never forgotten, rest in peace you deserve it.
(P.S.. sorry Mr Fitz about any grammer or spelling mistakes I can see you, hand over your eyes shaking your head at me ).

Wonderful memories of John as a treasured friend and colleague at Mountainview High School - what a privilege to have worked with him and benefit from his amazing knowledge, understanding and unique teaching style. I always enjoyed catching up with John, usually over a long lunch, whenever I revisited Timaru, and he was always interested in my adventures. RIP my friend - you will be sadly missed.

It is with heavy hearts we farewell you Uncle John, you were the best uncle we could have ever asked for. A kind, caring, loyal and truly inspirational man. We were so lucky to have you in our lives!

The outpouring of kind words from friends and pupils demonstrates the profound impact you had on so many lives. You´re loved beyond measure. Forever missed xx

Vale, John "Fitz" Fitzsimons...
You were (hands-down!) the, BEST teacher I *ever* had!!
My passion and love for writing, poetry, acting & teaching, I owe it all to you!! Thank you! Arohanui,
from Brent Harpur

To John, aka Mr Fitz. My teacher and friend. I can see you now with your eyes closed, leaning back in your chair, abruptly waking to tell me off for talking. I remember being determined to catch you out playing the `Fitz´ dictionary game (if we found a word John didn't know, we could leave early). We never did, but instead argued about whether the genesis of a word was scientific or not, as these were excluded from the game, even though he knew the meaning of the word anyway; it was fun trying to wind him up.

I'm thankful I saw you at Christmas to share a joke and a few stories.

No doubt you'll find an error in the grammar of my message if you read this, but you would also see a tone of inherent affection and respect. Thinking of you, John. David Evans

Thankyou Mr Fitz for teaching me good english ,you will be missed.
Regards Vanessa Rees

Very sad to hear the loss of Mr Fitz. You were a great man, and a great teacher - infact, you were my favourite teacher.
You remembered me even into my adult years. We would
often cross paths when I lived in Oamaru. I always loved our catch ups, we had great laughs. May you rest in peace Mr Fitz. You will be missed dearly - by many.

I am grateful to you Mr Fitz for being the teacher who facilitated meaning to my later school years at Mountainview High. Your wisdom helped me develop my skills in understanding, comprehension, context, and expression. Thank you for the stories you shared, the passion you brought to life, and for being such a poignant role model.
Your memory will always be a blessing. You are a true gentleman.

Rest in paradise.

Johnfitz was such a generous friend, a wonderful cook and thank you for the recipes, so knowledgeable in History and Music and thank you for books and the Haydn sonatas, Handel arias, and other CD gifts, which you gave with a smile. You are sadly missed and will never be forgotten.

Sad news this morning, learning of the passing of Mr Fitz. John was a legendary English teacher, a connoisseur of all delicious things, quick-witted (dare I say 'shady'), and a fabulous co-star for this young musical theatre wannabe. I would NEVER have pursued writing, or believed in my talents enough to dare to dream of the stage, had it not been for his words of encouragement. We happened to run into each other when I lived in Wellington in the mid 2000's, and I invited him over for dinner and WINE. The stories he shared only made me adore him more. What a stunning gentleman he was. Vale... Bon voyage Mr Fitz.

A lovely man. Although never officially my teacher back then, Mr Fitz always remembered me from school and we would stop and have a chat whenever we saw each other out and about. A true gentleman. May he rest in peace.

A wonderful teacher. Have fond memories of him pulling me into line. RIP Mr Fitz

Lovely memories of John Fitz, Rest in peace

Mr Fitz was a True Gentleman.Met him many times as a Teacher at Mountain View High School.

Great Colleague and friend. I loved acting with him and directing him he brought style to any play he was in.
RIP dear friend

The world has lost a treasure. So much respect for this gentleman. Mr Fitz. Encouraged me to to do public speaking I went on to head the debating team and win speech contest and grow in self confidence all due to his guidance and encouragement. As a adult I'd stop and chat at nthtown mall cafe where he enjoyed his afternoon tea..and always remembered his students and had time for them. A class act. Can not speak highly enough of this man who so many loved and respected he is a rock that made a ripple. RIP. With love

Everyone prayed to be in your English class every year. One amazing man. RIP Mr Fitz

Moe Mai raa Mr fitz

Thankyou for the time and effort you put into my education
Must have been all those hundreds of "lines" you dished out every class hahaha

Rest easy my old English teacher

Fitzy. John. What a champion. With humour and kindness, you role modelled a genuine lifelong love of learning. You were my favourite teacher, and enriched my life immeasurably. Arohanui, thank you.

A wonderful man and a fantastic teacher who always had time for his students.

Rest easy Mr Fitz
Five minute eating periods will never be the same.

A mars bar if you find a word in the Oxford dictionary Mr Fitz didn't know the meaning of, a great challenge. Silent reading, the glasses would come off, along with shoes, legs crossed and eyes shut but he wasn't asleep and 50 words from the dictionary if you made a peep. Great sense of humour and we loved your lessons immensely. A class act with a great sense of humour - some may remember his acting in school productions like the 'Mikado'. Condolences to friends and family of a Timaru legend

such good memories of a 'heart' man who cared about his world

This tribute is very Fitzy and, yes, I had to look up the meaning of bibliophile ( I can hear you chuckle). Thank you for getting me through English and making it enjoyable - Fitzy would occasionally meet Angus and I for a morning `run` if we submitted an essay. It was always lovely to see you in later years (and catch up on the gossip). My love and thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. XX

Mr Fitz, you were truly an amazing teacher. Your intelligence was unlike any other. I don't recall ever finding a dictionary word that you didn't know. You really made a difference! RIP

Mr Fitz, fondly remembered as a fabulous and funny English teacher. He continued to support me outside of school, turning up to concerts and was always interested in what I was up to. I really appreciated that. He was an absolute legend. That´s for sure!

Rest in peace and Love Mr Fitz, thanks for sharing your joy and love for learning and having a laugh. You were so kind. What a smile you had!

Mr. fitz, always there with a smile or a stern word when needed. Always enjoyed perusing the dictionary to try find a word you didn't know. A true legend, and one of the few teachers who made a difference in people's lives. Thank you for everything.

Wonderful memories from the Timaru College years!! I was privileged to have been a student of yours. RIP Mr Fitz you will always be fondly remembered xx

A true gentleman, I have many happy memories of Mr Fitzsimons teaching both English and French.

What a lovely tribute! Mr Fitzsimons gifted me A Town Called Alice, signed by him, when I left school. It was unexpected but I have always kept it as a treasured book and memory of him. Rest easy.

Never forget the day I freaked you out with the news we were related through my Dad, Murray. Thank you for saving my bursary and for being a great mentor. I´ve thought of you often.

Mr Fitz, your enthusiasm in your chosen field of work was infectious and all inspiring. With a wicked sense of humour to match. May you rest in peace.

Humour, kindness, and time for a rough, untucked, late to class youth. A pause during his brisk walk with briefcase in hand to correct my grammar with a smile.
RIP sir.

What an absolute inspiration of a teacher. Loved the challenge of trying to find a word you didn't know the meaning of. You encouraged me to pursue my passion and I'll be forever grateful to you. I remember visiting Timaru a few years back and had the privilege of you meeting my children it was a nice catch up. Rest in peace Fitzy and I'll make sure I wear my socks up nice and high in your memory.

Sad to hear of Mr Fitzsimons passing he taught myself and older siblings rest in peace Mr Fitzsimons

Kia ora and such a pleasure to have known you as a colleague John. You taught me 5 step planning, the importance of fun and an appreciation of spelling. Best. Gwen

Wonderful teacher - great memories of Mr Fitz as one of his students - Rest in Peace x

Mr Fitz you were the one teacher who did make a difference
RIP

RIP Mr Fitz you were an amazing teacher and will never be forgotten