Rodger FOX Obituary

Remember Rodger from Mana college days when his Dad Louis was a great music Teacher. You are gone but not forgotten. You are with your Mum and Dad now. Condolences to your family always a smile on your face and a treasure to be around.
God bless Jean Bewick

Heartfelt prayers & thoughts go out to Erna & families. The world has lost a very talented artist who brought joy to many

Roger was nz best big director and a impeccable trombonist. Sad loss to nz jazz from Glen boyle palmerston north and allso originally from hastings

Farewell to a great person, who made music come alive for so many people in his great career and was a legend amongst those who knew him well.

I am sorry I could not be there today to celebrate Roger's life and the enormous contribution he has made to the world of jazz. My condolences to you Erna and his family and friends. Karen and I have been speaking on and off all week since learning of Rogers passing about the various conversations and memories of him. A life well lived. He will continue to be a huge influence for many now and in the years to come. Warmly, Glenys Mclaughlan

Dear Dear Erna, we are very sad to hear of Rodger´s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Alan and Paula

I listened to Rodger play way back in the downtown club when the servicemen came in for RR in the Vietnam War. My path often crossed again with Rodger in a band or two. Later in life, I was involved in performing, and Rodger was a great encouragement to me, and I was priveleged to do some work at a gig or two with a friend. I never knew of any Muso that worked as hard as Rodger and was as positive as Rodger. An amazing man who I will miss so much. New Zealand has lost a great treasure. RIP Rodger

A HUGE loss to N Z music
Rodgers long contribution both as a musician and a band leader will be greatly missed, but his legendary input into the Jazz music education, both formal and otherwise, of our future musicians will be his legacy. Condolences to Erma and the Fox family Hey MAN it was not supposed to end this way
Bruce Lannam Fellow L M TJS

Such sad news of Roger's passing. My condolences go to his family. I met Roger at Massey University in Albany, Auckland where I was a mature student.
He was not only a mentor but became a good friend to me. He was always encouraging and supportive to myself and all students. Not only was he a great ambassador for jazz music but also for New Zealand.
He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the music he made and the musicians he influenced.
Rest in Peace Roger, The Music is Always With You

As a past member of various Rodger Fox bands, his passing has saddened me deeply. Many years touring, gigging and hanging out to all hours, Rodger´s gregarious nature and infectious laugh will endure in my memory; along with the mandatory wobbly leg, accompanying his trade mark wall of trombone. The scores of people who worked with him, learned from him and appreciated his music are a tribute to the man. Rest easy, me `ol Cob. Lots of love. Paul Kentell

Rodger you were a treasure in mine and many young jazz kids lives. Thank you for all you´ve done, you will be sorely missed

Farewell Rodger. Thanks for making Jazz a little more accessible to this Mod/Rocker/ one-time Punk Palmerstonian.
Thank you for the music and the energy!
Gordon Wrigley

I'm just a fan but love the music and performances (and Erna's) so am very sad not to see him play again. The Mulled Wine concerts and Tauranga Jazz Festival concerts were excellent. Thank goodness for all the CDs.
We only spoke a couple of times briefly and he was so nice and genuine.
All sympathy to Erna, and his family, on this very sad loss.
Barbara (Seddon)

Very sorry to hear this news. I was a very undistinguished pupil of Rodger Fox in the 1980s. In retrospect very grateful to have had an association with a great teacher and pioneer of New Zealand music. Condolences to Erna and Rodger's family

Dear Erna, so so sorry in hearing of your loss.
My thoughts are with you.
My Condolences
Love, Tony Roberts. Christchurch

RIP Roger. Fondest memories of the Fox family from Mana College 66-68. Mr and Mrs Fox were teachers and Roger was one of our mates. 1968 Roger started a band 'The Tia-Mana Brass' including Barry Bicknell, Eric Plait(?), Tony Cummack, and I was one of the 'Go-Go' girls. Memories to cherish. I've followed Roger's enthusiasm for life since college days and was lucky enough to catch up with him again in Carterton sometime between 2013-17. He was playing at the band rotunda. My Mum was one of his Mum's 'Golden Girls'. A wonderfully musical family. Say hi to your Mum and Dad from me and my family Roger. Pleasure to have known you and your family xxxx

Condolences to the Fox family. My parents Brenda and Michael Willis had a bit to do with Rodger as we are great friends of Ray Woolf, and would hear how great Rodger was. RIP Rodger
Julie Collier (nee Willis).

Condolences to family...we´ve been part of the huge group of band followers. Rodger bought joy with his music to our family. Thankyou

So sorry to learn of Roger's recent passing as he was an amazing guy whom was a huge inspiration to many people not only in New Zealand but also throughout many International areas. All our NZ Watts family has had a great link to your family for many years with several types music (of course including Jazz) and will miss this ongoing, highly significant and very special relationship/involvement. Enjoy the rest and fun times with your family as there will be much joy in being again together with music. Finally passing on my deepest condolences to your partner the very caring Erna, also incuding your lovely family and your many many friends and colleagues. Regards, Gary Watts, MNZM, Christchurch

I met Rodger when he was in the 1860 band..awesome time back n the seventies..n watched him become the star that he is...huge loss ..he will be greatly missed

Rodger's death was a great shock. A great musician willing to support local jazz players and youth even though world-renowned. Fond memories of when he took the Manawatu Jazz Club Big Band up to Tauranga in '80s. Will miss his funeral as we are overseas but will be thinking of you Erna.

Great jazz musician, we are grateful for the memories and wonderful sounds.
Our deepest sympathy.

My thoughts go out to Erna and the family, both blood and the community of musicians.

Rodger connected me with Roger, Paul, Kirsten and Leigh and I will forever be grateful for this.

Rodger certainly was a musical conduit for many if us.

With all the love there is RIP.

Sincerely
Viva Sahn

Dear Erna, So sorry to hear of Rodger's passing.
It was a real privilege to be associated with him.
My thoughts are with you today.
Love, Paul Wilson

Dear Erna
sorry to hear of the loss of Rodger we are thinking of you and your family in this sad time
Love Punch and Elsa

Just a short message to say Roger was a good friend to all at all levels His Father Lou was my first tutor of Trombone back in 1956 and I have known Roger more latterly since Southern Dixie was formed many years ago Rest in peace my friend
Wayne Lee

So so sorry. Thinking of you all, especially you Erna. Love you heaps.

When his father Lou started me on trumpet, Rodger was a toddler running around.
From the start of the RFBB in 73, he has literally changed the face of jazz in NZ, and gained an international reputation as band leader and jazz trombonist.
He was very generous with his time, and support over the years for the Queenstown JazzFest, and friend and mentor when we started the QTN Jazz Orch.
He single handed brought an incredible lineup of top US jazz musos to tour NZ - all with his sheer enthusiasm and dogged determination.
A true legend in his time , and leaves a huge gap.
Our condolences to Erna, Tony,, Chris and families
.

Sending Our Deepest & Sincere sympathy at this very sad time on the sudden & sad news of the passing of Rodger

Only good memories at Mana College in the 60's & 70's of playing in the band with Rodger and remembering that he was one awesome dedicated & talented musician

May he Rest in eternal peace and I am sure Louie & Betty will be there with open arms to greet him with a trombone!

Bruce & Linda Collett (nee Cook)

Moe mai ra our dearest mate Rodger our biggest thanks to you, Erna and your beautiful Big Band for bringing your wonderful sound to Pukawa. You are deeply missed my friend.
Our condolences and Aroha to Erna and your Whanau xx

To Felicity and the Fox family, all my love and sympathies to you all at this sad time.

My sympathy and sadness to Erna in the days to come, Roger was always good to me over the years we've all known each other. Rest in peace you wonderfull man.

Felicity and Chris im sending you a big hug and my sympathies at the loss of your Brother Rodger.
His name will forever be etched in the music World of New Zealand Big hugs to you both from me and my family
Shona Kramer

Farewell Rodger. Those Massey/Victoria University times were full of fun and entertainment. Rest in peace.

Erna was deeply saddened to hear of Rodgers Sudden passing after a short illness. I just wish I had come up to Palm Nth earlier this year and enjoyed your last concerts, as your music and singing together and love of each other was just out of this world. The memories will never fade for me as you & him were fantastic together. Tread lightly Erna and take care of yourself and family,time heals slowly but grief is always with us at this saddest time. Your ex work mate from the Plumbing Days in Palm Nth and friend. Kerry Ann Rattray (ex Christall)

Dear Erna,
Holding you in our hearts at this sad time. Rodger was hugely talented, greatly admired and obviously very well loved! Sending aroha to you and the Fox family.

Erna, Doug and I are so sorry to learn of Rodger´s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time. Eunice and Doug Brew

Like everybody else I was totally shocked by the news of Rodger´s passing. He was hugely influential in my life. When I wanted to get a music education overseas he said "Go to Dick Grove man". So I did. When I came home became Rodger´s House Arranger for a year or so until he couldn´t afford to pay me and I couldn´t afford to live on what he was paying me. Fantastic memories! Thanks Rodger - wherever you are.

Clive

So sorry to hear of Rodger's passing. He was a brilliant advocate for music and jazz. Rest easy, Rodger.

Thanks for the many, many musical memories Roger !!!! Condolences to Erna, and all Roger's Whanau. Moe maira e hoa.

I never knew the man personally but admired him as the sharpest act to adorn the floor for us at the 1860.
I understand that in his latter years he was a great mentor to so many young jazz musicians and well respected among these young people for this.
As a lover of Jazz and big bands I salute you.
Thanks Rodger

My condolences to the family . I didn't know Rodger personally but loved his music. My favourite piece he did was travelling on in a NZ Advert on TV . Now He is definitely Travelling On ! Thank you for the music ! Another great musician gone . R.I.P. you and your music will be missed.

You will be sadly missed Rodger.
Thinking of you Erna.
Sincerely, Tim Healing.

Wonderful memories of his Band back in the day. Awesome sounds. Happy band
Thanks for the memories
Sue

I was shocked and very sad to wake Tuesday to the news of Rodger Fox's passing.
Rodger, and his parents, were influential in sparking my love of music, especially jazz. Playing saxophone in the Mana College Concert Band (lead by his father Louis) and then the Mana College Stage Band (founded by Rodger and then carried on has the New Horizons Big Band by his brother Chris) were the highlights of my college days.
He was always friendly and had time to chat whenever we met in the many years since. He will be hugely missed.
My condolences to Chris, Felicity, Erna, his family and many friends.

Thank you Rodger for the kindness you showed me when I started Rock It Promotions as a fledgling live music agent in the early 90s. I've never forgotten that. May you rest in peace knowing that your legacy will live on in the thousands of people's lives you have touched x

Well, what a shock. Way back in Pirie Street then Johnsonville, you were a such a ball of energy. Charts everywhere, late nights, gigs. And you just kept going. And going. Thanks for everything. Rest in Peace, Man. RIP Rodger, (with a "D" man).

I saw Rodger Fox Big Band at the Jazz Festival in Tauranga many years ago. I never forgot how fantastic he was. An absolute Legend.
And about 18 months ago I got to meet him at a Restaurant in Palmerston North his friend and my cousin also a Musician in Palmerston North Dean Parkinson. I was humbled to be in his presence. I always planned to go and hear him play again but I´m afraid I´ve left it too late. My sincere condolences to Rodger´s partner, family and many friends. Rest in Love Rodger and thank you for those memories.
Shona and Gerry Browne Opotiki

Great memories of Rodger and his various bands at Tauranga Jazz Festivals. Inspirational and generous tutor to so many kids. So many fabulous concerts with overseas guests that he hosted. We have enjoyed it all.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Oh Rodger it was a sad day for me, and countless others, to learn that you had left us. I grew up with you during the Quincy days and you are forever etched in my wonderful memories from those days.
My heart breaks for your family.
Farewell my friend.
Jackie

Erna, my thoughts are with you, and Rodgers family at this very sad time. His passing will leave a huge hole in the hearts of many, and in the world of jazz. Hugs and much Aroha to you, and will be thinking of you on Tuesday.

June Hayes

Rodger, a generous man on many levels who shared his love of Music/Jazz and invested his life in Jazz musicianship. A man who treasured family, friends, students, musicians and all. A journey cut short. Condolences to Erna, the family and all sharing in the loss.
Happy to share in the celebration of Rodgers wonderful life. May the Big Band Play, wherever you Lay. David & Sheila Keat.

Farewell Rodger. So many memories and yes we played in 4 bands together since the beginning. What incredible fun we had mate.
What drive you had and what an inspiration you were. That early mantra of yours Just Do It will stay with me forever. My condolences to all family.

A great guy. A supreme talent. Such a shock. Still so young.
Condolences to family.
Chris and Jan Moon

So sad to hear of Rodger's passing. He will be sorely missed amongst the jazz and blues community. A legend, RIP Rodger.

I would like to send my condolences to Rodgers family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was shocked to hear about his passing. Many many fond memories in my late teens and 20s. Band parties, great music and lots of laughter. A very very talented musician and loved by all who knew him RIP Rodger you have now joined the band of angels

Erna,
Sending much love and big hugs .
Merinda Pollard

My sincere condolences to all the family. A great man has passed and will be missed by all. His energy and enthusiasm for life and the music he loved was an inspiration and such a blessing that I was able to share some of that music with him. Go well my friend. Love and greatest respect.
Alex Nyman

A lovely man who brought joy and wonderful music to the world.