Richard ROBERTON Obituary

My deepest sympathy to Alison and all the family. My family and I first met the Robertons when we were parishioners of Richard's at St Christophers in Avonhead. He married all 3 of our daughters.....even the last one when he and Alison made a special trip up to Auckland for her wedding as we were living up there by then. I will always remember his smile and his sense of humour as well as his wonderful diplomatic approach to all his parishioners whatever their problems. My husband and I visited he and Alison at Church Bay after his retirement, and they visited us in Nelson not long after my husband passed away.
I'll miss his lovely chatty emails which I received each Christmas. Rest In Peace Richard.

I have lots fond memories of working with Richard at Koller & Koller for many years. Richard was very kind and generous of spirit. Him and I had many jovial discussions on the wearing of black, his most disliked colour for the office. Recalling our good humoured differing opinions makes me smile now. Richard will be remembered and missed by many. He was good fun to have as an office friend with always a good tale to tell.

When I first met Richard, back in the 60's we were able to share some of our overseas experiences even to find out we lived in the same house in South Kensington, London but two years apart.... More recently in the Parish of Halswell Prebbleton... Sorry I can't be there on Sunday afternoon.... Love to all the family

I was sad to read of Richard's passing and send my best wishes and sympathy to his family. I first met Richard in the 1970's when he was vicar at the Anglican church in Lincoln and my elderly and sometimes difficult grandfather Arthur Button was the vicar's warden. Richard handled him with good humour and had great diplomatic skills when he had to convince him to join my grandmother and all their guests for his own 50th wedding anniversary celebration taking place in the house.
Years later Richard officiated at my wedding in St Mary's, Halswell and apart from a slip of the tongue where he invited everyone to the 'funeral' of Wayne and Loretta which got a mighty giggle, lots of the comments we got about the service was how relaxed it was with our guitar playing vicar with his big smile setting a friendly and informal tone to proceedings. Travel safe to the arms of the Lord Richard.

Loretta and Wayne Dixon

To Alison and family, I first meet you in Twizel when we first arrived in the mid 70's. Then when we moved to Christchurch and stumbled upon you at St Christopher's when a school friend brought me to the youth group. I remember his always blazing smile and easy listener. Richard and you, Alison, left a mark on my life which contributed to the support of my husband applying for ordination and subsequent ministry. Peace and grace be on you all in this time of grief. Kathryn Handley (nee Cleland)

We have very special memories of Richard.He supported us through some very painful times when our son was passing away in 1981 at St Christopher´s Church. Loved his professionalism sense of humour and enjoyed his sermons. He contributed so much to the parish of St Christopher´s. We send our condolences to Alison and family.
Warmest regards Julie and Noel Batstone

Richard was the person I most enjoyed playing bowls with. A true sportsman and a gentleman