Frank Bruce RENNIE

Bruce Rennie introduced me to the stage and by doing so changed my life. I shall always be grateful for his energy, expertise and kindness. He was one of my most talented teachers. I only wish I had take the time to visit him in his retirement to tell him so.

Two pieces of his wisdom I carry with me:
- By the time a women is in her mid forties, her character shows in her face.
- Your (student) opinion of me doesn't count; my (teacher) opinion of you does. Harsh, but still...

Bruce Rennie made an all-important and never forgotten difference to my life 50 years ago. He opened my eyes to experiences and opportunities which led me towards a career and life I might otherwise have missed out on. Mr Rennie taught a railways boy from the Junction art and drama with zest and inspiration, even if the boy wasn't much good at either. The van Gogh book he awarded me after four years of college plays (actually Mr Rennie should have got the award for putting up with me) was...

Mr Rennie will certainly be a teacher remembered at Rangitikei college, teaching a lot of us & our parents. Got to appreciate his dramatics as an adult, was rather scary as a schoolkid. Talented art teacher. Farewell

Bruce was a brilliant and talented artist, teacher, colleague and friend with a heart of gold. He was unique and unforgettable. A huge loss. Our thoughts are with the family.

I have a great memory of Bruce Rennie. Russell Poppe and I were coming last by a long long way in the cross-country one year. It was freezing cold and pouring with rain, and by the time we got back to the College, there was no one at the finish line, no one around to 'welcome us back', everyone had packed-up and gone home ... except Mr Rennie, who somehow saw us and took us back to his room (F1, I think it was) and got us towels to dry ourselves with and made sure that we were OK. I...

One of the best, who made a deep impression on many students. Being a part of the school play was one of the fondest memories I have of High School, and Bruce was the heart and soul of the event. My deepest condolences to Julian, Sarah and Rebecca.

My profound sympathy to he Rennie Family on the loss of an incredible father and grandfather. Bruce was one of kind - talented, generous, a brilliant teacher and a community-centred person. While I have not seen him for a few years, I recall our last meeting was a joyous evening with many recalls of life in Marton in the 1970s, in general, and art and music in particular. He will be much missed by so any. Rest well noble soul.

Farewell Bruce ( I know you're loving all this attention! :) )