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BRITTEN,
Fr. Sir Desmond John (Des):
On Thursday 13 February 2020 peacefully at Te Hopai Home and Hospital, aged 82 years. Loved husband of the late Lady Lorraine Britten, father of Debra and Dominic, Grandad of Holly and Arlo, father-in-law of Pete and Tracie. In lieu of flowers donations to Mary Potter Hospice would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to the Britten family may be left in Des's tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz or posted c/- PO Box 7123, Wellington 6242 . A service to celebrate Des's life will be held at the Cathedral of St Paul, Molesworth Street, Thorndon, on Tuesday 18 February 2020 at 1.00pm, followed by a private cremation.
Rest In Peace
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I still have the copy of the Beatle's LP, Hard Days Night, Des generously gave me in 1964.. With his help I attended my first Rock Concert that year when the Beatles came to Wellington.
He baptised my firstborn and officiated at my father's funeral. I am sure Des and Drago will continue their discussions on food, wine and religion!
His presence will be missed by everyone, and at the same time he will always be remembered with love and affection. Sara Kovac
Sara (and Jareen) Kovac
February 18, 2020
God Bless and rest in peace
Dal
February 18, 2020
Rest In Peace dear Fr Des - it was a privilege to serve with you at the altar of St Barnabas, Roseneath for a period of time.
Father Ed Bakker
Launceston
Father Ed Bakker
February 17, 2020
I was privileged to have known Des in his multi-disciplined public life from 1960 as a DJ on the CocaCola HiFi Club Hit Parade on 2ZB; (I was member #12); at Wellington Town Hall, or St Francis Hall,at the HiFi Club dances, where as MC/DJ, he ran a very fast-paced night, spinning the latest hits on a Sound Desk set up on the stage alongside the best bands of the day- Barry & The Breakaways, The Premiers, The Librettos, etc.
Later in his restaurants, he was the most congenial host & chef. On TV he was The Entrepreneur in TV cooking, bringing class to everyday meals, and introducing Kiwis to wine with meals. Later on at the Coachman, we had many a long night discussing the world at our tables with him, after he had finished in the kitchen. His style was to personally introduce himself, first names always, & show concern about your enjoyment & concept of his cooking. Even shared his secrets with other chefs who visited, no holds barred. Remember Kasey from Bacchus, having a night with us there, after he had finished himself, of languid refreshment & liquid discussion of the merits of Wild Game recipes to after 2am.
When he changed tack, and joined the Anglican Ministry, it was a natural shift in talent , as his congeniality & awareness of life in all its variants, made him a natural battler for the underprivileged & downtrodden. The attention he drew to the problems of an inner city Ministry were legend, and he had a way of prising open the tightest of cheque books & wallets, to fund his enterprises. His sympathy for those less well off & elderly in his community were legend !
In his later years in retirement, I was privileged to meet up again many times on the streets of Island Bay, & even have cups of tea at his home up by Erskine College, discussing our varied past histories, & the woes of the world today. I have only the utmost sense of privilege for having known such a wonderful Humanist, & our deepest sympathy goes to his family, having lost an absolute icon of Wellington & NZ.
William O'Donnell
February 17, 2020
I first remember Des. when I was a deb and he partnered his cousin Margaret Hyde. The I worked with him when I was programming at 2YZ/2ZC. Whast a success of his life he made and I am proud to have known him. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Glendys BIRD
February 16, 2020
You have left us with memories that will never be forgotten
Dave Christie
February 15, 2020
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