Robert DENHAM Obituary

I ask is this Bob Denham who lived in Echuca Vic in Australia ----I am a old Friend

Play for us Bob

Bob, clarinet and saxophone, was the leader of Harmony Blue dance band in Taumarunui in the 70's. Drumers included Nibby and Doug, singers Dick, Anne and Brenda (and Bob too) with myself on the guitar. Bob always annoyed at Dick for the ad lib' of many of the words he did not know.

I also have fond memories of Bob and me playing on the grass beach edge across the road from the Duke of Marlborough, Bay of Islands Burt Bacharach numbers with Bob on clarinet. The hush that came over the nearby Hell's Angels motorcycle group and subsequent applause has never left my memory. Reportedly, he said he once filled in for a sick Acker Bilk??

And indeed my last gig with Bob, with two other very talented musicians, was for an Acker Bilk fan's birthday. I was horrified at the prospect but Bob in his usual persuasive manner, simply rattled out the chords from the top of his head on to sheets of paper and said, stick to that and indeed, we all met simultaneously at the end of each line on the same note after Bob and the others had been skyward with their bantering improvisation on the hoof a brilliant musician. And that is the way he left us.

Janet and I and 11 year old Chris have never forgotten the ultimate over night sailing trip with Bob and Jenny dolphins, kai moana, kayaks, music and a yacht race home.

Our thoughts are with your family Bob they did you proud at your service.

Ross and Janet

Sorry to hear of Bob's sudden demise. Sympathy to all the family.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories Bob and Jenny of our times sailing on Windwood II. Our family are thinking of yours at this very sad time.

Love and thoughts
Jane Bayliss and Family

So sorry to hear of your sudden loss Jenny, Alison, Mark and Craig. Such a long time since we were neighbours in Taumarunui. Thoughts are with you all at this sad time

Alverie Doyle ( nee Taylor)

I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace. Ps 116:15

Cynthia

Thanks, Bob, for those great Whangaroa Staff trips out on the Bay in Woodwind II, and for duckling the kayaks over to Urupukapuka Island and transporting some of the students and staff there for that Year 10 10 camp. Nothing was ever too much for you, as Tony would also agree. The angels have gained another great musician. We should be able to hear the saxaphone from here!