James BOLGER Obituary

Joan and family - deepest sympathies to you and alll the family on Jim's passing. I first met jim in 1975 while working on the Taumarunui Gazette in Manuante Street. I also enjoyed our trip to China together in the late 1980's very much. Our families were linked together in many ways going back to the days of my Uncle Gerald in Taranaki. Gabrielle, Rebecca and David join me in this heartfelt condolence note to you all.

On behalf of former colleagues of the World Agricultural Forum. I pass on sincere condolences to Jim´s wife Joan and the Bolger family. James Brendan Bolger ,"Jim", was an enthusiastic and dedicated Chairman of our International Advisory Board over many years and we all remember him as someone who bought wisdom, sincerity and experience to our overall mission. As most recent Chairman of the parent World Agricultural Forum Inc. and a fellow New Zealander, I can say that at Board Meetings we all much appreciated his common-sense inputs and guidance. As one of our fellow Board members from Germany said "he was a fine man". I can personally vouch that he was a serious and valuable asset in meetings with world leaders. Founder and Emeritus Chairman, Dr. Leonard Guarraia said "Jim joined the Forum as International Advisory Board Chairman in 2002 and from the beginning placed his own wise stamp and counsel on our affairs". We all recognise that at the international level, Jim Bolger was an enormous contributor to New Zealand´s place and recognition in the world, not only in the political sphere.

On a personal and lighter level, I valued Jim and Joan as true friends. We had many interesting times, hard slogging and on occasion fun together.

We all mourn his passing.

Dr Kenneth M. Baker, Former Chairman, World Agricultural Forum.

Market forces need containment at times. Hooroo Jim.

Please accept our condolonces to Joan and family. As members of Our Lady of Kapiti parish we had many chats with Jim and Joan. They were always very friendly and it was always interesting to get Jim's opinion on local, national and international issues. We appreciated being invited to their beautiful home and are grateful for the donation they made to our charity for underpriveleged children in Kenya. While at their home we also enjoyed sharing about life in Te Kuiti, where Margaret and her family lived for 13 years at the same time as Jim and Joan. We enjoyed reminiscing with them. 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

Jim Bolger was a man of faith, integrity and good works. I admired him very much. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Dear Joan
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My family has a particularly warm memory of your husband, because he sent a telegram on my sister's death. She was Marie Dee. It is something I treasure. My prayers and wishes are with you at this time. Patricia Berwick

Remembering Jim's great work for farmers through Federated Farmers and
politics - a great advocate and a friend for many years.
Brian and Jan Chamberlin

Sincere Sympathy to Joan and family , may he rest in peace .

Very proud to see you Rachel mihi today at your dad´s requiem. He was a good man. Arohanui.

My Deepest Condolences to Joan & all the family on the passing of Jim. Thinking of you all at this time. May Jim´s Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

To Joan and the family, on behalf of the NZ-US Council, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jim. We are grateful for his service to the NZUS Council during his ten years as Chair and before that as NZ Ambassador to the USA. We acknowledge the important contribution he made to the bilateral relationship with the United States, and remember the vision, wisdom and warmth he brought to the Council. On a personal level, I recall his kind encouragement to me when I was nervous junior staffer in his office in 1991. When he visited the USA as Prime Minister in 1995, I recall how much he enjoyed his visit to a Texas cattle ranch, a welcome change of scene after the high level government meetings in Washington DC. It was wonderful to hear all the reflections on Jim´s life from his family, colleagues and well-wishers during the funeral service just now. You all did him proud. I'm thinking of you all.

My condolences to Joan and all the Bolger family on the passing of Jim. I first met Jim after I arrived in New Zealand from Ireland in 1989 and he was very happy to talk about his strong Irish connections from County Wexford. He was a guest on my Irish radio show 'Ireland Calling' on St. Patrick's Day for a number of years and it was always a pleasure to meet him. We had some good times when we met over the years.
May Jim Rest in Eternal Peace.

Oliver Lee - Auckland and Galway, Ireland

Hello there the bolger family Joan and siblings and the man Jim hey hey hey he Jim bolger had some good genuine theories and attributes and genuine words spoken with encouragement and profound knowledge and insights into making newzealand into a blessed brilliant bright place to be alive in this world wide big enormous world we live together in INTO YOUR BLESSED past lifetime and present and future solen lifetimes we are all grateful for the support and support of our country and our family members and friends cheers Jim bolger and Joan and immediate family members and friends and esteem colleagues go well MR JIM AND MRS BOLGER JIM. AN JOAN AND IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL JOAN AND FAMILY MEMBERS IT WON'T BE EASY BUT KEEP CARM AND CARRY ON XX R. I. P JIM BOLGER

RIP Uncle Jim

Dearest Lady Joan and family, we were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Jim. Our condolences and deepest sympathy from My husband and I Tony Zieltjes . We got to know you both through politics here in the New Plymouth and the King country electorate. Being a Crowley from Kaponga there was deeper family involvement over the years. Thank you for the privilege of walking alongside you both on different occasions we both have great memories of the common sense and practical problem-solving nature for our national welfare and lots of laughter. Farewell Jim a job well done very proud to have known you and Joan may you rest in peace. God bless from Pauline Crowley Zieltjes and Tony Zieltjes and the Crowley Clan Taranaki

Sincere sympathy to Joan and the Bolger family on the sad passing of Jim, a lovely gentleman, may he rest in peace

R.I.Paradise Jim,YOU WAS THE MAN.Keep safe & well Jim's Family.

To Joan and the family, sending heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We remember Jim in 1971/72 when he was Minister of Fisheries, and the family was living at Pungarehu. It was a privilege to have had that time to get to know the man he was to become - one of New Zealand's assets.
Safe journey home Jim.

Such wonderful memories of Jim in Newbridge, what a wonderful man may he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Joan and all Jim's family

Moemarie Mai ra e Te Rangatira. Haere. Rest in eternal peace - farewell. . Trevor.

I had the absolute pleasure to serve on the board of Mount Cook Alpine Salmon which Jim chaired for many years. He led, as one would expect of such a man, with genuine interest, empathy and care for the people associated with the business, the animals and the environment. Quite the man.

My condolences to Joan and all the family. My thoughts will be with you all on this sad day.

I met Jim @ a national party get together. @ the home of Sean & Maisey Luttrell Nopera Road Pihama when Jim was MP for Taranaki King Country found him a down to earth chap that had a genuine interest in people.

My condolences to Mrs Bolger and the family.

I had privilege and honour of working in the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet for him as a private sector secondee from 91-94.
He was one of the smartest people I have worked with in all my years, but this was not recognised as it should have been.... he could recall key points in briefing notes weeks after they had been sent up to the 9th floor of the Beehive....
He had excellent people management skills (I guess it came with having kids).
Being of Irish decent many of the countries problems were solved in the wee hours of the morning over a glass or few of scotch... I always kept a spare shirt in my office knowing there no point driving home for an hours sleep.... also knowing he would be back in the office chirpy as by 7.30ish...
Not too many people new the country was being run by two proud King Country supporters
RIP I know New Zealand will give you the farewell you deserve.

I´d like to send my condolences to Joan and all of the family. We knew Jim as a very wise and empathetic chairman of NZ post. We have very fond memories of you both.
Kindest wishes and sympathy at this sad time
Jenny and Elmar Toime

Greetings Joan and Family
Jim certainly used all the talents God gave him for the good of us all! You will miss him, the parish will miss his presence, his wisdom his smile...we will certainly remember him! Peace and comfort to you. Sister Barbara Henley rndm

Sincere condolences to Mrs. Joan Bolger and family. As the old biblical phrase we can all say, well done, ye good, and faithful servant. Requiescat in Pace Prime Minister Bolger

To Joan and family, I'm saddened to hear about your loss. Jim's quick wit, amazing knowledge of so many topics and clear determination and perseverance was a testimony to his character and the unwavering support from yourself Joan and family.
It was a privilege to have worked with Jim. God bless.

I had the pleasure and honor of getting to know Ambassador Bolger, when he was posted to DC, and I handled his transits and his wait time at the Airport. He and his wife honored me with invitations to receptions at the Embassy, including to a very intimate "farewell" reception. Getting to know Ambassador Bolger - his sense of humor, his love of music - was a wonderful experience; Sending my condolences and prayers to the Bolger family.

Such a beautiful loving man and one of New Zealands best PMs. Condolences to all the Bolger family. Always in our hearts
Jackie Cederholm

Jim kindly gave us more free market than ever. Tough times never last but tough kiwis do. Solidarity for ever.

Dear Joan so very sorry for your loss. Roy and I had very pleasant memories of both of you. Please except my condolences Renee xx

Sincere sympathy to Joan and Jim´s family. May your shared memories of happy family times bring you consolation. May Jim´s gentle soul rest in eternal peace. RIP

our condolences Joan to you and the family from Pam (snowden) and Harvey Krutz and all of our extended family hear in Taranaki

Sincere blessings to Joan and the family. Jim and Joan are the greatest role models of humility and love lived through example and family. God's blessings on you all as you mourn the loss of Jim.

Sending our heartfelt condolences to Joan and all of Jim´s children & grandchildren at this very sad time. May Jim rest in peace.

Rest now oh good faithful servant.
Your work here on earth is done
Well done. Thank you for your service to your family and to your country

With love and condolences to Joan and family at this very sad time. Jim was a fine man and a great politician. With fond memories, Jill Larmer.

Condolences to families abd friends...I still have the ukulele uncle lou gave me and Joan used to borrow. Whenever I see it or play it, it reminds me of the great things Jim and Joan achieved for the greater good.

To Joan and all the family I extend my deepest sympathy and the sympathy of all the Conroy´s in craanford and monaseed to you all on the death of jim.many happy memories of him here in Ireland.may his gentle soul rest in peace

Sincere sympathy to the Bolger family at this sad time may Jim rest in peace

Rest in peace Jim, you certainly made your Irish cousins very proud. Sincere Condolences to all the family.

What an amazing gentleman,he will be missed so much

Dear Joan and family sending love and prayers to you all. I met Jim when he first came to Wellington as a new M.P. He asked me to attend the prayer service and pray for him at St Paul's Cathedral. When in the Convent as Sister Ignatius, I taught Brian, Stephen and Bernadette and I remember Danny, Paul and Fiona. Jim was a good man and politician. He had empathy, a good sense of humour and worked hard. R.I.P. Jim.

May you rest in peace. Thank you for the service to this country and the values you represented. To the family while God took your loved one home, he left behind a precious & priceless gift. This is a gift of memories. Use those memories to help you through these sad moments.

To our dearest Joan and the Bolger family, sending all our love to you at this time. Jim was a great constant in Rob´s life and instrumental to his long political career. You were all such wonderful support after mum´s passing and in the years since, and I have many fond memories of Jim during my childhood. Rest easy, Mr Bolger.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

RIP Jim, what do you say, thinking of you Joan, family & so many memories to sustain you. Hi kids.