Ronald KEAM Obituary

KEAM, Ronald Frank (Ron). On 6 February 2019, unexpectedly at home. Will be sadly missed by daughter Glenda, son Nigel, grandson Francis, Son-in-law Jim, daughter-in-law Erin, grand daughter-in-law Erikka, family, friends and colleagues. A service will be held at the Maclaurin Chapel, University of Auckland, 18 Princes Street on Monday 18 February at 1.00pm, followed by private cremation.



Published by The New Zealand Herald from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14, 2019.

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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald KEAM

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14 Entries

A remarkable scientist, publisher and gifted teacher, Ron is remembered with great fondness by all who knew him.

Edwin Rogers

August 28, 2019

I REMEMBER Ron as a softly-spoken gentleman, a friend I saw seldom but whose occasional company I always enjoyed, sharing common interests in the geology and history of the Rotorua district. Thank you Ron for those dinners where a small group of friends wined, dined and chatted.Thank you too for checking my text and suggesting improvements.

Phil Andrews

Philip Andrews

July 29, 2019

Still remember hauling Ron (in a boat during the 1970s) across Frying pan lake Waimangu as Ron did periodic depth soundings whilst the boat position was measured by 3 theodelites around the lake shore.

Bruce Griffiths

March 15, 2019

As a former student in geophysics at Auckland in the 80s, Ron was one of the few who made a good impression with his combination of encyclopedic knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter. A privilege to spend time in the field with him where he was in his element.
Have a safe journey on into the next great mystery, you will be missed...

Nigel Brady

March 2, 2019

We got to know Ron at Auckland University in the 60s, then met up again in Australia a few times when we moved there. We had some fun times, including talking about his work on Tarawera, and even have a copy of the book he self-published because that was the only way it would be done to his exacting standards. We have fond memories and offer our condolences to his family.

Donna and Peter Maxwell, California, USA

February 26, 2019

Ron, I wish you well in the hereafter, whatever your conception of it may be. Hopefully there's a geyser or two for you to observe.
While we experienced a modus vivendi over the Pink and White Terraces, I always enjoyed our exchanges, particularly those of 2014.
Ave atque vale Ron.

Rex Bunn

February 25, 2019

Ron has been associated with our family for many years, from our grandparents to our parents to myself and my sister. I treasure the memories of him visiting Waimangu and indulging a little girl's fascination with his work. He will be sadly missed. Best wishes to his family. Emily Willers (nee James), Harvey's younger daughter.

February 24, 2019

My sincere condolences to Ron's family. I knew him from Waimangu days when my family ran the visitor attraction there. He was always very interested in the local geothermal scene in Rotorua and in passing on his extensive knowledge of both the physical and the historical setting. We bought and read his wonderful books on waimangu, lake rotomahana, Tarawera and the isthmus and always enjoyed talking to him. Sadly missed.

Christine Hobbs (nee Woolliams)

February 24, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He was always very involved in studying Waimangu Valley and through this he became a good friend of my late father, Harvey. He was such interesting, knowledgeable, and enjoyable company, he will be missed.

Laura James

February 24, 2019

Ron, I'll miss you and remember your voice and wit for years to come. We met when we shared Stage 1 Paleo labs together and you have been a wonderful friend. God bless. Claire

February 24, 2019

Ron came out of retirement to teach me post-graduate geophysics and his love of the field and willingness to give of himself was truly inspirational. As I later learnt of his contribution to geothermal preservation I'd like to recognise Ron's legacy in the identity of New Zealand and its natural wonders we know today. On behalf of the Geoscience Society of New Zealand and its Geological and Geophysical Society predecessors Ron will be greatly missed from our community. My condolences to his family.

Jennifer Eccles

February 19, 2019

Ron was always so friendly and I have fond memories of going to Rotorua with Ron years ago to research volcanic activity. I will miss him. We know the family will miss him very much and we offer our sincere sympathy. Ray & Esther Grubb

Ray Grubb

February 14, 2019

Gary Turner

February 14, 2019

I was a student of Ron's back in the 70s and have many fond memories of extreme fieldwork at Waimangu. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends, for all of whom his passing will be a great loss.

Barbara Simpson

February 13, 2019

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