Dad was heavily involved in the motor X of early christchurch, he laid the track every time their was an event, he checked the motorbikes mechanically before the racing and was always last to leave.

It consumed our lives for 20 years until he had hi first heart attack.

Dad was born the 4th child of Gertrude and Walter Jackson at Temuka Maternity Home in South Cantebruy New Zealand. Their second son Geoffrey had died at birth so Allan was a surprise bonus. His parents had a small holding at Winchester and he had a wonderful childhood. This was to be marred by the death of his sister who passed away just prior to giving birth to her second child when He was in his early teens. His nephew Lesley who had downs Syndrome moved in and Allan's compassion grew for this little lad. This campassion stayed with him his entire life. He played rugby and excelled at school, moving to Christchurch to take up an apprenticeship as a mechanic. He was a superb mechanic and loved tinkering with cars.

He met my mother who was his brother Murray's sister in law who was divorced with a young son. With out hesitation he accepted him and was proud to call him his son.

The young family struggled on Allan's wages but the house was filled with love and soon enough a son and daughter were born.They moved out to Harewood transit camp to wait for a state house and eventually moved to 47 Uxbridge Street in Northcote Christchurch.

This is where my memories kick in. Our house was filled with fun and laughter and they struggled but we were never aware. Eventually mum also began work to assist dad with the bills. I remember riding on the bar of my big brothers bike with my other brother on the carrier riding home from kindy. When dad came home the house lit up.He would hug us tight and tell us about his day and organise fun things to do.He loved people and people loved him, Family was the focus of his life. We were brought up in a home filled with so many happy memories. I loved sitting in the middle of the front seat when ever we went on trips and would probably keep him awake as I asked so many questions of what it was like when he was boy. We would drive into the night and eventually I'd nod off. I was lovingly carried inside in his arms and tucked into bed...mmm He could not do that as I got older. Dad eventually took over a building in New brighton and set up Magan Motors and for just over a year I continued on at Papanui high being dropped off until eventually I got my drivers license and he gave me my first car. A little morris eight which I loved. Dad loved indoor bowls and Motor bike racing and every weekend I would go with him to the track and lay it out and marvel at his energy.
We loved this time together and it has stayed with me through the years. Mum and dad bought their little cottage in Beresford street and he set about making it our home. When I became pregnant and decided to marry 6 weeks after my daughters birth nothing was a bother. He gave me a beautiful wedding and adored my daughter Maxine.
Nothing ever seemed to upset him he took every thing in his stride.
More grand children followed but he took a special role in my son's life after I divorced.
My children adored him and he was the man to look up to for them both.
Blair quickly became his trusted side kick and he and dad trolled the streets looking for scrap wood to keep the fires going in his and our home. Christmas at winchester was our special time where we just has such an awesome time. From my earliest years till the last christmas we shared Dad and I never had a cross word. He never critisied me for my mistakes and was always there to lean on when I needed advice.
You were my hero and I will always hold you in my heart dad
Love Suzanne