Rudolf BOOKER Obituary

This message and photo was posted on the Scion staff electronic bulletin board (Treehouse) on 12/5/2018 by Steve Riley.


Those of us working in the wood science field mourn the passing last weekend of Dr. Rolf Booker, a valued colleague and friend, who worked here at Scion from the early 70's as a physicist studying fundamental wood water relations. Rolf was a real old school scientist who always applied first principles to any problem and did much of the early work regarding permeability in radiata pine that has been used by many in the wood drying and preservation fields. In the early days he had to fastidiously construct a lot of his own equipment, and such was quality of his work and thinking that his work is still regularly consulted and cited now. Just this year we were meeting with him and getting his opinions and input to our future directions. Some of us have great memories of him standing his ground in full on verbal stoushes at international scientific conferences, up against the world's best and emerge with respect. Rolf was always approachable and willing to help all and sundry. He was also a PSA representative for many years and was famous for sorting out superannuation options.
Farewell Rolf, always fondly remembered.

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May God sustain and comfort you each day as you remember your loved one (Isaiah. 41:10).

Rolf was an erudite and contemplative man, for his age still mental and physical active and very closely associated with his family. We shall miss his letters and visits to us, his cousins Walter and Agaat, in Holland.

We will miss Rolf's wonderful conversations and the walks with him - for many years most lunchtimes in Whaka forest with Louw, and, since his operation, with Dutch friends in the forest on Long Mile. Our sympathy to the family. Louw and Margriet.