Although only newly acquainted, we were taken by the kind and gentle nature of Bob. A man who had an awesome music collection and who was wearing - with great pride - a George Best T-shirt the last time we saw him. We are so sorry for the family's loss. We count ourselves fortunate to have witnessed the relationship between Bob and Kaye. Truly wonderful people. Bob will be greatly missed by all and our hearts ache for those left behind. Much alofa to you all. Sincere Condolences. Emi, Joss, and Dave Patterson

Very sad to hear of the recent, and unexpected, passing of Bob Thorpe. Bob was both a good unionist and good shipmate. In the late 1990’s, we both represented the NZ Seamans Union onboard the ITF owned campaign ship MV Global Mariner. In the late 1990’s the Global Mariner sailed around the world calling in to cities which included London, New York and Vladivostok and Lagos, the two-year campaign highlighted the many negative effects which flow from the shipping practice commonly known as Flags of Convenience. Bob was a popular and respected crew member who always took part in planned union actions in the different ports around the world, places like New Orleans and Seattle. Bob worked in the engine room; I will never forget Bob’s richly colourful engine-room artwork, a painted yellow brick road lead into a workshop full of his handiwork, a bright pink anvil, a powder-blue drill press, not much escaped Bob’s artistic touch. It was more like walking into an art gallery than an engine-room workshop. They are amongst the good memories I will keep of my time working at sea with my friend and shipmate, Bob Thorpe. Fair winds and following seas. Sincere condolences to Bob’s wife and family.

So Sorry for your loss Kaye and family Bob i never seen since age 17 we grew up together lots of memories playing on priory Lane deepest thoughts with your family has i followed through on fb bob with his grandkids getting them working lol great grandpa my heart breaks for you all dearly always Stella

It is with great sadness that we heard of Bob’s sudden passing…way too soon. We send our condolences and aroha to family at this sad time. Liz Scott & family

We were so shocked to read about Bob's sudden passing Kaye! Our hearts go out to you and your whanau at this very sad time. He will be so missed and gone way too soon. Aroha nui Diane Manu-Birss & Warren Birss

Our hearts ache with shock and sadness on hearing of your sudden passing dearest Bob. We hold such precious and so many memories since the later 70's of you with your love and soulmate dearest Kaye, Hayley, Jayme, Taryn and your precious grandchildren, who you idolised and they you. To us you were so special never heard one harsh word from you or Kaye. Some things are never forgotten and your passing will always be one of them. Thoughts of you and your precious family have not left our thoughts since we heard. So many hearts are broken. Little did we know in this photograph late November 2025 that it would be the last time we had the pleasure of your company. You and Kaye always the great hostesses. Love Always Paul and Gillian Bentley & Family

Sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. Sending our love and thoughts out to you all at this sad time x

So sorry to hear about Bob i lived in the same street as his family my condolences to Maria Karen a great bloke R.I.P.

Hearing of Bob's passing was such a shock. He was a lovely man and we both are glad to have met and known him. Kaye how you and your family are coping I can only guess at but know you are in our thoughts. The world has just become a little darker.

To my sister, no words can express the heartbreak of losing Bob. It was great privilege and pleasure sharing time with you both and your wonderful family, from diving for Paua to hosting a beautiful hangi with his pommy buddies at your home, there was nothing Bob couldn’t achieve. He was everything a dad , uncle, koro and genuine gentleman I have had the honor to have met. Kia kaha sister, here for you and your family from mine in Perth and Wellington. God bless xx.

Dearest Kay and family, please know that our hearts and prayers are with you at this very sad and difficult time RIP Dear Bob Love Charmaine, Ross and family

Well mate,smooth sailing on your next voyage,it has been a privilage knowing and sailing with you,like your whanau said Play it loud, condolences to the thorpe whanau,we've lost another good one to soon⚓️

Very sad news to hear of Bobs passing, a great Shipmate and friend, my condolences go out to Kaye and all the Whanau. Rest in Peace Bob Fair winds and Calm seas ⚓️

Bob touched my life with kindness, acceptance and fun. He was devoted to and proud of his family. I was genuinely saddened to hear of his loss. The world needs more men like Bob. I'm sending my love and prayers to Kaye, Taryn, Hayley and Jayme.

Dear Kaye and family. My sincere condolences. Much loved man taken to soon. Love Cathy

So sorry to hear of Bob passing such a sad loss for Kaye and all of their whanau and friends. Okioki i runga i te rangimārie e Bob, ngā manaakitanga aroha ki tō whānau. Xo

Bob you will be truly missed by all that knew you. Was a pleasure to call you our friend. The Hall family were saddened to hear of your passing. RIP Bob night God bless Thoughts & prayers are with your beautiful family xxx

Bob was a first class seaman and a highly respected friend to many of us across the globe, he could light up any gathering without trying, has laconic good nature and sense of fun was legendary The Scots poet Rabbie Burns could have written this with Bob in mind An honest man we lie to rest, As a’er God with his image blest, The friend of man,the friend of truth, the friend of age and guide to youth. Few hearts like his with virtue warmed, Few heads with knowledge, so informed, If there’s another world, he lives in bliss, If there’s not he made the most of this Since I posted the sad message of Bobs passing I have received massages from as far afield as New York to Manila and Croatia to Crimea all mourning his untimely departure from this mortal coil May he rest in peace in the sailors heaven of Fiddlers Green, where the music is non stop and a glass is never empty!! RIP Shipmate

To kaye and family truly heartbroken for you all he was Amazing husband Father and glad. And he was a great friend to us we will truly miss you Bob fly high my friend 😢 💔 xxx

To my dear friend of 60years Rest in peace our dear friend. Will ave a drink for you in the man cave. Xx

My heart goes out to you Kay and all the family. Such heartbreaking news. There are no words for a loss like this. I’m thinking of you all and sending so much love xx

My condolences to Kaye and the kids and extended family. I was absolutely shocked when I heard the news. Bobster was a friend and shipmate and we sailed together many times I will miss him greatly R.I.P shipmate. May you have fair winds and calm seas.

So so sorry to all of Bob's family for this devastating loss. Bob was an absolute gem of a man. Sending love xox

To Kaye and family, my heartfelt condolences for you loss. Thinking of you at this sad time