Robert SOWERSBY

Pkease pass my sympathy to Robert's family. We were friends for many years but lost contact to my regret I have many happy memories of our time in Hawkes Bay.

Robert and Betty welcomed us to Kinloch in the late 1990s and were very supportive and helpful with our gardening issues and tree trimming and introduced us to fishing on the Lake with his mate Roy..
Robert was a real character and we missed him when he moved back to the Hawkes Bay with family.
RIP Robert,
Peter and Sue McLaren

Kia ora whanau, I'm just wanting to add some memories, express our sadness at Robert's passing, and in doing so, to apologise for not being able to get up to Maraekakaho to see Robert off. My memories go back all of my 60 years, and yet Tankersleys and Sowersbys were connected well before any of our generation came along. In country communities, neighbours became friends, and friends became intergenerational family friends, and so it has been for us. Rebecca and I are three months apart in age, and I some of my earliest memories are of us as pre-school kids exploring the world in our own clumsy ways. I remember when I got to school three months earlier than Bex, I followed Margaret and Jane around, and I remember you both looking forward to when Bex would get to school! We'd kick around and stay at each other's places, and get into all sorts of mischief. And I got to learn that our 'honorary' uncles and aunties were simply another set of parents, and that's how it was for us with Uncle Robert, you were like another dad. In the mould of country farmers that we became so used to, Uncle Robert, you were a classic. Hard-working, smart, practical, and very clear at setting expectations and boundaries - not that we always stuck to them! And also, a man who cared deeply about family, and community and made huge contributions to all of these things. You've lived a life of which your family can be justifiably proud, and which we have been privileged to share. So, on behalf of us Tanks, thank you for being you. Haere atu ra, vale, and godspeed on your journey.

Robert it was wonderful working with you for many years , your smiling face and yr willingness to always help people will be remembered by many people including me. Thank you Robert for your wonderful support of the chaplaincy service over many years. Your willingness in helping to bring patients to the Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers´ Memorial Hospital Sunday ,Chapel services over many years was very much appreciated. Your help for the Anzac Day service was also noted and acknowledged. May You Rest in peace.
Jane , your Dad was an asset to the hospital thank you for sharing him with us all.
Sending love to you and your family at this time, may the memories you have of Robert, bring you and your family comfort.
Rev Barb Walker Lead Chaplain 2009 -2021.