I met Iain when he started work at Farmers, Levin, I was the Office Supervisor and good friend of his future sister in law Maria. I was also friends with Claire and was over the moon when they became a couple. Iain and Claire were married at my property in Levin which was a very special day. We have remained friends ever since and Iain piped at my wedding and Claire was my Matron of Honour. I have so many fond memories and enjoyed the connections between his family and my husband from their years in the Wairarapa. Will miss the advice, blogs, opinions Iain, rest in peace my friend.

Robbo, thanks for the great memories and I'm so sad we can't share more. Rest in peace my friend and sincere condolences to Clare and family.

Iain, it was a privilege to play a small part in the piper you became. From those early days sitting at the table at the farm in Wards Line learning the fundamentals of bagpiping it was evident you had something special . To watch you realise the talent you had & put back into the fraternity as you did is something that I admired immensely. I appreciated your help a few short years ago when I sent you my pipes, which hadn’t been played for many years, to get going so I could play at my parents 50th wedding anniversary. They returned to me with a new bag, new reeds & with one of your solo piping chanters. Slante mhath my friend, RIP Iain

I always thought we'd meet again Ian. What a shame the world has lost you so early. I'll always remember you. Your passion, humor, mentoring, and the times we had back in the day. I appreciate everything you did for me and sorry I didn't listen when you told me to stop wasting my talent and go back to piping.. Just shows how passionate and caring you were for others to succeed. You were honest and not scared to say what you thought. Sending my love to Claire and the family, and a tragic loss to the piping world. Lots of love ❤️ Dale Rothnie

Deepest condolences to Claire and family. I was saddened to hear of Ian's illness and passing at such a young age. Robbo was just the most genuine, fun and easy going guy and made my many trips to New Zealand, for the band and solos, always so enjoyable. Robbo and I hit it off as friends and peers straight away, and the hospitality that you guys showed me was always second to none. He was an incredible musician in every aspect of his playing career and contributed at the highest level to piping and pipe bands in New Zealand and around the world. And everywhere he went, he was the utmost gentleman and role model. Robbo, you'll be sadly missed by many and New Zealand piping and pipe bands have benefited greatly from your life of commitment and determination.

I will cherish the memories Robbo gave us all at the Red Shed over the years. Such a passionate man and strong character. He always knew how to have a laugh but at the same time was disciplined, focused and always ensued common sense. A great person, taken much much to soon. Love to Claire and all the family. Rest in peace my friend

Sincere condolences on behalf of all members of the Victoria Police Pipe Band. Robbo, simply a good person. Delightful company, courteous to all he met. Great memories. I will miss our get togethers and the 'craic.'

Clair, Cherryl,Duncan ,Hamish and Familes, Our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of Iain. Our association with the family began with Marie and Graeme and it has been our pleasure to see the family growing, we are so saddened by Iains passing and will miss his words of wisdom through his postings on FB. These kept us in touch! Kind regards to you all. Michael and Bobbie O'Hara

I met Robbo through work when working in retail, where he took me under his guidance. His infinite wisdom and knowledge helped shape me to who I am today and for that guidance I will always be greatful. Robbo was a fierce colleague who would always support you to the very end. It makes my heart very heavy to hear of his passing. Robbo was always proud of his family and wouldn't hesitate to tell us how proud he was of his children. Rest in peace Robbo, the world seems a bit less bright. My condolences to the Robertson family.

I (Adam) first met Iain over 30 years ago, shortly after the Horowhenua Pipe Band played at the original Martinborough Hotel as part of an event raising funds for a local ambulance. I was the compère for the evening and Iain's mum, Marie, came up and introduced herself and said that her son would like to join the band. When he joined he became good friends with our eldest, Lorena (as well as everyone else in the band), and later on he was one of Alex's first pipe tutors. Iain was a huge presence in the pipe band world right from the start and his influence will be felt for many years to come. We have many fond memories of Iain and send our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.

A really good man taken way too early. Missed by us all at the Manawatu Golf Club. Our thoughts are with you Claire and your family.

Robbo, we were good friends for over 26 years, and now you have left us all, far too soon. I spent many happy days leading your Band as the D/M. I will miss your wit and banter on and off the field. You will be sadly missed in the Pipe Band fraternity, Worldwide. You have left a great void, here in New Zealand, as one of the best, and most well-respected pipers to make it to the Boards , or unto the playing circle. You've left behind a lovely Wife and Family. You may have gone from among us, but your name will live on for years to come. Your friend and Band member. Eddie Ewing.

Robbo - You were a huge part of the piping community in New Zealand. You have been an inspiration for us all. We will miss you hugely. Sadly you left us far to early my friend. My thoughts go out to your wonderful family at this time. Take care, stay strong and be very proud of this great man.

Ian, you were my little cousin growing up. Always saw you at Nan and grandad Gordon's when mum and i were visiting them. Gone too soon. Will miss you. Tell Mum, auntie and Nan and Gradad us yanks miss them. To your loving wife and children. Our condolences. The Sturmey Family. Texas USA

Such a great stalwart of piping and pipe bands gone way too soon. I will miss seeing Robo around the traps. My condolences to all the family.

To Claire, Cherryl, Duncan, Hamish & Family So sorry to hear the passing of Iain. I have known Iain since he was a baby living in Wards Line Greytown. His parents were sharemilking on the farm next to my parents Jessie & Les Coe. Later on Iain started calling them Grandma & Grandad Coe when Iain started school I was his bus driver. The last time I saw Iain was at the Pipe Band Nationals in Rotorua when the Police Band won Grade 1 it was a great thrill as my son Rex taught Iain to play the pipes. When he saw me he gave me a hug and said Rex Grandma & Grandad would be very happy . We are sorry we will not be able to make the service on Friday will be thinking of you all at this very sad time. No more pain Iain R.I.P. Coyla Ralph Taradale and Rex Buckley Brisbane

I was much saddened by the passing of Iain, having had a very minor role in his develop as a piper and administrator. I admired his dedication, perseverance, skill, ambition and often direct sense of humour. He was what many of us aspired to be. I am also sad that I cant be there to mark his passing on Friday. A very good friend and wife of another piper, (Peter Blacklock), Caroline Blacklock, passed away on the same morning as Iain, and I am piping her into the Chapel on Friday morning. I would love to be in two places at once, but just cant manage it. Please accept my and my families condolences and our thoughts are with you.

Iain, I am so heartbroken that you have gone. You were taken too soon. You will continue to be remember by so many of us for many years to come. Rest in Peace Robbo.