Roderick ORAM Obituary

To everyone who loved and were loved by this exceptional man. Thank you for the inspiring and spiritually refreshing celebration I was lucky enough to share with some of you on Friday. The news of his passing came at a difficult point in my own life, but reflecting on Rog´s humility, Faith and the talents he so freely shared has invigorated my hope that I too might make a difference. Thank you so much Lyn and family ... Bless you Rod, stay with me.

Met Rod in June 1975, I think we were both recently off a plane from the UK. We were roommates in a "Shared Accommodation" house in Toronto, 8 people. After a few months, Rod, myself and another English person (Pam) decided to share an apartment, as friends. Picture included. Fortunate to attend Rod and Lynn's wedding in Chicago (where I took their picture). Despite moving thousands of mile apart, we always stayed in touch at Christmas. I will miss the annual "Oram Oracle" newsletter.

I met Rod in June 1975 - I think we had both recently arrived from the UK and were in a "Shared Accommodation" home in Toronto. 4 guys on one side of the house, 4 ladies on the other. After a few months, Rod, Pam and myself (left) decided to move to a 3 bed apartment. Just friends. We were fortunate to be invited to Rod and Lynne's wedding in Chicago (when I fell in love with that city). Over the years we did meet once again after Rod was transferred to London, but kept in touch every Christmas since. We will miss the "Oram Oracle". Sincere condolences to Lynne and Celeste. A very moving service that I was able to watch from thousands of miles away, thanks to the internet .

I first met Rod, Lynn and I were classmates at Northwestern University in Evanston, Il. He was the funny, kind roommate of my then boyfriend. We kept in touch over the years through his website and the annual Oracle I received at Christmas. I was thrilled to see him and Lynn when I visited Auckland in 2019. They shared updates and showed me their new city apartment then under construction. It was a joyful reunion and promises to visit again were shared.

My deepest condolences to Lynn, Celeste and Keir and his family. I know how much he loved you...he used to speak often of you and proudly shared photos and stories.

His warmth and sincerity will be missed. May we all carry forth as he lived.

I remember the first time I met you in the car park at St Matthews I the city, when you were newly arrived. Since that connection I have treasured your generous friendship and the deep, noble example you have given us through your writing -and your cycling adventures. My love and sincerest condolences to Lynn and Celeste. May your spirit live on in us as we collectively celebrate your life so fully lived.

My prayers are with you all. Sang with Rod in the choir.
Friday will be thinking of Rod when singing the line
" may God hold you in the hollow of his hand "
Craig Fraser

I first met Rod in an upstairs back bedroom on the Monahan Brothers' Mangaroa Farms. While I was calming my mind, he was searching for a place to rest. Rod had flown down for the welcome week of Kopakopa, my intake group at the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF).

The man I met was not a journalist. He was a lover of Christ, and we connected over my father-a Baptist pastor. Conversations about spirituality and his love for cycling continued as he settled my nerves the night before I went on the stage to present how to make healthcare free at Trentham Racecourse for New Frontiers.

An advocate for the environment, I would run into Rod semi-regularly at events and in our community online. One such occasion was at the circular economy event, where I had the privilege of being on a panel with him. I marvelled at his ability to articulate complex issues from a perspective that truly captured the heart. We possess all the scientific evidence necessary to demonstrate the urgent need for change. Yet, I deeply admired Rod's remarkable talent for forging a link between the climate crisis and its significance to our personal lives.

When I heard the news, I was sombre; we had some big news ourselves yesterday, but this paled in comparison to the sense of loss I was feeling for his family and our country. We dedicated our work to him that day we heard of his passing - it was the only way I could get through it.

My thoughts are with his wife, who opened her home to us for a potluck dinner like my parents held for church home groups. They made us feel welcome. Rod lived an enriched life; may his soul rest in peace, and may the community continue to uplift his family.

I will always cherish the memory of his unique impact on our hearts, ensuring his irreplaceable influence lives on within me as the world has lost one of its brightest and most eloquent voices.

It was with much sorrow that we learned of Rod's accident and subsequent death. Rod was a great neighbour and a true gentleman. His jounalistic contribution speaks for itself. Latterly he has focused much of his energy on climate matters, a subject we didn't always agree on but nonetheless I must acknowledge his doggedness in being true to self. Sorry we can't talk more Rod. Rest in peace, Mike.

Kia ora,
I have interviewed Rod a few times for my radio programme. I have acknowledged him by preparing a podcast out of an interview that was broadcast in 2020: https://www.studyjoy.nz/2024/03/29/rod-oram-muffin-talk/
We were planning to record many more interviews...
May he rest in peace.
Beate

Dear Lynn and Celeste,
The Interfaith community in Palmerston North sends your family our deepest condolences. Most of us know Rod only recently through the Religious Diversity Centre's Climate Action series "E tu  te mana o Te Ao: Building a Climate of Hope" that Rod helped to facilitate last year. We will remember him as a champion of climate action, urging people of all faiths to take action to save the environment and for advocating for the environment at several COP conferences over the past few years. 

With prayers for Rod and your family
The Palmerston North Interfaith Group

A remarkable Christian gentleman who loved the earth & all its bounty & challenged its very existence; in the light of global warming, encouraging us to individually & collectively contribute to the future.
He was sincerely interested & delighted in our stories & connections.
Thank you Lynn for sharing him with us.Elizabeth Trundle

Lines from Sheenagh Pugh's poem 'Sometimes' came to mind as I reflected on the loss of Rod.

'Sometimes.....some men become what they were born for.

'Sometimes our best intentions do not go
amiss; sometimes we do as we meant to.'

Rod truly lived as he and his Lord intended; we are the richer for it.

In Rod, we have lost a true thought leader, who brought heart and caring to every consideration.
I will miss you Rod, and whether the country realises it or not they will too, we are poorer for your passing.

Thanks Rod for your thoughtful, critical perspectives, especially on climate change. We've lost a respectful astute champion.

Such a sad loss. Rod contributed so much and still had so much more to inspire us. Pat Watson

Dear Lynn, I am so sad to hear of the death of your dear husband Rod. I have many happy memories talking with him after shows and other events. The last time was the BBQ at AMT in January He was one of nature's gentleme I regret to say I won't be able to come to the funeral as I have dailysis on Fridays something I can't afford to miss. You will be in my thoughts and I will say a prayer for him. God Bless. Anthony

Celeste, I'm so sorry to hear of the death of your father. He was truly a lovely man. I had many conversations at shows you me and mum were in. RIP Rod

Rod helped to shape my image of this injured society and planet that we live in. And showed some ways in which we did not need to remain helpless but could do our bit to heal the problems. Thankyou Rod , for your grace and wisdom.'

With heart felt condolences to Rod's family. What an amazing human being. We are forever gratefull for his support as fellow EHF Fellow and planet Earth advocate. - Emeline and Eric

Dear Rod such a special good caring and wise man. You have given so much to the cause of journeying toward a more just and kind future
Thinking of you, your family, church , and friends at this time ... in their huge loss.
We will & must carry on your/our cause for the greater good ... with love