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Frank WYLIE Obituary
Frank died at Nelson Hospice, and was cremated at the Hope Garden of Remembrance, in Nelson, on September 24.
Dear Sir,
I have eaten my way through your raisin loaf and finally found the raisin.
Frank will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank WYLIE
5 Entries
Robin Watt
November 3, 2025
Frank was a wonderful colleague. He personified all one could imagine an eccentric intellectual working in a museum could be. When he eventually left the National Museum and headed to Auckland we all missed his warmth, his kindness and his miraculous library search skills. Behind researchers at the old National Museum stood Frank Wiley ever collegial and academically helpful. His decorated manila sacks added a quirky air to the otherwise boring rows of book shelves. On entering the library one was occasionally greeted with some short tunes from his mouth organ. Perhaps his greatest musical achievement was learning the trombone. Once when the full board of the National Museum of NZ was meeting the dulcet tones of his trombone wafted down into the boardroom interrupting discussion. Saving the day, the current director passed off the sound as a group of musicians practicing in the the National Art Gallery above. In his dress Frank redefined 'casual'. Like the time dapper super-egotistical scientist Sir Charles Fleming, bedecked in very smart snappy garb, was greeted by Frank wearing only a singlet (it was summer after all) floppy long shorts and bare feet. Frank was Frank and none of us would have him any other way. From those who were fortunate to work with him our memory of Frankis eternal.
Kristelle Plimmer
September 29, 2025
So many fond and loving memories of Frank over the years - what a fabulous human being. We will miss his wit, his postcards, his raucous laughter and his unending search for the curious. Arohanui e hoa xxxx
Myles
September 29, 2025
Have a cup of hot water.
I still do.
I was thinking of printing on sacks a few days ago. Far out, Thanks again.
Juliet Palmer
September 28, 2025
Many happy memories of Frank and his wisdom remain with me. Sincere condolences to Kate, Brigid and families. Arohanui.
Peter Ireland
September 27, 2025
Frank was a colleague at the Parliamentary Library in the early 1970s, and a decade later he was in the National Museum's library in Buckle Street while I was working upstairs at the National Art Gallery, and when he was on Turnbull's staff I continued to see a lot of him while doing research. I visited him whenever I was in Auckland. We became firrm friends instantly and forever after, maintaining a correspondence until mid this year. He was a truly remarkable man and one of the most intelligent human beings I've ever known, as well as possessing a unique sense of humour and unique creative endeavour. He will be sorely missed, always. For his many friends he baked many cakes, chockful of raisins. My condolences to his family.
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