Dear Mr Grumpy, Thank You for all that you've done for me. You would have loved to hear the current Fijian Education Reform story ,that would be another sessions of endless interrogations,questions,books and endless korero. Thank You for all the beautiful memories. Gone but not forgotten. Sera

Rebekah, Barb, Jason and family, what a wonderful heartfelt farewell Rob was given on Monday. Thank you for sharing this very personal time with others. Sending our love to all the family Wendy Broad

Thoughts have been and are with you Barb and family. It was long ago but I remember Rob as a most gracious, giving and kind educator - the kind of educator who was committed to growing others. His presentations during his time leading the resource centre at UOW were always fascinating and inspiring. And he provided a platform for others to do the same. Arohanui - Jenny Ferrier-Kerr

Rob, Barb and Rebekah took us North Americans, as strangers, into their family and made us feel a part of theirs. We spent trips in New Zealand visiting places and meeting people through their suggestions and contacts. Rob's mother, Nan Whyte, was also so wonderful. We have so many, many memories, each as fresh as if it were yesterday. Ever the teacher, Rob gave us books and maps to guide us around the North Island. We would have missed so much if totally on our own. Even today we feel the spirit of the Whytes in our lives as we look at New Zealand artifacts and books in our new Florida home. Even the New Zealand Flag is here. My husband was a war refugee from China during World War II and had vague memories of living in New Zealand so with Rob's help was able to find places where he lived as a small child. Rob will never be gone, but memories of him will be with us forever. We are grateful to Barb and Bek for all they have done to keep us updated even until yesterday. Our love and best wishes are with them always.

Arohamai for your loss e te whānau a Whyte. Such a beautiful tribute to a man that gave so much to others. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb, Rebekah and your whānau. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be part of the service today. Kia kaha e te whanau Liv raua ko whanau

Dearest Uncle Rob, I am sad we met later in life but I'm so glad that we did meet. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to really get to know you better over the past few years. I will miss hearing your stories and sharing in your knowledge of geography, geneaology, your beautiful plant life on your property and so much more. You were so giving, kind, wise, knowledgable and hospitable. We will really miss you and your yarns! Love you always! Rest in love, The Niu Aiga xo

Thoughts are with You Barb, Rebecca and family as you farewell Rob. I didn’t know him well but remember him as a cheery and positive soul who, as others have said, always took a real interest in others. I understand the last few years have been a struggle with one illness after another, faced with great fortitude. May you Rest In Peace now Rob.

Much love to the wonderful Whyte family. May you have your memories of Rob to carry you through the hard times. Angela and Anna Millar

Rob was my host father when I was a teenage exchange student 1986 for 12 months. Ever the educator and teacher of all things, especially geography, Rob and Barb provided me opportunities to see and learn about NZ as if I were their own. Rob’s generosity and patience with me and my teenage shenanigans were nothing short of saintly. Since then the Whytes have continued to treat myself and my entire family as part of theirs. Most recently Rob and I reconnected over sailing. It has meant the world to me to receive his approval and accolades over my sons racing. One of my greatest memories with Rob and the Whytes was chasing the yachts leaving Auckland Harbour as they departed for another leg of the Whitbread (now Volvo). That moment was the start of my true and intense passion for sailing. Thinking of Bek, Barb, Jason and all friends and family. Thank you for sharing Rob with me and I hope you find peace in the legacy he has left with so many. Ox

Hi Uncle Rob…. I’m so sorry we couldn’t be there to farewell you.. I’m so grateful to have spent a lot of my younger years and Xmas times with you guys, the memories are still so strong. I love that when we came up for Ains games you made the effort to come to nearly every game Lela played, you made so many friends and admirers that week! You were a funny man and very educated, I used to love listening to you and asking you questions about anything. My love goes to Aunty Barb and my cousins Bex and Jase made the mokos. Thank you for also looking after my big boy, and I’m so grateful he got to spend so much time with you the last few months. Love you❤️ Ari and the boys xxxx

Rob and Barb were like second parents to me after my dad died. Always asking after me and my family, showing an interest, and as a teenager putting up with my crazy antics. He was a role model for the modern male. Never saw a hint of sexism, racism or any other isms. All round good guy.

A man among men, Rob always had a genuine smile and a truely genuine interest in every person he met. Whether you saw him yesterday or last year he always asked into your life - never just a ‘how ya doing?’ always “how is your business going, how was your race, what have you been up to?” Rob had a quiet and deep understanding of the world around him. Like a receding tide that will never return, he has gone quietly but the landscape will be different for us all. Some will see the hole he used to fill, some the trees growing in his place. He could not have been more proud of his kids and they are testimony to a great human being. So long Rob. Sorry I could not be there in person.

Our aroha to the Whyte whanau as you farewell Rob today. What a valiant spirit he showed through all the trials and tribulations of his life. We will always remember his genuine interest in other people and his warm sense of humour. Much love- Deb & Rob Fraser