Mr Rilkoff was my science teacher at Spotswood College, he was awesome. He treated everyone with respect and made understanding science easy. Whenever he played a video or documentary in class, he used to fall asleep to it quite easily, which we all thought was hilarious 😂 I think of him from time to time and realised his FB page was dormant for quite a while and I have just discovered that he passed away some time ago. Rest in peace Mr Rilkoff 🤍

Our sincere condolences to the Rilkoff family on the loss of Harold. We have wonderful memories of times spent together during our Oakura days. RIP Harold. Diane & Bruce Hinton

Dear Simon, so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Sending love and light to you and all your family at this sad time Xxxx

Rilkoff Family, my other family: While it was many years ago, it seems like yesterday when Harold was my other father. My heart is filled with sadness to learn of your passing, Harold. You will be missed. My thoughts are with your family as they move through this difficult time.

To all the families, a message of sympathy. i have very good memories of Harold.From Tony Main.

Dear Rilkoff Family, It is with deep regrets to learn that Harold has lost his battle with cancer. Although we haven't seen each other in decades I do remember the good times that we shared while at the University of Victoria and at our family homes in Castlegar, B.C. Again, my sincere condolences. Cliff Paluck

So sorry to hear about Harry moving into the next realm. Such an icon and memory of Spotswood College! Thinking of you Stells and Matty and sending so much love your way during an already difficult time in life xxx

Dear Rilkoff Family. I just watched Harolds farewell with a tear in my eye. A fabulous life and so well loved. It was great seeing Simon and the photo tribute showed a wonderful family life. My sincerest condolences to you all during this sad time. Denise Novak

Dear Family Rilkoff, Harold will be incredibly proud of the tribute you all gave him today. All who spoke did so with respect, and so much love - you are all part of his legacy. As his friends, & yours, we remember his booming voice, his hospitality, his friendship & fun times. Blyss says she remembered a sleepover when Harold woke everyone yelling. There was a ‘ click’ beetle in his bed. How did that get there ? Ski holidays in Methven, New Year parties at your house, camping in Tuhoe territory, always laughs & fun. Remember him well, smile & still talk to him. Aroha from us all, Jeni, Blyss, Brooke & Dennis

Simon - You and your family are in our thoughts. We are here to support you during this time. - Patrick

Simon, thinking of you and your family always but especially during these times. I hope you find some peace and comfort being with family and friends. xoxo

You were and wonderful and loving friend and leave a huge gap in so many people's lives. You lived a life to be proud of. Rest peacefully my friend.

Rilkoff Family Very sorry to hear of your loss Ross & Cathryn Buttimore Oakura

No more suffering Harry. You were a wonderful father in law who treated me like your son. Our trips home to New Zealand will never be the same. Rest in peace - I'll take care of Simon. Love and strength to all the family and friends that he reached throughout his life. Love Paul

Simon are thoughts are with you and all your family at this sad time. Laura & John Pimlett.

The Duffy Family - Barbara, Justin and Louise Fond memories of "Adult Time" at Jackson Street, Methven in the 1980s. You were a great host Harold and catching up with you and Mila last year was great.

Harry- i was saddened to hear of your illness and your suffering. Ive had mant special thoughts and memories of our time together, particularly staying with your Mum and Dad in Canada and being taught X-Country skiing by your brother. RIP - so pleased youre out of pain now. Love Jan

Dearest Harold, I've been trying to put words together to express my deep sadness of your passing! So, here goes....... You were the oldest, I was the youngest, and that made our relationship extra special. We didn't grow up together, but we were still special to each other, and that is something I will never forget. You were always there to offer your advice, and help, something I appreciated more than you could have ever known. You always showed compassion, understanding, and love.So, thank you for who you were, thank you for your interest in my life, and thank you for being my big brother! The picture is of Jake (my youngest) and me on his 19th. birthday last year. The two youngest saying goodbye to a special brother, uncle, and man. ⁣⁣Say hi to mom and dad, tell them I miss them terribily, see you in about 50 years. Love you and miss you already! Pat.

Dear lovely Rilkoff family, I'm so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. My thoughts are with you all. Sending much love xx

Dear Matt, Helen and family Mary and I are saddened to hear of your Dad's death. We are thinking of you and hope that happy memories of him will support you at this time. Our condolences and love. The Bird family.

RIP Mr Rilkoff, always had a great yarn in the classroom and a passion to educate that just radiated in the classroom.

To the family of Mr Rilkoff, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I was fortunate to have Mr Rilkoff as my Science Teacher while a student at Spotswood College in Year 11. Mr Rilkoff was a great teacher and he was supportive of his students. I have such good memories of being in Science class. My thoughts are with you in this tough time.

Dear Sinon, Matt and Abi Thinking of you all and sending lots of love at this sad time. Kim Thackray

So sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He was a dear friend and colleague from our days in the science dept of FDMC and we had many laughs together. Sending my sincere sympathy to his family. Kind regards Jacqui Paul

Dear Harry it has been a sad week since hearing of your passing. Although I have only known you 18 months your kindness, thoughfulness and the happy times and chats we have enjoyed will long be remembered. We talked of the stars and the oceans and alot of the inbetween. Thank you David

Mr Rilkoff, you were my science teacher, friend, form teacher and an inspiration for travelling. Your tales of Myanmar made me want to explore the world... and since graduating in 2006 I have a bit! I was in your form class between 2002 and 2006, and those final two years were tough with the passing of a few senior students, including my then boyfriend Mike. Your humour, compassion and understanding will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, kia kaha and arohanui. Lisa Ryan (nee Taylor).

Harry and I were teachers at Spotswood College for several years. He was always full of fun, but could be very sympathetic in his manner when things weren't going too well for me. I can still hear his lovely Canadian accent when he was ensuring me that soon, everything would be going well "for Maggie!"May he be resting in God's love. Prayers , too, for all the family at this sad time . Loads of love and blessings to you all.

Very sad to hear of Harold's passing. He was an integral part of Spotswood College for many years and one of life's true gentlemen.

Mr Rilkoff, Our hearts sank when we heard the news of your passing. You were the highlight of our days at Spotswood College, Such a wonderful, kind, compassionate, fantastic teacher. We will always tresure the memories we had in your classroom. You will be missed. Jessica, Morgan & Sarah

Our thoughts and prayers are with Simon and the Rilkoff family. Love Loris, Jenny and Gabriella Fargnoli.