STANTON, Paul Adair – Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, aged 84 years.
Beloved son of the late Norman and Vera Stanton. Cherished partner of Venetia. Loved father and father-in-law of Glenn and Tamsyn, Mathew and Heidi. Much loved Poppa of Adair and Granddad of Emily and Vincent. Dearly loved brother of Ingrid and brother-in-law of the late Richard. Loved brother of Elizabeth and Uncle to Ian.
A memorial service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at Woodside Estate, 130 Woodside Road, Tamahere, Hamilton, on Wednesday, 27th May 2026 at 1:00pm.
Messages to the Stanton family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left here in Paul’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz
11 Messages:
My cherished cousin Paul, and adored Uncle of Jess. We will miss you greatly always, we love you dearly. We’re very sorry we could not be there with you all today, but we are there with you in spirit. Love, Neroli and Jess xx
My fondest memories were staying at your place in South Auckland when I travelled up for live music concerts. You would welcome my friends and I into your home and none of us got a wink of sleep because of your snoring…. You would cook us up bacon and eggs in the morning and get back to the train station no questions asked. Sending Glen, Mathew and Venetia all my love at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Uncle Paul.
Where do I start and where do I finish when it comes to Paul Adair STANTON a.k.a. STANTONOVICH:
The hardest part is going to be able to put a few sentences together without swearing.
As a 19 year old Cop fresh out of Trentham in 1971, I ended up being sent to Onehunga to cover a night shift.
Long story short, I ended up staying there three or four years.
Being born and bred in Onehunga and having met some of the cops there before I discovered the saying ” if
you can’t beat em, join em, it was a great way to start a new career.
Shit, I could tell some stories of those ‘ early learning days of being a cop ‘. !!!
Chief Inspector Stanton was the Watchhouse keeper and required a chauffer every morning for his 7.00.am
starts, huge responsibility for a young cop.
I’ve just given myself an upper cut as I’m starting to waffle.
Paul, hearing of your passing hit me like a good Carlaw Park stiff arm.
From the interest and support you gave me in my early League career days even though you were a ruggar buggar
you’ll never know how much it meant to me. The funny part is you right. I will always remember it.
In my books, you stood tall, I’m proud to be able to say, that bloody mad Stantonovich was a real good bastard.
I’m really sorry I can’t be there with you Venetia, Glenn, Mathew and whanau but a 1.00.pm. I will light a candle, watch
the Service and remember a Man I have always respected and been able to call a friend and have a good laugh.
REST IN PEACE Paul and try to keep out of trouble. Till we meet again, CHEERS !!!
REST IN PEACE my Friend,
A terrific fella who guided young police officers through challenges of policing in South Auckland. Always gave you great advice as a watch house keeper. Really enjoyed our time together through both rugby and cricket. Rest easy now mate! Grim.
The big man with a booming voice and laugh who guided lots of young cops in many ways. A great friend, and we all enjoyed his company for years at Police Dart tournaments. Always said that if you can talk yourself into it , you can talk yourself out !! . Rest in Peace Stantz .
My sympathy to Glenn and Matthew for the loss of their father. Paul was always a great friend to me. Even though I have not seen him for many years, I will not forget him. Our condolences and love, Raewyn, Duane and Shelly.
I have a lot of memories of Stants over the years from Police rugby and the Police Council of Sport.
A champion bloke who always had a positive attitude which impacted on those around him.
Sad to see his passing. I will be watching the live stream from Whangarei and will raise a glass to our mate
The first time I met Paul was at dinner dance for the Police Cricket team. It was also my first date with my late husband Berny Bowerman.
They also worked together at Otahuhu Police Station. Paul was such a character I remember him always singing Where Have All The Flowers Gone which was a big hit of the “60s. Then he’d get Berny to sing Isa Lei. ( He was born in Fiji) Happy memories.
My condolences to his family he was always larger than life.
Sincerely
Ann Bowerman.
A rugby stalwart. I enjoyed a few tours with Paul. A good man.
A terrific working mate in Auckland Police. Rest in peace Paul.
Worked with you at Onehunga. Always happy and great to work with, A good friend. Don Fisher.