Robert NEALE Obituary

Way back in 1993 or so, I gave up being a lawyer because I wanted to study poetry and other literature. I was already studying extramurally at Massey, and Robert Neale had taught some of the Canterbury Tales in a survey paper.

I ended up doing a paper with him, devoted to Chaucer: he accumulated a group of acolytes so keen to pursue studies with him that he put on a special paper about Chaucer's sources and contemporaries.

He was always very kind and generous with his knowledge and time, unfailingly respecteful of all students (even though some of his colleagues let on that some were not so deserving). Both years I studied with him, he invited us to his house for a potluck dinner.

I remember receiving a 95% on a paper I submitted, my best ever mark. I asked how to get 100%: "write a book, but then I'll have to mark you down for going over the word limit". I knew him as a devout believer, so hope that this gave him peace in his latter years.

Rest in peace, Robert.

My heartfelt condolences to you Jean, Janet, Alison and your families. I have very fond memories of Robert and you all during my five years at Fergusson Hall 1972 to 76. A wonderful man with a sincere faith and a gentle manner who set us an example to follow. And we shall meet again.

`The question is,´ said Alice, `whether you can make words mean so many different things.´

´The question is,´ said Humpty Dumpty, `which is to be master - that´s all.´

Thank you Robert. A master linguist and inspirational prof to me and many other Massey graduates.

Robert was a good friend to me in my last years at high-school when I would visit him at Summerset. He would tell me of his early days in England, playing Cricket while V1 flying bombs soared overhead. He would amaze me with his correspondence with Tolkien, and great knowledge of literature. I regret being unable to attend the funeral service, due to my mobility issues. I send my thoughts and love to Jean.

Condolences especially to Jean.
Robert was such a gentleman a life well lived and shared with so many others,

As young people at university we were much in awe of Robert, and by the end of our degrees we loved him dearly. He was wise and kind, and had a genuine twinkle in his eye. He was also a dashing RAF pilot which was very exciting for us as well! It was a treasure and a pleasure to know Robert and I know nobody who studied with him will ever forget him. My condolences to Jean and Robert's whole family.

Many years ago, I worked with Jean at Massey Library. Robert was an entertaining visitor! What a lovely man, you'll all be very sad that he's passed. My love and condolences to Jean, and all the family

Dear Jean, my sincerest condolences. Thank you for helping me to stay in touch with Robert over the years. What a kind, good-humoured and sharp-witted person he was. On behalf of all his former students at Massey, I wish to say we will remember him always. He was a true inspiration to us.

To Janet and family please accept my sincere condolences on the sad passing of Robert.

Heart felt condolences and so sorry to read of Robert's passing. A true gentleman/