Richard ROAKE Obituary

I was a friend of Richards from being at school with him at otumoetie college in Tauranga. I knew the family very well. I was so shocked to hear of Richards sudden passing. I offer my sincere condolences to john,Greg and Nicola. Mike armytage

I met Sandra in 1968 when we were both students at the University of Massachusetts. We knew each other's parents and siblings and I have known her daughter, Karin, since she was 3.

Sandra and I shared decades of confidences and giggles, hopes and dreams. I was shocked to learn of her sudden death in this horrific accident. Ironically, she died on my birthday, as her father died on her birthday.

I last visited Sandra in Kerikeri in 2007 and I loved New Zealand, as my father had always said that we would go there "someday."

Those of us who cherished Sandra are bereft at her passing. Her daughter is devastated and distraught.

We would be happy to hear from anyone who knew her in NZ.

Anne Henderson
Hopkinton, MA, USA

Sandra and I met at college in 1968 and we remained "best friends" for decades. I knew her nuclear family and she knew mine and we grew into adulthood together. I visited her three times after she moved to Kerikeri, NZ.

Sandra's daughter, Karin, called me on my birthday to let me know of the accident which had claimed her mother's life that morning. She is still quite distraught and feels her loss profoundly. Sudden death is so hard to wrap one's head around.

Sandra and I used to date in the late 1990's. I think I was one of the first that she called to confidentially tell me that she and Richard were getting married then relocating from Boston, Mass USA to New Zealand!

In the years since their move we stayed in touch with emails and the occasional phone call. She really adored him, he took great care of her as she aged and I was happy for them both to have found each other.

Her emails bounced and as I had not heard from her in 6 months I did some research on the Web and found the notification. This was confirmed through the gentle kindness of her Colleague Katharine at New Zealand Poetry Society.

I am still in shock but can find some peace knowing that they passed away together.

My sincere condolences to Family and Friends.

Lawrence Slack
Wilkesboro, NC

Richard and I dated in the early Nineties when he lived in Newport. He was a unique, hard-working, and multi-talented individual. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard & Aalix! I will miss you Aalix as we talked often and shared our art ideas with one another! My condolences to both families!

I've just seen this. Very sorry, John, we really feel for you. Our deepest sympathies....Graham and Jeanette Gillibrand

So sorry to hear this news. Aalix was an admired member of both the NZ and international haiku community.

- Sandra Simpson