Frank RENNIE Obituary

Bruce Rennie introduced me to the stage and by doing so changed my life. I shall always be grateful for his energy, expertise and kindness. He was one of my most talented teachers. I only wish I had take the time to visit him in his retirement to tell him so.

Two pieces of his wisdom I carry with me:
- By the time a women is in her mid forties, her character shows in her face.
- Your (student) opinion of me doesn't count; my (teacher) opinion of you does. Harsh, but still true today....especially if you substitute the words (employee) and (boss).

RIP Mr Rennie. Condolences to Julian, Sarah (my lovely classmate) and Rebecca. Your father made a difference to many.

Bruce Rennie made an all-important and never forgotten difference to my life 50 years ago. He opened my eyes to experiences and opportunities which led me towards a career and life I might otherwise have missed out on. Mr Rennie taught a railways boy from the Junction art and drama with zest and inspiration, even if the boy wasn't much good at either. The van Gogh book he awarded me after four years of college plays (actually Mr Rennie should have got the award for putting up with me) was always in my mind when many years later I visited art museums around the world. He also provided my first experience of coffee - from those tins of instant coffee that were at play rehearsal. No wonder I've never liked coffee.
Bruce Rennie was and continues to be an inspiration to his fellow humans. What a place the world will be if all of us, not least of all teachers, aspire to making such a heartfelt, positive difference to young lives.

Mr Rennie will certainly be a teacher remembered at Rangitikei college, teaching a lot of us & our parents. Got to appreciate his dramatics as an adult, was rather scary as a schoolkid. Talented art teacher. Farewell

RIP Mr Rennie never forgotten a truly inspiring human being

Bruce was a brilliant and talented artist, teacher, colleague and friend with a heart of gold. He was unique and unforgettable. A huge loss. Our thoughts are with the family.

I have a great memory of Bruce Rennie. Russell Poppe and I were coming last by a long long way in the cross-country one year. It was freezing cold and pouring with rain, and by the time we got back to the College, there was no one at the finish line, no one around to 'welcome us back', everyone had packed-up and gone home ... except Mr Rennie, who somehow saw us and took us back to his room (F1, I think it was) and got us towels to dry ourselves with and made sure that we were OK. I appreciated that, because I had to get to a piano lesson soon after that. One of the lovely memories I have of this wonderful man. I know he was a man of faith in Jesus Christ too, so my prayer is that the love of Jesus would be close to those who mourn his death; especially his family.

One of the best, who made a deep impression on many students. Being a part of the school play was one of the fondest memories I have of High School, and Bruce was the heart and soul of the event. My deepest condolences to Julian, Sarah and Rebecca.

My profound sympathy to he Rennie Family on the loss of an incredible father and grandfather. Bruce was one of kind - talented, generous, a brilliant teacher and a community-centred person. While I have not seen him for a few years, I recall our last meeting was a joyous evening with many recalls of life in Marton in the 1970s, in general, and art and music in particular. He will be much missed by so any. Rest well noble soul.

Farewell Bruce ( I know you're loving all this attention! :) )

I always thought he was a GRUMPY teacher until he told me LOOK I SEE POTENTIAL IN YOU!! STop mucking around. He was a wise man and an incredible inspiration to many. Big hugs to Sarah (school pal) and family.He will be missed.. we were blessed to have him in this world.

An inspirational, clever witted man, that booming voice that would make you want to drop and hide if he called out your name..you knew you were going to be on the end of that really funny "humour stick" he always carried. (metaphorically!!) I loved studying Art more.. because he made me feel good about my Art.

Thank you Mr Rennie. Moe mai ra e te Rangatira. Ma te atua koe e manaaki e tiaki i nga wa katoa.

So sorry to hear of your loss whanau. Mr Rennie was an inspiration within the Rangitikei Community especially Rangitikei College. RIP Mr Rennie....... we will definitely miss that big loud voice xoxoxoxo

Condolences to all the family. Mr Rennie was a great teacher.

To the Rennie family. Sorry for your loss. He was my 3rd Form form Teacher. I wasn't good at Art but have always appreciated it. An amazing man. My thoughts are with u all at this sad time. Delwyn Ogden

Deepest sympathy to family,a wonderful man who will be missed so much RIP Mr Rennie xxxx

Thoughts and prayers for you all during this time of loss of a great man and a hero to all. He gave me life lessons at school and was well respected

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Rennie a great character
RIP Sir
Wayne Firmin

RIP to a talented and inspirational man. We are lucky to have had you in our College years and beyond. Deepest condolences to the Family.

Haere atu ra. Moe mai ra Mr Rennie. It is with much respect that it has been a pleasure to have shared moments of you in my life.

Our condolences to the family on the passing of their loved one.Mr Rennie was one in a million, and I could write so much about him, and hie humour, He taught our whole family. Will be sadly missed. Love and thoughts the Anderson family.

My deepest sympathy to u all , a wonderful man xx

So sad to hear this news, Mr Rennie was a brilliant teacher and artist and will be sadly missed, Much love to all his whanau, and may he rest in peace xxx

So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He was an inspirational teacher.

Sending condolences to Julian, Sarah and Rebecca and families. Your dad will be sorely missed.

So sorry to hear of Mr Rennie's passing. He was my art teacher at Rangitikei College many many years ago, and was the teacher who made attending high school enjoyable. He was so creative and so incredibly talented, I feel honoured to have been able to learn so much from him. He will be sadly missed by so many people. RIP Mr Rennie xxx

Will miss that booming voice,as he greeted you,and making you laugh with his little one liners,RIP

An amazing colourful character, Marton won't be the same......... fondly remembered for all his passion when It came to teaching

Thinking of you Julian Sarah & Rebecca.....it was lovely to see Dad on his birthday .He will be now with his beloved Ivy he was a special man from Timaru and Marton was very lucky to have him all those years. Love Sue & Mike Crocker Tanya Hill & Nicola Partridge

A great Teacher, play director/producer and artist. My condolences to the Rennie family and relatives.
-Allan Morgan.

Will be thinking of all the family and cousins on Wednesday. My deepest sympathy to you Julien, Sarah & Rebecca on the loss of Dad . He was an amazing uncle and I have so many fond memories of him as far back as Jeffreys Road. May he rest in peace . Helen Peters/Whiting

Farewell to an awesome gentleman fantastic inspirational teacher. Will never be forgotten.

Joan Rennie and family send their deepest sympathy

Haere e te rangatira Bruce, haere, haere, haere e te Matua e te Rangi, haere, haere, moe mai ra e te Ariki, pai marire.
Our condolences to all of the Whanau.
As a former Vicar of St Stephens, he gave freely of his gifts and talents to me personally and to the Parish in my time there. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Arohanui, Annette and David Pineaha-Sarsfield