Shaun Andrew Roughton

25 October 199830 November 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news our dear Shaun (26), beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, was tragically killed in a road accident on Saturday. Shaun brought so much joy and light to our lives, and his loss is unimaginable. We know he touched the lives of so many, and we would like to invite all who knew and loved him to celebrate his life. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 12:30pm at Activate Church, 79 North City Road, Rototuna, Hamilton. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

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Tributes

Not know but lost a daughter when I was young so as family all my thoughts go out to every one of you God Bless

Michael Robins

Shaun, My bestie, my twin flame, my brother, my cousin, my partner in crime, my consiprator, my secret keeper, my gaming pal; the list could go on I know not many cousins are lucky enough to have the bond that we do. I still can't quite find the words- but you would know how to get them out of me. You understood me better than anyone. Your smile and laugh was so infectious. We had our own language- even if it was mostly just odd noises. I love you so much and I miss you so so much. Showing up to an event will not be the same without your screech greeting that everyone said we would grow out of.... boy were they wrong... I think we only got weirder as we got older From one detective to another xx *loud screech noise*

Becky

Shaun was always such a bubbly and inviting person. I remember the first time being introduced into the group with both Julia and Shaun and both of you made me feel so at home and welcome in your group of people. We shared a lot of laughs and fond memories and it didn't surprise me one bit when you two became more than friends and from there got married! I can only imagine the loss and heart break you are feeling at this time. But we rest in the comfort that we will see him again one day through our faith in Jesus Christ. Psalm 34:18. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those whose spirits are crushed.” Both you, Julia and both of your families are and will continue to be in my prayers. Rest easy Shaun.

Nicola

Shaun, it's great comfort to know you are up in Heaven with The Lord! Words cannot sufficiently express the hole you are going to leave behind in so many lives. However I pray that God's loving arms will comfort, and help strengthen your loved ones when needed.

Sara-Jane Mackay

Shaun, It was an honour to be your flatmate and friend. We spent the COVID lockdown living in the same flat - three immunocompromised lads trying to figure out life, work and relationships during a time of great uncertainty. I fondly remember the shared meals, watching movies and TV, kicking a ball around on the Hamilton Boy's field and even driving out to Raglan to surprise your Mum and siblings for Mother's Day (thanks to some serious scheming with your Dad!) I always admired your outgoing nature. You were the most extroverted flatmate and always up for an adventure. Most evenings you would be out spending quality time with friends or family. One of the first times we hung out was doing a float down the Waikato River, where you were the only one game enough to climb trees and leap into the river. You would talk fondly of your family holidays at Dickey Flat, camping with your Dad in the bush and roller skating. You had a massive heart and showed so much love and care. We shared many conversations: ruminations about work, life and relationship issues. We'd often lose track of time talking, delaying you going to bed meaning you'd be tired for work the next morning (sorry!) You had a true heart for pursuing the Lord and a desire to grow deeper in your faith. The year we lived together was the year you started to lead worship at Activate North. Living upstairs, I'd often hear your music playing or your singing (even from the shower). Music brought you a lot of joy and you wanted to serve God through your music too. Though we didn't spend as much time in recent years, your joyful, energetic and outgoing presence will be missed. To Julia, Andrew, Leanne, Matthew and Emma - my heart, love and prayers go out to you all. May you know and experience the peace and love of God as you journey through the loss of Shaun. Aroha nui.

Brydon Sundgren

Julia, Andrew and Leanne, Matthew and Emma, Our hearts go out to you all as you walk this journey no one ever thought imaginable. It was Shaun who made us an uncle, aunty and cousin for the first time. What beautiful memories we have of him. The family photo's, the puzzles, the celebrations, the laughter - all unique, but memorable. Watching Shaun and Julia marry was a delight - the amazing creativity and attention to detail - an experience that will never be forgotten. In his short life Shaun has made an incredible impact on many and he will be so deeply missed. We pray you will experience God's peace in these coming days, weeks and months. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Selwyn, Jo, Breanna and Jacob

I had the pleasure of growing up with Shaun, he was like another brother - love, laughs, dress ups and hair pulling included. I am so privileged to be able to draw on so many memories spanning 26 years which I will cherish forever. Crab hunting at Clark’s Beach (crab races to conclude our efforts of course), never ending circuits on our bikes or scooters round and round the Roughton’s house, and catching up over a cider and game of pool in our later years. Shaun, your friendship brought me so much joy and laughter. It is hard to comprehend your early passing, however you will forever live on in all our hearts. Rest easy, my friend.

Sara

You guys are a very special family. Shaun will always be remembered for his skilful communication which I find to be a fantastic trate for such a young man. Love you guys and your whanau.

Dave&Ally Beattie

Andrew & Family - It's clear Shaun was a wonderful young man, loved by so many. Take care, and my condolences for your loss.

Cheryl Christini

Leanne, Andrew and family. Sincere love and prayers for you all at this time. Just reading the other messages show what an amazing man Shaun grew up to be. Much aroha Coral

Coral Haugh

Shaun, as a fellow Van Niekerk in-law, we bonded over a love of singing, being silly, and your kind-hearted sense of humour. Your genuine care for others, especially your wife, was obvious from the moment Julia brought you into our lives. I'll treasure the memories of the holidays we spent together the past few years; in particular the road trips, always accompanied by plenty of the aforementioned singing, good conversation and snacks. Thank you for the love you gave to Julia and us all; you are deeply missed.

Hannah

Time has moved so fast since we had some memorable adventures back in high school. Reflecting this past week has made those moments feel so recent. I really appreciate the time you spent with me. Rest easy.

Anders

Shaun, there are too many stories and memories to put in one paragraph. You bring so much joy into people's lives and even though you're gone, your legacy and the memories we have of you will carry on bringing us joy. Thanks for sharing a love for Shrek and Barbie and for being so authentically yourself.

Chloe

I remember the last conversation we had online last Friday about how you were making use of AI to easily rewrite your ticket notes into a more concise and professional format, and how you thought this would be a worthwhile knowledge-share with the rest of our team. I told you how awesome I thought that was, and you left a little heart emoji on my comment. You were always thinking about not just how to improve yourself, but how you can help those around you to improve as well. And you were always so quick with a kind word, a knowledge-bite, a funny joke or an infectious smile and cheeky laugh. You shone a light on our world, and I'm so sorry you are gone. You absolutely speed-ran marriage and a house like a champ, and I had hoped kids would be next on the list for you and Julia too. I foresaw a beautiful future with a little family of your own and much success both personally and professionally. I admire you Shaun, and hope to honour your memory by emulating some of your amazing qualities. Rest in peace mate. You were gone too soon.

Chang Hyun Choi

Thank you for all the great memories at HGHS, eating all the chocolate and pumping all the insulin to make up for it. You really were the best person, with a wicked sense of humour and we will miss you always. To Shaun's family, we are so sorry for your loss, he was the most genuine, awesome person who brought smiles to every day. Ma te Atua koe e manaaki e tiaki May God bless you and protect you.

Shawnee & Ricky

Rest in peace Shaun. Gone too soon. Our condolences to the Roughton family. Praying for Andrew, Leanne, Julia and the family as you navigate life in this difficult time.

Mabel and Godhelp Nyashanu

Julia, all of us here at the Y are so sorry for your loss. It was our privilege to witness the joy falling in love with Shaun brought to your life. Our thoughts are with you and your and Shaun's family during this difficult time.

Riikka

To one of the kindest, most genuine and sincere people I know, may there be all the Coke Zero you could wish for in the afterlife. To Andrew and Leanne, thank you for sending Shaun to Fairfield College so that I might have had the pleasure of knowing him.

Katy Rossiter

Shaun, while I only met you a few times, I got to hear many amazing stories and things about you from Julia, whenever she talked about you there was the biggest smile on her face. It was a pleasure to be able to attend your wedding and see the love that you shared, it was so beautiful and inspiring. You were taken from this world far too soon. My condolences to Julia and all of Shaun's family and friends.

Aimee

We will always treasure the wonderful time we spent together here in Stellenbosch just the other day. Seeing Shaun embrace Julia’s birth country with such joy was heartwarming. His sense of humor is something we will always remember. The memories will remain close to our hearts. With love to Julia, Andrew, Leanne, Matthew and Emma

Family from Stellenbosch, South Africa

You were such an incredible person, you taught me alot when we were at Youth at Activate Ruakura. Sending my condolences to your family rest in peace mate 🙏

Joe Mcleod

Hi Shaun, I overheard you taking a tricky support call only a week ago. You managed it so well that I messaged you to tell you how well I thought you did. I'm so glad I got to say that to you. I remember thinking to myself, "You are pretty switched on for such a young guy." From the little I know of you, you are a genuine, wholesome guy who sticks to what you believe in. Your smile, voice, and whole presence lit up the room. You will be missed around here, mate. Mike D

Mike D

Hi Shaun, Even though we never had the chance to meet you, I often heard wonderful things about you from your dad—stories of your motorcycle trips, your wedding, and the incredible strides you made in your career. It's truly hard to believe you've left us so soon. We pray that God blesses your soul and gives strength to your family during this difficult time. You will always be remembered and deeply missed, brother. With heartfelt condolences, The Chadha Family

Aman Chadha

My prayers are with you... and our God is with you! May you all know his peace and strength over this time of loss and grief. ...and to help translate Annelie's beautiful message below: 'Rest gently in (our) Jesus arms, precious Shaun. Strength to the broken parents, grandparents and families, especially Julia.' Take care and lots of aroha Gary, Melinda, Maddie and Mackie xox

Gary Taylor

Our sincere condolences for your loss. I pray for you. May Father God give you peace and strength during the many years to come without your husband, son, brother and grandson. I wish we could turn back the clock, but we cannot. We can only look forward to the day when we all will be together in heaven. Then and then alone will the tears be wiped away from our faces. All my love.

Dear Family

Shaun, I'm grateful for my memories of us both working the student desk here at Wintec, both shaking our heads and giggling at the outlandish questions we would get asked by students. Yet, you would always assist them in the most genuine and kind way possible. A couple of years later running into you at a Subway us both on our lunch break and just being able to sit down and chat and have a bit of a whinge about our workdays like old mates. I'd always assumed we would run into each other again much the same. To Shaun's family, you raised such a genuine human being and a great man. He was an absolute pleasure to work with through some stressful times, he will be missed.

Connor

We had the privilege of becoming friends with the Roughtons many years ago, and witnessed Shaun and our daughter Sara grow up together, and forge a close friendship. We shared many joyful moments on family holidays, at BBQs around the pool, and over coffee at Robert Harris. Shaun’s quick wit, warm smile, and unwavering character left an impression on everyone who knew him. It is difficult to comprehend his untimely passing. Our hearts go out to Julia, Andrew, Leanne, Matt, Emma, his grandparents, and the wider family during this profound loss. Shaun’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, a testament to the love and joy he brought into our lives. Love from the Liddle Family

The Liddle Family

Rus sag in ons Jesus se arms dierbare Shaun. Sterkte aan die gebroke ouers, skoon ouers, en familie, veral Julia.

Annelie

Shaun, You were such an amazing person, and had touched many lives. It was a privilege getting to study with you at Wintec and having briefly worked with you there too. You will be sorely missed. I will continue to reminisce all the good times. To the Roughton whanau, may the Lord comfort you in this time of grief. My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to you. Kua hinga he totara I te wao nui a Tane - A totara has fallen in the Forrest of Tane. Rest in paradise Shaun.

Cameron

Dear Julia I didn't know Shaun, but if you married him, he must've been a wonderful person. May God walk with you through this very difficult valley. I know He will put His arms around you. My heartfelt condolences to the families too.

Willem
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