Rest In Peace, Bob Fair Winds and Following Seas

Our hearts are full with such sadness on this huge loss that you are all suffering. Bob was such a easy going happy loving person. His dedication to his family was commendable. I had the pleasure of working alongside Bob in my time working offshore. He was a very professional worker and helped me out on many occasions. Lyn and myself and our family send our love and condolences to you all.

In loving memory of Bob, a special friend. Your laughter, smile, and kindness will forever be in our hearts. RIP Bob x Janet Taylor

Bob would get along with most people, but he didn’t suffer fools gladly, especially the protesters from Greenpeace, who decided to invade his ship and chain themselves to the derricks and railings. They didn’t bargain on Bob being onboard and the sight of him coming at them wielding a nine-inch angle grinder, and letting them know his thoughts on their antics, must have been overwhelming. I am sure they didn’t prepare themselves with a change of underwear that they would probably have needed after that. If Greenpeace ever decided to protest in the same way in the future, they would probably make sure they study the crew list to see if Bob was onboard and save themselves any embarrassment. If Bob wasn’t at sea, he would be at home working on his list of things to do and his latest projects and was always on the go. It is hard to believe that he won’t be there to chew the fat over a coffee or beer and to help us sort out the state of the world. If you needed help or advice, or a tool to borrow, Bob was there. He will be sadly, sadly missed. Bob left his mark on everyone who knew him, he will always be remembered and forever in our hearts. Farewell shipmate, safe journey on your voyage to your final anchorage. RIP MY MATE BOB.

My Mate Bob I first met Bob when I joined the MV Mayfield late 1979 in Trinidad. We both worked down in the engine room, and from our first meeting we both seemed to have similar tastes in many things, music, football, a beer or two and sense of humor. Bob liked a laugh, and our first run ashore in Trinidad, Bob had the idea to get water pistols and run through the CBD squirting the locals, who thankfully, took it with the humour it was meant. It would have been a very different story if it had been now. I remember thinking at the time, Bobs a bit of a nutter but great to be around, always got his sounds playing and had a big Man Utd flag covering his cabin wall. At that time, he tried his negotiating skills with the second engineer to get us some half days off, but the response was “this isn’t a Butlins holiday camp” so Bob had another idea to go to a t shirt shop and for us to get printed red t shirts ( Butlins colours) that questioned the second engineer’s manhood. This went down like a lead balloon, and we ended up with a bigger workload than before and no sign of a half day off. I remember on new years eve me and Bob having to get inside the ships engine and clean the scavengers, a horrible hot and dirty job, while every other member of the crew were partying on the bridge of the ship. I thought to myself, I don’t think Bob will ever get to be a union rep, how wrong was I. To be continued.

Kaye Hayley Jamie Taryn We are still reeling from the sad news of BOB Passing one of the good guys thinking of youall and also remembering the numerous happy times we spent together so much love sent

Kaye and family Sorry for your loss he will be missed by many I grew up with bob and have many Memories bob did things his way away Different Missing you already see you again some day Great guy

Watching from Brisbane and my Dearest condolences to Kaye and family, Bod was a great Bloke and a short time friend for me ,RIP Sir Bob

Kaye, Jayme, Hayley, Taryn and Whanau I'm sorry I couldn't be with you all today. Bob wasn't just a good man, he was a great man that I always looked up to, always looked forward to seeing, chatting with, sharing a beer and getting some inside music tips from. He always wanted to know what adventures i'd been on and he always listened to what I had to say. It meant a lot. He's been a great friend to Dad for many long years, he'll miss him more than he'll likely show. The kindness, generosity and hospitality your family has shown to mine is a small testament to Bob's life. He'll be remembered when the record player spins and the needle drops, so I guess Lynard Skynard have their answer. Love to you all, Rest easy Bob

My thoughts & aroha go out to you all on this very very sad day. A beautiful service in his memory ❤️

So very sad I never got to physically meet you, however, whilst my sister Kaye and I were video calling you used to have a wee korero, I could just tell that you were a good guy, when you know you know :) I wish calm sea's for you and gentle winds, may you forever rest in eternal love in paradise, moe mai ra my brother xox Sister Jess xo

Thank you for sharing the service online. All watching together we feel lucky to be able to share in the memories. We had lots of tears, laughs and learnt lots of new things about Bob....what a man! Thinking of you Kaye and whānau. We love you loads. Invers whānau Geoff, Richard,Taylor,Emma and Mandy xx

Absolutely beautiful service. My heart aches for you hun.

There’s a southern wind in Bob’s walk, Salt in his hair, fire in his eyes. He knew the road, the work, the cost, And still he stood tall under open skies. Sweet home wasn’t just a place to him, It was loyalty, calloused hands, and truth. Mama’s words rode shotgun still, Simple lessons that held their proof. He lived free — no chains, no fuss, Just steady grit and a fair day’s pay. When the nights grew long and the seas ran rough, Bob never turned, he held his way. So, raise a glass to a rebel soul, One of the good ones, straight and true. The song rolls on, the fire stays lit, And the road remembers blokes like you. Moe mai ra e te rangatira

With heartfelt sympathy, love, and sincere condolences to Kaye and family during this sad time. Sending you all my love.

So sorry to hear about ur loss was a awesome neighbor thinking of u all of this sad passing of bob

Sorry about your G'da Sebastian. I really liked him. You were lucky to have him and all the memories you made together.

Sincere condolences to you Kaye and all your family. Bob was a great guy and valued workmate over many years. This comes as a great shock having only seen him a couple of weeks ago. Kind regards Andy Neville (Ex- Swire Pacific Offshore)

Hi aunty Kaye , Hayley , Jayme , Taryn and the kids We are still so shocked to hear about this news . We all have so many memories of uncle Bob from over the years . Our heat breaks with you all . Love and thoughts are with you today Julie and Chante’e

To Kaye and family, thinking of you all on this sad day.. Will have a drink for Bob tonight. Love chrissy and family xx

Thinking about you all today on such a sad, sad day. Remembered Bob and all the fun times at priory Lane at winnies family party's. Rip Bob Love to Kaye ,Hayley,Jayme and Tayranx

To Kaye and all the family, I met Bob when we joined the Royal Navy at Ipswich on HMS Ganges when we were doing our basic training and we both hit it off from day one, Bob very quickly became my best friend, he attended my wedding in 1978 as my best man, on my stag night he tried sampling rough cider for the first time and him declaring he was now a farmer. He visited us on most of his and Kaye's visits to the UK. Bob was not my friend he was my brother, I will sorely miss you mate, Sail on Bob Fair winds and safe anchorage. Love Tony & Kath Alison, Matthew and the family's.

To dear Kaye and family, So shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's sudden passing, life can seem so cruel at times such as these as it is in many cases way too soon... Our thoughts and aroha are with you all at this difficult time... Rest and sail smooth old friend and when you dock give my love to Butch, Lil and whanau... RIP Bob 🙏🏼❤️

Very sad to hear of the passing of my great mate and shipmate Bob. My condolences go out to Kaye and family,also Marie and Karen. We first met in the Royal Navy on the great ship the mighty Nubian. We realised we were Townies ,Man United fans and loved our music.Bob got me aFA cup final ticket,where we beat the Scousers,what a session we had I miss you Bob. I was hoping to see you on one of your trips back to Stockport. Not to be. Fair winds Bob and calm seas.It was a pleasure to have you as a friend . Good bye my friend.

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