Dawn HARVEY Obituary

Sadly, I was unable to be at Dawn's funeral in person but have just viewed the recording. It was a very special tribute to her.

As a work colleague at PFR, I only got to know Dawn a little better over the past few years through a work Art Class held each Thursday evening, run by her friend, Carol. When Dawn entered the room, it lit up and changed colour, the chatter of the evening interspersed with lots of laughter, usually led by Dawn. I called it my therapy class as I always felt so good afterwards, even though any art I had produced was of little significance.

Thank you, Dawn for these lovely memories; I will treasure them. I will always remember you for your sunny smile. RIP XX

I will remember Dawn as a friendly colleague and a reliable professional guide. I first knew her bubbly laugh though the HortResearch Social Club, but it was her input as an insightful internal auditor in the early stages of the establishment of the Plant & Food Research's Palmerston North PEQ testing laboratory & greenhouses that allowed Mary, Roy and I to benefit from her experience and understanding.

I didn't get much chance to reciprocate, apart from regular waves from my bike as I passed her house in Nathan Place, and once cleaning the leaves - and grass - from her gutters. It was easier for me to climb a ladder!

We will miss you Dawn.

I am still in shock after hearing about Dawn's passing after seeing the notice in the paper last night after her funeral. I am so sorry that I wasn't there but so grateful to have been able to share in the beautiful tribute from her family and friends via the recorded livestream.

Dawn and I were Co-Presidents of the Taita College Microbiology Society in 1979 (the fact is - we were the only two members!). We did a lot of crazy things and had a lot of random adventures - all in the name of science of course. We were totally passionate about everything we did and my memories include breeding fruit flies at the Harvey house while listening to Pink Floyd or Roxy Music (Dawn's dad wondered why there were so many fruit flies in the house) as well as running around the Hutt Valley with a pH meter and Petri dishes filled with agar to sample the Hutt River and then the Stokes Valley Stream. Everything got more professional once our science teacher Jim Clarke and his wife Dr Val Orchard from DSIR recognised our talents and introduced us to real microbiology with the multiple tube technique to indicate presence of bacteria indicating faecal contamination in water. We were lab monitors in our lunch breaks and I remember we found a stack of science films and decided to screen them for younger students - we were so keen. After leaving school we actually became science technicians at Taita College in our University holidays (thanks to the Student Job Scheme at that time).

We went to Massey together in 1980 and after a year of boarding we ended up in a student flat on Fitzherbert Ave (1981-83) (now the site of the Coachman Motel). We both studied science and I remember that first year being such a full on one that we spontaneously decided to spend every last cent we had on a once-in-a-lifetime short stay at Club Med Noumea (which I think was life-changing for both of us at that time).

I haven't seen Dawn in over 30 years but we shared such a wonderful time in our late teens and early 20s. I would describe Dawn as I knew her as authentic, honest, and so much fun to be with. She was always up for the adventure.

Lots of love Dawn on your next adventure. Fly high - I know you will soar. So grateful to have known you in this life. Love to Dawn's Mum, brother John and family, Astrea Morgane (prev. Sandra Dutch)

(PS I have posted one photo but have some other awesome ones if anyone would like them please email me [email protected] or Facebook me)

To all of the Harvey family, our sincere condolence at the loss of our friend Dawn, a kind and compassionate person, may her spirit and soul rest in peace. Kindest regards Terry & Diane Johns and family

Dawn was one of those special people and our team will not be the same without her. Dawn had a dedication to people, to her work and to her science, plus all her many interests outside of work. She brought fun to our team, with a twinkle in her eye, and at the same time establishing order to the Food Facility and food safety across Plant & Food Research. I remember when Dawn joined our team and switched from her previous role to the new area of food and the Food Solutions Team. She was up to the challenge and quickly became a colleague and valued teammate. We shared many conversations after work on all aspects of work and on life in general, including the kitten world. I will miss her.
Lee Huffman
The picture is the Food Solutions Team 2019 in the courtyard at Palmerston North. Clockwise from Dawn, Lee Huffman, Irene Ho, Mario Alayon-Marichal, Jacky Zhu, Thomas Sowersby, Richard Edmonds, Katrina Fletcher, Kris Tham.

My deepest sympathy to Dawn's family. Dawn and I holidayed in Australia together several times and in Nelson. She was also a special part of our work Art Group. I have lots of lovely memories of this special lady who I will miss lots, as I know you will have. Love, Carol Dolman (aka 'CD') xx

We will miss Dawn, she has been a great work colleague with us all at Plant and Food Research. I remember Dawn starting at DSIR in 1989. Dawn always had a great sense of humour and we shared many a laugh through the DSIR and HortResearch era.

RIP Dawn
Martin Hunt