Roger GUDGEON Obituary

Our family first met Roger in Auckland shortly after our migration from Malaysia to New Zealand in 2004. From that time onwards, we made it a tradition to visit Roger and his late wife Audrey whenever we returned to the city.

Roger´s profound kindness and wisdom transformed workplace colleagues into lifelong friends. A cherished example was our 2023 reunion lunch, organized by Nancy McConnell and immortalized in the accompanying photograph. Gathered with Roger and fellow veterans from the original McConnell Dowell ("MacDow") team, this moment encapsulated the enduring bonds he nurtured. Though the company has since changed ownership and none of us remain affiliated with it, the spirit of camaraderie he instilled lives on-a lasting testament to Roger´s character.

His mentorship shaped my career at pivotal moments. When I transitioned from the shipyard to join McConnell Dowell SEA in Singapore in 1975, Roger actively encouraged me to pursue part-time mechanical engineering studies at Singapore Polytechnic. He foresaw the growing importance of this discipline and assured me that it would prove invaluable.

Remarkably humble, Roger treated everyone with equal respect, from laborers to directors. His genuine interest in others extended beyond the workplace; he celebrated my children´s milestones, even attending my son´s wedding dinner to share in our family´s joy.

Despite our inability to physically attend Roger's funeral due to current circumstances, our hearts remain united with his family during this time of loss. The Wong family will forever hold Roger in loving memory, along with all his former MacDow friends who remain interconnected through his legacy.

With deepest sympathy,
Yale Wong and Family. P.S. Photos attached below