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Allan (Pokey) Pattinson, and David Porteous, meet up again after 50 years.
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DescriptionAllan(Pokey) Pattinson, and David Porteous, meet up again after 50 years.
As a caregiver in a retirement village, I came home from work one day 3 months ago in October telling my husband that we had a new resident named David Porteous. Allan replied “Oh I remember that name”. He then proceeded to tell me the story.
Allan walked past the Police station in Guinness street Greymouth every morning to start his job at Stewart’s Butchery.
As a 16 year old one morning he heard a knock on the window of the Police station. He turned to see a policeman beckoning him into the station. Allan thought “What the hell have I done”. He went inside and the policeman said “I see you walking past most morning’s sometimes looking cold in just a shirt”. He had an unwanted cardigan that he wanted Allan to have. It was gratefully received. Allan asked me to ask David if he could remember giving a young fella a cardigan one morning in Greymouth who he thought looked cold walking to work. David did remember. I then told him that young fella has been my husband for 45 years. Then David jokingly replied, “Tell Him that I don’t want it back now”.
David was a Detective Sergeant and officer of the West Coast CIB from 1968-1973. A young 37-38 year old sergeant at the time of doing this good deed for a young fella.
these two men have now met up again for the first time in 50 years, with Allan making regular visits to chat with David about life, but mostly Coast memories of days gone by.
As the saying goes, “One good deed deserves another”. I am now proud to be part of a team caring for David, and supporting him to live as independently as he can.Map[1] ContributorValda May Pattinson
As a caregiver in a retirement village, I came home from work one day 3 months ago in October telling my husband that we had a new resident named David Porteous. Allan replied “Oh I remember that name”. He then proceeded to tell me the story.
Allan walked past the Police station in Guinness street Greymouth every morning to start his job at Stewart’s Butchery.
As a 16 year old one morning he heard a knock on the window of the Police station. He turned to see a policeman beckoning him into the station. Allan thought “What the hell have I done”. He went inside and the policeman said “I see you walking past most morning’s sometimes looking cold in just a shirt”. He had an unwanted cardigan that he wanted Allan to have. It was gratefully received. Allan asked me to ask David if he could remember giving a young fella a cardigan one morning in Greymouth who he thought looked cold walking to work. David did remember. I then told him that young fella has been my husband for 45 years. Then David jokingly replied, “Tell Him that I don’t want it back now”.
David was a Detective Sergeant and officer of the West Coast CIB from 1968-1973. A young 37-38 year old sergeant at the time of doing this good deed for a young fella.
these two men have now met up again for the first time in 50 years, with Allan making regular visits to chat with David about life, but mostly Coast memories of days gone by.
As the saying goes, “One good deed deserves another”. I am now proud to be part of a team caring for David, and supporting him to live as independently as he can.Map[1] ContributorValda May Pattinson
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Location (city or town)GreymouthPersonAllan (Pokey) PattinsonDavid PorteousEventPolice
From Facebook
Date Created3rd January 2021CommentsJanet Keats
Dave has been very close family friend for many many years. He would visit Geralds parents a couple of time a year when they were alive.
Debbie Hunter
Heather Dwyer
Wayne Ithinkimfunny Keats. Thanks for this. Lovely to see him looking so well.
Valda May Pattinson
Janet Keats David speaks often of his great friendship with Kelvin and Daphne Keats. Coincidence also that Allan also worked at Seaview Hospital store with Kelvin. Will show David your comments. He is a lovely man, great to talk to and has a great memory. Still loves life and is positive.
Trecia Thomas
Valda May Pattinson hi Velda not sure if you will remember me TRecia Thomas was Lee when I was married to Ken Lee how are you and pokey doing
Peter Campion
Hw ya going ya ol bugger great story Velda
·
Christine Hebberd
Such a wonderful story.
Myron Caldwell
Laura Detlaff. Ask Dave Porteous if he remembers his days in Prosecutions in ChCh. I worked with him there. I was known as Bluey Caldwell, a lad from Inangahua.
Jillene Magee
Myron Caldwell when I read this I wondered if you would know this fella, turns out you do.
Neroli Johnson
that's lovely. hi valda and pokie!
Ed Dando
Remember pokey as a boy in Dobson good friends the Pattersons
Brent Duggan
Pokey Patterson. My god that is a name from my past. I used to live behind the Patterson’s and had some great times with Pokey as a young fella. Please say “Hi” to him from Brent Duggan.
Emily Myrtle Manson
Brent Duggan im emily pattinson ,,,remember your family well,,you are in fire brigade,,is that right
Brent Duggan
Emily Myrtle Manson I was in the fire brigade in ChCh but have lived in Brisbane and now the Gold Coast since 1982. My brother Murray was also in the ChCh Fire Brigade. He was a fireman for about 25 years. I remember you and all your family well Emily. Fond memories. Happy New Year.
Barb Rodway
This is a lovely story
Victor Smithers
Wow I remember Pokey at stewarts butchery wen I was across the road at mc Millan motors....
Pauline Matene
Really nice, how memories affect us all
Anne Thomson
wonderful story!
Teresa Smith
That's so awesome
Margaret Reisinger
Wow! What a great story. What goes round comes round!
Maria Delury Smith
John DeLury, did you know this man during your days in grey?
John DeLury
Maria Delury Smith sure do. I remember him well.
Sheryl Iraia
Wow that's cool.
Bill Stephenson
Good one Pokey. Great story.
Julie Leaf
Nice
Alan Davidson
I remember taking a phone call from Dave Porteous, telling me to inform the District Commander, that he was in Haast, and confirming that the death he was investigating was a homicide. I had been in the Police about 5 minutes, greener than grass, I don't think I knew what a homicide was.
Megan Wilson
I remember working with Pokey at Seaview. He worked in the stores with Robbie '74' McMullan. Always a great laugh and plenty of banter with the stores guys.
Butch Cadigan
Pokey I remember having a weekend at your family’s house in Dobson.
Was with my uncle Micky Taylor.
That would be over 50 years ago
Judy Tawhiti
Butch Cadigan remember mick Taylor?? lived Hokitika.worked with dad around 69ish.Alans sister Judy.
Vern Pattinson
Butch Cadigan remember mick Taylor well worked for Terry Steele
Rebekah Fairhurst Geer
What a fantastic story! You guys danced at our wedding! Jeff says hello
Yvonne Jean
such a nice story
Laurie Anisy
Dave was a top bloke and Policeman.
Lisa Parlane
Raqs Raqs
Deb Hoare
What a great story and thoughtful, decent person Mr Porteous is!
Emily Myrtle Manson
Nice story
Vince Nolan
Valda pass on my regards to Dave. I worked with him in chch cib back in the days
Brian Steele
What a nice story
Judy Tawhiti
Wonderful story,and thanks David for showing kindness to my brother.It certainly has come back to you having Valda as a support person.We had some good cops in Grey back in the day,hide and seek when pubs got the one ring.Great days.
Vern Pattinson
Thats so cool
Vince Nolan
I was a cop in greymouth back in 1965 and have vivid memoy of the zfter hours carry on it was like a cat chasing the mouse and a lot got away
Kathy Crooks
Bloodygreat pokie @ valda that is so nice
Margaret Mulloy
Great photo know dave from the ferrymead days worked with his brother.Marion Maxwell
That's so awesome..
Anne-Marie Dixon
A wonderful story xx
Barry Sweetman
Looking good pokie
Nola Rochford
What a lovely story Valda. Hello to both you and Pokey.
Pauline Adams
What a lovely story. Hi Valda hope you and Pokey are both well
Les van Dijk
What a wonderful story
Carol Williams
That's a cool story.
Christine Hoets
How Awesome after all these years to be able to pickup a great friend ship enjoy everyday wonderful memories beautiful story s
Pauline Schafer
A lovely story of a kindness being repaid Valda. Great news.
Phil Millar
laurie Pattinson,guard NZR Dobson,recently passed away,any relation Allan?
Valda May Pattinson
Phil Millar yes Laurie was my oldest brother Phil.
Phil Millar
He was my neighbour,i also worked on the NZR and we swapped many a story,went to his funeral,sat behind Vernon.
Pamela Casson
That's awesome!!
Graeme Pierson
Well done Dave, Regards Og.
osemary Hutchison
How awesome, hope you and pokey are well
Bobby Turner
What an awesome story.That is so cool.Wish I could meet up or connect with more people from the past in Greymouth.Have lot of good memories of being a kid.
David Brown
Did he give the cardigan back?
Valda May Pattinson
David Brown No it was worn out. Had it on his back for many years though.
Elaine Bolitho
Wonderful story -and so good to hear of the new link-up.
Susan Archer
Love this
Ian Mehrtens
Jolly incredible, isnt it a small world, Hay Happy New Year to you both and Family.
Jude Campbell
Awesome story Valda May Pattinson Vanda Birchfield
Beautiful story Valda, hope you and family are all well
Jan Powell
Such a wonderful story. Thank you.
Ngaire McGregor
Hi Valda a d Pokie, that was a great story and some of the names I have seen making comments have brought back memories of Seaview. It's been such a long time since I last seen you two. Dont think I would recognize Pokie today if I run onto him on the
Janet Keats
Ngaire McGregor some good times had at Sea View.
Glenda O'Donnell
That was a good story and it would of been so good for poke to meet up with him again
Frank ODonnell
Good on you mate great to see you both
Colleen Elcock
Fabulous story,meeting up after 50 years,so great to read.
Dave has been very close family friend for many many years. He would visit Geralds parents a couple of time a year when they were alive.
Debbie Hunter
Heather Dwyer
Wayne Ithinkimfunny Keats. Thanks for this. Lovely to see him looking so well.
Valda May Pattinson
Janet Keats David speaks often of his great friendship with Kelvin and Daphne Keats. Coincidence also that Allan also worked at Seaview Hospital store with Kelvin. Will show David your comments. He is a lovely man, great to talk to and has a great memory. Still loves life and is positive.
Trecia Thomas
Valda May Pattinson hi Velda not sure if you will remember me TRecia Thomas was Lee when I was married to Ken Lee how are you and pokey doing
Peter Campion
Hw ya going ya ol bugger great story Velda
·
Christine Hebberd
Such a wonderful story.
Myron Caldwell
Laura Detlaff. Ask Dave Porteous if he remembers his days in Prosecutions in ChCh. I worked with him there. I was known as Bluey Caldwell, a lad from Inangahua.
Jillene Magee
Myron Caldwell when I read this I wondered if you would know this fella, turns out you do.
Neroli Johnson
that's lovely. hi valda and pokie!
Ed Dando
Remember pokey as a boy in Dobson good friends the Pattersons
Brent Duggan
Pokey Patterson. My god that is a name from my past. I used to live behind the Patterson’s and had some great times with Pokey as a young fella. Please say “Hi” to him from Brent Duggan.
Emily Myrtle Manson
Brent Duggan im emily pattinson ,,,remember your family well,,you are in fire brigade,,is that right
Brent Duggan
Emily Myrtle Manson I was in the fire brigade in ChCh but have lived in Brisbane and now the Gold Coast since 1982. My brother Murray was also in the ChCh Fire Brigade. He was a fireman for about 25 years. I remember you and all your family well Emily. Fond memories. Happy New Year.
Barb Rodway
This is a lovely story
Victor Smithers
Wow I remember Pokey at stewarts butchery wen I was across the road at mc Millan motors....
Pauline Matene
Really nice, how memories affect us all
Anne Thomson
wonderful story!
Teresa Smith
That's so awesome
Margaret Reisinger
Wow! What a great story. What goes round comes round!
Maria Delury Smith
John DeLury, did you know this man during your days in grey?
John DeLury
Maria Delury Smith sure do. I remember him well.
Sheryl Iraia
Wow that's cool.
Bill Stephenson
Good one Pokey. Great story.
Julie Leaf
Nice
Alan Davidson
I remember taking a phone call from Dave Porteous, telling me to inform the District Commander, that he was in Haast, and confirming that the death he was investigating was a homicide. I had been in the Police about 5 minutes, greener than grass, I don't think I knew what a homicide was.
Megan Wilson
I remember working with Pokey at Seaview. He worked in the stores with Robbie '74' McMullan. Always a great laugh and plenty of banter with the stores guys.
Butch Cadigan
Pokey I remember having a weekend at your family’s house in Dobson.
Was with my uncle Micky Taylor.
That would be over 50 years ago
Judy Tawhiti
Butch Cadigan remember mick Taylor?? lived Hokitika.worked with dad around 69ish.Alans sister Judy.
Vern Pattinson
Butch Cadigan remember mick Taylor well worked for Terry Steele
Rebekah Fairhurst Geer
What a fantastic story! You guys danced at our wedding! Jeff says hello
Yvonne Jean
such a nice story
Laurie Anisy
Dave was a top bloke and Policeman.
Lisa Parlane
Raqs Raqs
Deb Hoare
What a great story and thoughtful, decent person Mr Porteous is!
Emily Myrtle Manson
Nice story
Vince Nolan
Valda pass on my regards to Dave. I worked with him in chch cib back in the days
Brian Steele
What a nice story
Judy Tawhiti
Wonderful story,and thanks David for showing kindness to my brother.It certainly has come back to you having Valda as a support person.We had some good cops in Grey back in the day,hide and seek when pubs got the one ring.Great days.
Vern Pattinson
Thats so cool
Vince Nolan
I was a cop in greymouth back in 1965 and have vivid memoy of the zfter hours carry on it was like a cat chasing the mouse and a lot got away
Kathy Crooks
Bloodygreat pokie @ valda that is so nice
Margaret Mulloy
Great photo know dave from the ferrymead days worked with his brother.Marion Maxwell
That's so awesome..
Anne-Marie Dixon
A wonderful story xx
Barry Sweetman
Looking good pokie
Nola Rochford
What a lovely story Valda. Hello to both you and Pokey.
Pauline Adams
What a lovely story. Hi Valda hope you and Pokey are both well
Les van Dijk
What a wonderful story
Carol Williams
That's a cool story.
Christine Hoets
How Awesome after all these years to be able to pickup a great friend ship enjoy everyday wonderful memories beautiful story s
Pauline Schafer
A lovely story of a kindness being repaid Valda. Great news.
Phil Millar
laurie Pattinson,guard NZR Dobson,recently passed away,any relation Allan?
Valda May Pattinson
Phil Millar yes Laurie was my oldest brother Phil.
Phil Millar
He was my neighbour,i also worked on the NZR and we swapped many a story,went to his funeral,sat behind Vernon.
Pamela Casson
That's awesome!!
Graeme Pierson
Well done Dave, Regards Og.
osemary Hutchison
How awesome, hope you and pokey are well
Bobby Turner
What an awesome story.That is so cool.Wish I could meet up or connect with more people from the past in Greymouth.Have lot of good memories of being a kid.
David Brown
Did he give the cardigan back?
Valda May Pattinson
David Brown No it was worn out. Had it on his back for many years though.
Elaine Bolitho
Wonderful story -and so good to hear of the new link-up.
Susan Archer
Love this
Ian Mehrtens
Jolly incredible, isnt it a small world, Hay Happy New Year to you both and Family.
Jude Campbell
Awesome story Valda May Pattinson Vanda Birchfield
Beautiful story Valda, hope you and family are all well
Jan Powell
Such a wonderful story. Thank you.
Ngaire McGregor
Hi Valda a d Pokie, that was a great story and some of the names I have seen making comments have brought back memories of Seaview. It's been such a long time since I last seen you two. Dont think I would recognize Pokie today if I run onto him on the
Janet Keats
Ngaire McGregor some good times had at Sea View.
Glenda O'Donnell
That was a good story and it would of been so good for poke to meet up with him again
Frank ODonnell
Good on you mate great to see you both
Colleen Elcock
Fabulous story,meeting up after 50 years,so great to read.
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West Coast New Zealand History (5th Jan 2021). Allan (Pokey) Pattinson, and David Porteous, meet up again after 50 years.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 4th Apr 2026 17:51, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/28834