It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Nigel Robinson. Nigel passed away peacefully at 4.20 am Sunday October 14th, with his family by his side.Nigel has been a Rotarian for 34 years, 30 of those years as an active and fun loving member of St. Johns Rotary. Our hearts go out to Janet, Helen, Barry, Paul and their families at this very sad time. May the many happy memories stay with you all forever.
Funeral Arrangements; Nigel's funeral is on Friday October 19th at Eden Park, Gate B, Walters Road, level 5 lounge, Kingsland. Kick off is at 10.30.
Two months ago we featured Nigel's profile in this Bulletin. In memory of Nigel, this is published again below. Please click "Read More" to read.
Nigel's Profile - In his own words;
I left school at 14 to work on the family farm and at 19 years of age I went on my OE to England & Canada for two years. On my return to New Zealand I worked as a Butcher before buying a butcher shop in Green Bay, Auckland in 1962.
Married Janet in Oct 1962 and have a grown-up family of three with 10 grandchildren.
After 12 years I changed my vocation and was Auckland Manager for two large Transport Co's. Six years at each. Made redundant in 1986 I was virtually unemployable at age of 50 so became a Real Estate Business Broker.
About 3 years later Janet & I moved to Kohimarama when we bought the Miami Motel. Worked hard in both the motel and as a Broker, {Top salesperson twice & second once in Auckland Real Estate Awards,} so that hard work really paid off.
Then got involved in the Motor Fuel Industry and with two sons we ran 5 gas stations. Again changed direction around 2001 and after leaving gas stations, I got involved in Food Manufacturing with another food oriented family, finally selling my share in early 2018. I still do admin work for a couple of our landlord Coy's.
Over the years I have been very interested in Rugby and was a Referee for 20 years and for 12 of those years I was was in top ten of 300 Auckland referees refereeing Senior games in Auckland. Also did a lot of running to keep fit and have completed a couple of marathons and about 20-25 half marathons. Nowadays it is walking and I still enjoy a reasonable fitness level.
In 2006/7 I had a great experience in training a Guide Dog puppy from 8 weeks old to about 20 months. When Carlin graduated as a Guide Dog he was matched with a man in Christchurch and after 10 years Carlin has just retired. I am an active member of both Probus and the Tamaki Travel Club. Travel is a major interest of both Janet and I and we have traveled extensively since 1980. One of the highlights for me was the 2016 "Habitat for Humanity" build in Vietnam with a good number of St Johns members.
Our daughter Helen and son Paul were both AFS students in the USA and Germany respectively. Janet and I became involved with that organisation and we have hosted 4 AFS students and 5 Rotary students in our home.
I joined Three Kings Rotary Club in 1985 when living in Mt Roskill and when we moved to Kohi in 1988 I looked for a breakfast club to join and St Johns was the choice, about 4 months after it was chartered. I have been Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant & Director 3 times and have been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. Daughter Helen Stephens is also a member of St Johns. I still enjoy the great friendships made thru the St Johns Club and 34 years in Rotary.