Welcome – I’m Bob, and this website is a place to gather the threads of a life well lived.
Over the years I have worn many hats – through career, family, sport, and a deep interest in genealogy. Each has shaped who I am, and each continues to provide stories worth sharing. This site brings those strands together in one place.
Here you will find reflections on my working life, memories and milestones from family, thoughts on the sports that have inspired me, and explorations into the people and histories that came before us. I am also gradually adding chapters from MY Life – a book to be written piece by piece, with new sections appearing as they are completed.
Think of this as an open journal – part memoir. part record, part conversation.
Another year full of memories, family, friends and fun has passed quickly by.
The Tote has been sold – Robyn’s “Last Dance” on the Bar.Robyn has moved to Totara Lodge Motor Inn as a Receptionist under Rebecca’s command.Mya reacquaints herself with Dan’s dog Denny on occasion of our visit to Tauranga to celebrate Dan’s Birthday.Oliver takes his first trot at the Riding SchoolGreat Grandparents’ School Holiday’s duties with materials and supervision by Robyn. The 2 boys are Robert and Oliver.The family is so proud of Grandaughter Grace. In the End of Year Awards at St Peter’s College in Palmerston North Grace topped Year 12 in Social Studies, Excellent in Religion and received the Principal’s Award for Year 12. Grace had already passed her NCEA 2s with extra credit without having to sit any external exams, which she did anyway. So great to have a scholar in the family!We have a dancing girl in the family – Aleigh-Parker Wade’s daughter.Rebecca and Flower Girl Mya at the family wedding of the year. In fact the only one!Surprise visit joining Judy and me during our annual hibernation on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Back left: Rueben, Steve, Dan and Amy; Middle Row from left: Rebecca, Robyn, Kath, David, Bob; in front; Mya and Judy.AirBNB Maroochydore – Family at playOliver takes his first trot at the Riding School.Flashback – David gets to meet Prince Harry at Chunuk BairSuccessful day fishing at Noosa
This is my Cousin Francis Edwards from Grandma Kruse’s family, in fact her nephew. Francis, obviously a Springbok supporter (he was born in Rhodesia) sadly passed away in Canterbury, Kent on 3 November age 96. A few years back I was delighted to be able to lunch with Francis and his daughter Angela Lumsden in Canterbury.
“Springboks Forever”
“For every good Springbok there is an All Black“
Other sad losses through the year include John and Jean Dever. I first met John and Jean through my time serving on the Board of the International City/County Association based in Washington DC. John was eminent in the local government scene world wide and Judy and I were extremely fortunate to have made his and Jean’s acquaintance.
On 3 May Judy’s Niece Kim and family Julia and Jack lost Husband and Father Steve to Oesophageal Cancer. Steve was loved by and an integral part of our family and is sorely missed particularly by Kim, Julia and Jack. May he Rest in Peace.
All in all the year has been an exciting and fulfilling one with family being foremost in all of its events. Unfortunately through circumstances we were not able to catch up with Wade’s 2 boys and girls in Australia except for a couple of Skype calls. We must work hard to remedy this next year.
