Dementia Auckland is saddened by the passing of much-loved volunteer Peter Lane, who had a profound impact on all those fortunate enough to know him.

Peter started volunteering for the Men’s Gym Group in Pakuranga in 2018 after retiring from MetLife Care, as he wanted an avenue to continue making a difference.

He also took some of the men on outings, which were a highlight of the week for them, while their wives had some much-needed respite.

Care partner Deb says Peter took her husband Pete out on a “weekly jaunt”. “I knew Pete was in good hands, and I was never anxious about him when they were out together.

“Peter always had an empathetic ear, and I felt he was also supporting me. Even when Pete was in hospital-level care, Peter would visit him and raise his spirits.

“A lovely man, with a lovely heart, who made a positive difference to our lives. He was one in a million.”

Peter’s big smile radiated around the Men’s Gym Group, making everyone feel relaxed and included. He also skilfully coached them in sports.

“As a carer, I knew that I could safely leave my husband and relax, enjoying respite time with the other carers,” says Doreen. “On our return to collect our men, everyone was still smiling, thanks to Peter.”

Denise says there was always laughter, stories, and jokes with Peter around. He would take her husband Bob on adventures, which started each time with Bob diving into the glove box of the car for lollies and led to travels right across Auckland.

Peter always took Bob to places meaningful to him, including Bob’s old schools, bowling club, Howick Historical Village, police dog training viewings, Auckland Central fire station — his dad used to work there — and Ardmore airfield (Bob was a retired pilot).

Peter’s wife, Diane, says the stories he told about the Men’s Gym Group were a regular part of conversations over the dinner table. He enjoyed all the connections made through his volunteering and was saddened when he was no longer able to continue due to his health. While battling cancer, he kept in touch with many of the people he was supporting and always took an interest in how others were doing.

When his prognosis gave him very little time remaining, he still turned up to support a Dementia Auckland fundraising event, despite having spent the previous months unable to walk even to the letterbox. His thoughts for others and positivity lasted until the very end.

He was appreciated and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Diane and the rest of Peter’s whānau.