Ron O'LEARY Obituary

Condolences to whanau on Ron´s passing. Fond memories of 1st 15 days at Nayland College in 1981 - with Trevor Olley took our rugby and netball teams to Australia in that year. Massive impact on the lives of us 16/17 year olds that year and that trip. RIP Ron

We are very sad to hear of Rons passing. As kids we all have very fond memories of Ron as our teacher from Nayland college, in fact a group of old school friends were together last weekend, and we all spoke of Ron with great stories without realising he had passed away And of course our family connection at Kaiteri. It was so lovely to see Ron and Roz after the passing of Mum (Jill & Ron Smith) . Our sincere condolences to Roz and the family. A wonderful man, an awesome teacher.
Pete , Andrea, Nicki Smith (Nelson )

I was saddened to hear about Ron´s passing. He was the deeply respected deputy principal at Waihi College in the 90´s where I attended. He helped steer me on the right path at a rough time in my life which I´ll never forget. One of a handful of teachers that I´ll always remember. He was very charismatic and well liked. I was pleased to see Ron, his wife and their daughter at Nelson Airport some years ago and went and said hello. My husband Mike talked similarly about his brother Bill from Nelson College. It was nice to catch up with you Matthew and relive stories from Waihi College. So sorry for your loss. Lots of love to you and your family.

I have just learned of Ron´s passing.My memories are of playing rugby with Ron in a number of teams in the Nelson Bays area in the seventies.Ron was a very good leader and was captain in all the teams that we played together in.Ron was a good man.Condolences to you Roz.
Regards Lindsay Christie

Happy memories from Nayland College, he was my favourite teacher. Great with us teens and made social studies class interesting. I was lucky to see him at a reunion and he looked the same! So sorry for your loss.

To Roz and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Denise Murphy and Family

Dear Roz, Bill, John & all members of the O'Leary & Mather Families. I only learned of Ron's passing yesterday & was deeply shocked at the news. At this moment Roz you & all your family are very much in my thoughts at the loss of a loving husband, father, & true friend to this writer. We shared many memorable moments as classmates at Xavier College. Even the most recent years when we shared warm conversations at the Class of 61 Reunion 18 months ago in Christchurch. Ron was a born leader. He genuinely cared about everyone & was inspirational to me in so many ways. A true champion both as an athlete & academic. Highly respected by his peers in the teaching profession & as Principal of St Peter's College in Palmerston North his charismatic personality brought out the best in his students & colleagues. At his home one night I shared a wonderful dinner prepared by Roz & the three of us were laughing & smiling constantly while we were discussing the many events that influenced our lives. Brother Maurice was always present. I'm deeply sympathetic & feel very sad at this loss. My sincere condolences to you Roz & all your wider family & whanau. I wanted to be there but my disabiity is preventing me from doing so. My thoughts are with you all. Kevin [Kev] Loughlin; Hanmer Springs:

Roz and Family
Anne and I express our sincere condolences to you upon Ron´s unexpected passing. Anne was on St Peter´s College staff when Ron was Principal and remembers him for his kindness, cheery word, willingness to listen and for his efficiency and concern for students. I first met Ron at that time and in recent years have had the pleasure of his company in a senior men´s group at monthly lunches at the Manawatu Golf Club. We are sorry that we are unable to attend Ron´s funeral, but we are thinking of you at this sad time.
Dean and Anne Halford.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Ron´s passing. I am indebted to Ron for his encouragement and guidance. It was due to Ron asking one of his probing questions that we have spent the last 17 happy years in Palmerston North. Rest in peace Ron. Deep condolences Roz and family.

Roz and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the death of Ron.

We remember him as a charismatic and pro-active principal of St Peter's College, with a ready smile and a great sense of humour.
We always enjoyed his company, whether it be on social occasions or in an offial capacity.
Our family respected him as an outstanding leader and a great history teacher.

RIP Ron

Ron had a dream that every child left school with a good education. He had the best interest of his students. He supported our Campus Ministry work.
Mary Bennett, St Peter's College

We are very sorry to hear of Ron´s passing. We have such fond memories of his friendly manner and family support at St Peter´s College.

Thinking of you at this sad time Roz and whanau from Linda and Laurie at kaiteriteri x

Remembering my schooling at Nayland College back in the 70's, he was the only one I held in high esteem. Made you want to learn. I last saw him at the one and only school reunion I went to, 25 year one I think, and he still remembered my sisters and I all those years later which was nice. Aaand he still had a full head of hair so was instantly recognisable. Sad to hear of his passing.

Our sincere condolences to you Roz and your family. We did share many happy and memorable times over the years with the Lions family. Ron served the organization well as Club President and then Zone Chair and was great support for me.

So sorry to hear of Ron´s death and the shock that it must be to you, Roz and the family. Ron was always a leader and, as a teacher, has inspired thousands of students.
A dear friend since he moved to Christchurch and started secondary school at Xavier College. And right through to seventh form when the five of us played golf on the floor of our seventh form classroom and also most of us at the Tai Tapu Golf Club.
With different pursuits at University we saw somewhat less of each other but was glad to have Ron as best man at our wedding and later to attend as Ron and Roz married. Careers separated us geographically but we met on some holidays and enjoyed watching our families grow headed by a Paul in each. As lives continued to divide we saw less of each other, but were always glad to catch up at college reunions and visits to Christchurch.
Ron was a person who always made you feel special and we are sorry we will be overseas on the Wednesday of his funeral but will be praying for Ron and for those he has left behind.

Ron your way of reaching across a variety of different learners in your years at Nayland College as a music teacher, inspired many including myself. Your insight and support of all students has not been forgotten.

Very sad to hear of Ron's passing. He was my motivation to become a teacher way back in the Nayland days. With fond memories his classes, rugby coaching, helping the family build the Kaiteri bach and the unequivocal faith and support he showed in people. The world has lost an impressive man, but without doubt, his influence will live on.

I will miss your kindness Uncle, you will always have a very special place in my heart.
Love Kelz

!976, I had just got off the plane from England and a new life. Ron made me feel welcome right away. Lovely bloke. And those blue eyes, wow!

Very sad to hear of Ron´s passing. A genuinely good man and excellent educator who had a profound impact on so many of us who went through St Peter´s. Rest in Peace.

Saddened to learn of Ron´s passing and sincere condolences to Ron and the family. Respected Ron as my 1st fifteen rugby coach back at Nayland College in the early 70s and later working with him on the St Peter´s College Board of Trustees. You were a "top man" Ron.
Regards Ray Swadel.

Sincerest sympathy to Roz and the family.
He was such a dear friend of my late husband Wayne.My thoughts are with you as you naivigate
This journey. Xxx Judith Edwards

Thinking of you Roz all our
Sympathy and love
Margaret and Allen Lucinsky

So sorry to hear this news. I have fond memories of Mr O´Leary as principal at St Peter´s College.

Great memories of Ron as my teacher and rugby coach at Nayland College. Thank-you Ron for the many hours you invested