Roger you will never be forgotten. We met at the Potaka school.For two days with the school we cruised around on your dad's car listening to Tina the principal of the school giving us the history of different places.From that moment on we enjoyed each others company.I got to meet some of your friends we enjoyed walking around your garden and mine picking apples,lemons,lime giving you succulent plants.When your in Opotiki you would ask if I wanted anything.You were kind and always thought full everything was always thankyou June you are a good friend.You came when my son passed you had only met him once and we had only met each other just shows you were a careeing person. Roger I wished I could of helped you more I was more worried about gossiping people. I am so sorry you did ask me for help. I messaged you that night asked what were you having for dinner you said a banana. Roger I messaged you saying it was raining here and was it raining there I rang because there was no answer. Me my son and granddaughter went to see why you weren't answering me that was why you had gone to the next life.My granddaughter is sixteen I knew you had gone.I said you know what arohanui means Roger I said to you lots of 💕

Have just watched Roger’s service. Deepest sympathy to you Bruce. I have lovely memories of my time with your family, at Hamblyn Street, and living in the Devon Street East house. What an amazing life Roger had. Thinking of you. Regards Carol

In loving memory of a lifelong friend Roger I will always remember the happy times in New Plymouth — swimming in the pool, mowing the lawns, hanging out in Urenui and sharing laughter with you, Bruce, Lawrie (my godfather), Joy (and Sage). Your family’s warmth and kindness were a constant in my life and shaped many cherished memories. Your passing has deeply saddened all who knew you. May you now find the peace and rest that you so truly deserve. With deepest sympathy and remembrance, Miles, Jennifer, Luke and Paul Joseph Melbourne

Roger Mate,thank you for everything still can't believe your not here gonig to miss you by all friends and workers. R.I.L mate.xxxxxx

My condolences to the Geden Family and Roger's many friends. Memories of school and days playing rugby. Stephen Bone.

Roger, Roger, Roger What to say…..😢 You have shocked and saddened my world.😢 I want to thank you for being a part of my world and sharing a part of your world and yourself with me. You had the biggest caring heart. And didnt we have an up and down journey trying to run your business together. A bit like the blind leading the blind, we didn’t really have a clue did we Rog…. Some parts there were very slow and dead, other parts were full on, non stop, run off our feet, and gee wizz one part there we needed more staff. We met a lot of all sorts people from all parts of the world to along the way which was pretty kool. Thank you for teaching me things I thought I couldn’t do. I’m forever grateful for you giving me the opportunity to have a good mahi and live back home, thankful for you loving and caring and always giving for my whanau, our community and the wider coast area. Had had a beautiful heart. You have very beautiful, loving and caring friends and I feel very blessed I got to meet most of them, huge aroha and condolences to you all, Arohamai to your brother and his whanau at this very sad time 💔. I’m very sorry Roger I wasn’t there for you when you really needed me to be, my ngakau is sad I wasn’t there for you, Arohamai Roger💔😢 I have a lot of other things I want to say but I don’t have enough space left to write them down lol. Don’t worry about Whero and Gada, Mikes taking good care of them. I’m sure they will go to a loving caring whanau. You will always and forever have a special place in my heart Roger, Thank you for all your kindness, care and aroha for me. I will miss you Roger and I will cherish our memories and friendship. I hope now you are having a good sleep and your mind is settled and at rest. Fly high, fly free my friend, till we meet again. Moe mai ra Roger,🕊️💞 Caroline Waenga

Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family Roger 🥰 You were such a kind, caring man with a good sense of humor and i will miss you heaps 🥲I hope you are finally at peace ❤️ Fly high my friend 🕊️

Well Roger, you certainly rocked our world. Our deepest condolences to your whānau and friends—some of whom we had the privilege of meeting at Lottin Point Motel, your home, where you spent your final days. We are deeply saddened by your departure from this earth, and even more so that we couldn’t help you see a better tomorrow. We hope you’re flying high and free now, revisiting all the places you dreamed of returning to. You truly left a mark on many whānau here on the coast. Tears flowed when we heard of your passing. From being with you when you left your home, to spending time with you in Rotorua, and finally waving goodbye as you returned to your family—your journey touched us all. I salute you, Roger. Thank you for being kind-hearted, welcoming, helpful and embracing to your Potaka whanau. You faced challenges head-on, embraced our Māoritanga, and shared your life with us—your stories, your music, your languages, your favourite foods, and your willingness to try ours. You were, quite simply, a pretty cool guy. Fly High and Be Free - thank you from me for being a part of my life.

My sincere condolences to the Geden family and all Rogers near and dear friends.From the time Roger arrived in the little settlement of Potaka he received an official powhiri along with the new families and children who were about to start at Potaka School.He loved the Maori culture and the following days he attended our local history trail with the school and community,this was where bonds were made.A man with a heart of gold.Down to earth and always willing to lend a helping hand.I thank Roger for all that you done for not only our community but also me and my family. I wish I could of done more when you reached out. You will be deeply missed and I hope you are at peace now resting with the best. Huri tō mata ki te rā kia taka te atārangi ki muri I a koe. Turn your face to the sun now Roger and let the shadows fall behind you Much love from Tina and family (Neighbors)