Roger STEVENSON Obituary

Dear Shelley, Virginia and Hamish
Since hearing of Roger's passing, you have been in our thoughts and prayers. We were so moved to watch the live-stream of Roger's memorial service with all the well-deserved tributes, the wonderful music, and the sense of celebration of a life well lived for his Lord, and with all those with whom Roger came in contact. We have so many memories of school days (for me - starting way back in primary school!) and church days (for Larry - probably just as early) and then his bringing the two of us together as always, through music. Roger was entwined in our lives in so many wonderful ways. He never has been and never will be, forgotten.
How happy we were to see the three of you after so many years as we watched the celebration from Paris. The reminiscing went on and on as we saw all those photos and heard music of which we'd been a part. Bravo to the three of you and to Denise, for a classy and fitting tribute to your Dad and husband, a wonderful man to all who knew him.

Shelley, Virginia and Hamish, we have fond memories of you all in Belmont St. Our thoughts are with you all. Roger was a wonderful neighbour and role model. We loved it when he bought the choir home at Christmas time to sing outside.
Margaret, Marcus and Paul Brook

Roger, what an inspiration you have been to myself and so many, many others. Your passion and kindness will not be forgotten. I will always remember you as the teacher who inspired me the most,, and who brought out my passion for music. You will be so very missed xx

What a lovely celebration of Roger and his legacy we have just shared online. I always thought Roger was a bit elfish...spread a little magic glitter everywhere with his humour, cheekiness, joy and music, a little twinkle in his eye, his energy and memory for people, and his jig while conducting to move us along.... his own aerobics! Many a mopped brow despite the double sided tape. So very many of us have benefitted, with lives changed. 49 voices in NZSSC 89-90 many still connected today, or who reconnect randomly with time seemingly wound back. The friends we made, the special times we had..all brought back by the first few bars of the songs sung by the choir today- how many choirs sung those 2 songs?! Plenty if they we Roger's favourites.. Thank you Virginia, Shelley, and Hamish for sharing your Dad with us so generously and Denise your husband. Our aroha and prayers goes with you all. With love

Roger´s passion for choral music and teaching is unmatched and he has left a massive impact on not only his students, but on the choral sector in NZ as a whole. He is the reason music and the arts has remained a huge part of my life, even a decade on. Nga mihi nui, Roger- rest easy.

I was so saddened to hear this news but have loved reading all the lovely things written online about Roger and then reminiscing! Roger took me on as a first year teacher in 1986. I had 5 amazing years teaching music, conducting the junior choir, singing with the students in the senior choir, going on school music tours etc all under Roger's ever caring, supportive encouragement and guidance. I still smile when I remember teasing him when he was going to get his hair cut! He loved his family so much, and now when I see how big his family now is I know he would have had plenty of love for them all!
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Nerol and Garry Field.

Ahhhh Mr Stevenson...thank you for introducing me to the joy of singing. Rest well, lovely gentleman. You brought joy to so many of us at HNHS.

Our love to each of Roger's family.

Nick remembers well the influence and mana of Roger in the school music scene - both while Nick was a student, and when he was a fellow college music teacher. Everyone knew that Roger was one of the very best! In the mid 1990's Nick and Sarah had the joy of getting to know Roger and Glenis when they moved to Wellington and became such vital members of the Elizabeth Street Chapel family. We were blessed by having Roger and Glenis in our home and also to be hosted by them in theirs. We ate together, laughed together and prayed together. One of Sarah's favourite memories is of running a Sunday School musical production with Roger. He was simply brilliant to work with! Many happy and special moments were had together, over the years. And we loved getting to know Shelley, Virginia and Hamish as time went on. Glenis and Roger also welcomed us into their lives at a time of great grief, as they navigated cancer and the passing of Glenis.

Although we've not seen a lot of Roger and Denise since they left Wellington, we kept an ear to the ground and always enjoyed hearing bits of news. Our love goes out to Denise at her time of loss.

Denise, Shelley, Virgina, Hamish - be assured of our love and prayers.

Nick and Sarah Field (Wellington)

I owe my love of choral singing to Roger. I still sing in a choir today and often think of Roger when I smile and `lift my cheeks´, or put an imaginary `ng´ in front of a note.

Our high school (HNHS) and NZSSC were honoured to have Roger. He really brought the best out of us. Dad (John Blake) videoed all our performances. We still have the tapes.

Roger is remembered with great fondness and admiration by the Blake family. Our love and thoughts are with the Stevenson´s.

I owe my love of choral singing to Roger. I still sing in a choir today and often think of Roger when I smile and `lift my cheeks´, or put an imaginary `ng´ in front of a note.

Our high school (HNHS) and NZSSC were honoured to have Roger. He really brought the best out of us. Dad (John Blake) videoed all our performances. We still have the tapes.

Roger is remembered with great fondness and admiration by the Blake family. Our love and thoughts are with the Stevenson´s.

Roger was the most amazing man. He was the Director of the Wellington Youth Choir when I was in my second year of university in Wellington. Roger´s incredible positivity and his commitment to excellence quickly became the highlight of my week at our rehearsals. He understood how important having fun was, and he inspired us all to make amazing music and friendships.
My condolences to his family.

Some of my best high school memories are from opportunities Roger gave us – for me, performing with the First Fifteen (tenor in the middle!), school choirs and orchestra, and as a founding member of the NZSSC. Veni Sancte Spiritus, The Lord’s Prayer, Dayton Ohiothe list goes on of songs that still resonate in my head!

Roger’s love of music, passion for singing, beautiful choral arrangements and encouragement of his students – these are things that gave so many of us joy, friendships and a place to grow. A rich legacy that has inspired me and I know many others on their own musical journey. Thinking of all the Stevenson family at this time.

Jen Church
HNHS 1982-86

Sincere condolences to all Roger's family at this very sad time. Roger, what a amazing musical legacy you have left NZ. I know the Hawtin family feel huge gratitude for having our lives touched by yours (and Glenis') way back in the '60s-'70s-'80s. Your love, energy and friendship (as well as the wonderful music shared and the recordings you helped us make) are treasured memories. The Stevensons will always be very fondly remembered. Such special times. Thank-you for being you. Here is a photo of one of your winning choirs HNHS (early 1980s) and a play list of some of the records you made with HN Primary in the late '60s. ... Rest peacefully, Roger. Much love from Jane Hawtin and family OX

I arrived at Havelock North full primary School one term after Glenis and Roger Stevenson....all of us teaching at the school.(1968)
Already I had been involved accompanying choirs in my early years but to accompany Roger's Choirs was just 'an extraordinary ' experience.
I was to enjoy being musically involved for the 28 years that followed.
and joy ..oh Joy to have my own children sing and play 'under Roger's baton was the ultimate ..We all owe so much to dear Roger and
grateful 'where he took us with his clever sensitive Music skills.Always in our hearts/we loved him...Margaret Cooper

Sincere condolences to the Stevenson family. Roger and I met at Wellington Teachers´ College in 1962 and shared an office in our third year of training specialising in music (of course). We worked and socialised throughout those three years and I attended his wedding to Glenis. I have caught up with him off and on over the years in Havelock North and here in Tauranga and thoroughly enjoyed just picking up where we left off from the previous get together. I´m saddened to hear of his passing but celebrate too a wonderful contribution to music in New Zealand - a life truly given to the service of sharing his gifts and helping so many to fulfil their dreams and aspirations in the world of music. R. I. P. my friend.

The Hutt Valley High School (HVHS) community was saddened to hear of Roger's passing. Roger was Head of the Music Department at HVHS from 1995 to the early 2000s, leading three choirs, including Encore and the auditioned choir Volente. Under Roger's guidance, Volente travelled to Sydney to compete at a Performing Arts Competition and won several awards.

This quote from a student in the Encore Choir from the HVHS 1998 Yearbook sums up Roger's passionate support of our students:

'Mr Stevenson, without him, Encore (choir) wouldn't even exist. He seems to exude confidence in us and that helps, if we believe in ourselves and have fun then the audience will have fun too. This is just one of Mr Stevenson's lessons, usually accompanied by a witty story about his previous teaching jobs. His entertaining conducting style often has us beaming with laughter during our performances'.

Staff who worked alongside Roger described him as an outstanding and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts are with Roger´s whanau and friends as they gather to honour his remarkable life and legacy.

Condolences to Rogers family.Many happy memories of Roger. His passion for music, his dedication to music and his students. Lots of fun times at HNHS. Hamish we bought your Mum n Dads house on Reeve Drive

Mr Stevenson My Form teacher 1993-1995. (Miro). I remember I used to give you a headache playing on the electric keyboard every day after lunch I remember when your wig fell off and we laughed and you laughed too You were my favorite teacher, kickback and chill, never angry or strict, happy go lucky Thank you for your service

As a member of the NZSSC back in 1989/1990, I will always remember the love of singing Roger cultivated in us all and his contagious enthusiasm for music and life. I am very sad to hear this news today and wish all the best to his friends and family.

A wonderful teacher and mentor of music. He was my form teacher and music teacher at Havelock North High School. I enjoyed my time with him and going on many school trips sharing the love of music which continues today with my own students. Condolences to his family, he will be missed by all who had the privilege of meeting him.
Maryon Svendsen-Ellis

A wonderful teacher who made my time at HNHS the best it could be. Loved singing in his choirs in school performances, local and national competitions and music tours. Always think of him when I sing chorally and his smile technique. A kind, generous man and teacher.