Delma WORSLEY Obituary

26th December 2020

I have just seen the very sad news of my friends' passing in August. Over the last few years we have only been in touch over the internet at Christmas and maybe once during the rest of the year but I really loved to hear about their annual exploits. The last time we saw them in the flesh was about twelve years ago when we stayed a few days with them at King Street in Te Aroha. I sent a couple of emails to Delma in November and when I did not get an immediate reply I knew either her email had changed or something was amiss. Delma was a wonderful friend to me and my two very young children when I found myself very alone as my family were back in the UK. Not far from where Delma and Paul grew up. I returned to the UK with a heavy heart but have seen Delma and Paul on a few occasions since, both in the UK and Te Aroha. I am so sad that two of the most caring, kind, genuine and generous people in this world, that I have ever met, are no longer with us. My heart goes out to Adrian and Jason and the rest of the family. So sorry for your loss. Our loss.

As I was not able to attend the gathering to commemorate Paul's and Delma's lives, but only watch from the sideline, I felt I should put a few words on paper just to remind myself of a few incidents of the distant past:
They were the nicest people one could ever hope to meet. Death is inevitable but it never-the-less comes at a heavy price for those most affected, the family and friends of a wonderful couple.
I met Paul in the '80s after my return from a period in Fiji and after starting working in the Ministry of Agriculture's office in Hamilton probably prior to that too but it is from that time our paths intersected.
A couple of his attributes stand out: He was pedantic, me blaming it on his origin so we crossed several times, always amicably, over words - and tenacious at proving he was right. This example started off with the alternative spelling of adviser' or advisor' serious stuff - not coming to blows but each determined to be the one that was right. And important in that our job title was Dairy Advisory Officers [Farms]. To be honest, I forget what side I was on but a short while after the argument, Paul read out a poem he had written on the topic to an audience [His victory and/or my humiliation had to be in public, the bigger the audience the better!]
Here are the words:
Now Eden was a teachor Fer he really ought to know
He insists Adviser' ends in er' so that errer has to go.
The time they took to check this book it is really quite absord
So perhaps we ought to have a look In a dictionary fer this werd.
The Oxferd specifies an e,' the Chambors gives them both.
So ER or OR what is it to be? DAOFs can't be accused of sloth.
But look it's in the Auckland Star, there in black and white
We didn't have to look too far Advisors' must be right.

[Then followed a photocopy of a Herald paragraph on a new group, and yes, it was spelled Advisors'.

Paul was also very determined. I asked him once for other words meaning determined. He listed quite a few and I then added in Bloody-minded' and Pig-headed' asked which one described him the best! When he wanted something, there were two ways to deal with it, give in after a long argument or give in immediately, something that the Ministry of Agriculture Dairy Division staff in Hamilton were slow to learn.

Of course, the prime example of his sheer blood-minded determination had to be the development of the Milking Machine Tester's Course. His efforts to get it started began in about 1983, firstly to get MAF approval to start! It took a year for Paul to develop the course using the new-fangled Criterion-Referenced Instruction method developed around 1975 to deliver it and get it off the ground endless discussions, arguments and compromise. [That last is not correct, there was never any compromise with Paul! Although, to be fair, he always listened to and accepted a good argument.

I was in the first intake in 1984 living and socialising in Flock House near Bulls alongside the scientists and representatives of the major milking machine companies - modifying and adding in standards' as we went. The Course has since trained over 400 people in testing milking machines for efficiency and giving advice on necessary improvements. In my opinion, it is the best training course of its kind anywhere and a lasting and loving tribute to Paul's determination. It took cooperation between all the milking machine companies and allied organisation and a task that needed and warranted - an immense amount of negotiation, development of goodwill, a mighty effort, and one that most people would have shied away from. Not Paul, a mighty champion and one of his crowning achievements.

Since his retirement, I have seen Paul and Delma only infrequently but their hospitality has always been appreciated. I am sad that they have gone but no-one can deny their massive contribution to life in this world they left it a better place.

Na te Atua te aro'a....... sincere condolences to the family ....... Maria Evaroa-McBirney

I have only heard the sad news today. Such a lovely couple. Much love Adrian and family.

Paul was one of those characters in life that you will never forget meeting! From his yellow shirts, weird and funky taste in food, adventurous spirit and great sense of humour, it was an absolute pleasure to work with him and learn from him, he was the master trainer, and taught me so much. It was always such a treat working with Paul and spending time with Delma in the evenings as well. What a wonderful legacy they have both left in this world.

The depths of your sorrow are equal to the depths of your love. My heart goes out to all the Worsley family at this time x

Adrian - I was so shocked to hear the news today of your parents passing. I got to know them when your grandmother was in Kenwyn, such a gentle and lovely couple - Gary and I panted trees yesterday by Kenwyn and I looked for your dad as I expected him to be there again. Our thoughts are certainly with you, take cae Kian kaha Adrian, arohanui Jennifer Comer and Gary Robinson. Te Aroha.

Paul was so passionate about his work in the dairy sector and his teachings touched many lives.I remember many of his words.
Kindest regards Jim Clark

Thinking of you at this time, Adrian and Jason and family, and sending heartfelt sympathy - Delma and Paul were a wonderful couple, and we have lovely memories of fun times spent with them over the years. Peace and love to you all

Delma was a wonderfully caring long term close friend to my mum, Joline for forty years. Paul provided much appreciated practical and moral support. They will be sorely missed. Heart-felt condolescences from us to Adrian, Jason and families, Miranda Beale & John Godfrey

Adrian & Family we are deeply saddened and our hearts go out to you all, Delma & Paul were lovely people and so caring, always had time for others, they will be greatly missed by friends & community, sending our deepest sympathy