The first time I heard Roger's Big band was just before the Montreux Jazz festival tour, the gig was at the Majestic Cabaret Wellington. I was a teen then and So inspired!. It was the start of a musical journey for me, I thrashed the album from the festival and again was so inspired. Some years later I was lucky enough to join the Band at the piano. Scary stuff and they were all very kind and helpful. It was like the start of my training and we learnt so much it was amazing. A hugely fulfilling experience . So thank you, thanks to Roger, thanks to the family and thanks to all those that have been involved over the years. Truly something special. Love to all Cheers Peter

Dear Erna and the Rodger Fox Whanau The Nelson Jazz club and big band extend our heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of Rodger. As is the case for many jazz clubs, big bands and jazz afficionados up and down this country we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Rodger for his tireless and generous support of our art over many years. Rodger was always a keenly anticipated presence at concerts and workshops. When the news of his passing started to filter through, and then became an avalanche, a heavy sense of loss spread rapidly throughout our community. For my own part it is now 40 years since I played with the band, but Rodger created such a sense of mana and pride about being in the band that my sense of association with it has stayed. My entrée to the band was via the late saxophone player James Daniels. I was playing in a small group with James when he said Rodger Fox was looking for a drummer, and that I should apply. My immediate reaction was “oh no, how could I possibly be up to that?”. James was persuasive, and I found myself nervously going into Wellington Boys College one afternoon for a tryout. I expected “Don’t call us we will call you”, instead Rodger said with a characteristic shrug something like “That’s cool man”. I couldn’t believe it. However later I realised that Rodger’s generous and inclusive nature included willingness to take on and mentor inexperienced big band musicians like myself, and for that I am immensely grateful. A metaphor in these circumstances is to refer to a mightyTotara having fallen. My own comparison is that our jazz tribe has lost a great tribal chieftain. Rodger like all truly great leaders was also an admired and respected man of the people. He exhibited exemplary leadership, talent, dedication, generosity and determination, consistently succeeding despite the challenges of making that possible. He will be hugely missed and his legacy will be long lasting and legendary

Such sad news of Rodger's passing. My condolences go to his family. I met Rodger at Massey University in Albany, Auckland where I was a mature student. He was not only a mentor but became a good friend to me. He was always encouraging and supportive to myself and all students. Not only was he a great ambassador for jazz music but also for New Zealand. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the music he made and the musicians he influenced. Rest in Peace Rodger, The Music is Always With You John Rattle Friend

My heart goes out to you Erna, such a lovely lady and beautiful soul, together you were his ying to your yang. As well as to all of Rodgers family. Words can't express fully who Rodger was as a person and to all who knew him. Such a tireless, dedicated, passionate jazz performer and educator, whose involvement in our event (Southern Jam) and for the many musicians and music-lovers he's helped shape, Rodger will remain in our hearts and music forever. I will miss his sense of humour and passion towards his love of music and all who encompassed that world - he gave of his time so generously. We will all miss you so much, Kat & Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival Team

Hey Erna we have just watched the service on line and may we both express our sincere and loving condolences to you and Rodger's family we remember when you first started going out with him at Paihia Jazz Festival some good times and I particularly am fond of a recording I did with him with George Chisholm at the Auckland Art Gallery All the best hope we will catch up with you soon Pete and Yvonne

Hey Rodger, we’ve just had our final hang man and thank you for the opportunities you gave me in music. I am proud to be one of those that you believed in 🎶🎺 My sincere condolences to all the family of the Great Rodger, wth a D, Fox. He will truly by missed by many but he will never be forgotten Peace and love to all Vince Jones Former lead trumpet player of the mighty Rodger Fox Big Band.

What a legend. Lovely tributes from everyone. I also remember getting embarrassed his “Wake up!!” The first time I met Rodger was a workshop at the Manawatu jazz fest as a kid, he was always there for us young musicians Sending love to Erna, family and everyone in our big little community

Wish I was there big bro!💔 Gutted I couldn’t be there!🙏🏽 Wishing you the best on your next journey 🕊️🙏🏽❤️ Love you! #KK👑

Sending lots of love from Melbourne. Sad I can't be there today but am sending all my love to Erna and family. So many great memories with Rodger. He will truly be missed.

love to family & loved ones at such a sad time. but what a life ! lived to the full .

Dear Erna and all the family - my sincere condolences to you all. Rodger was a 'prince among men' - so generous with his time and his talent. Gone too soon, but he will be well remembered. SarahD and Don Burnham

Dear Erna and family, love and thoughts to you. So sad for all of us but so appreciative of all Rodger did for Eilish and the privilege it has been to have known him. His legacy is far reaching so he will live on in all he has touched.

For those of you who don't know me I am by trade a merchant seaman who was lucky enough to meet and marry Rodger's cousin Jocelyn. I had occasion in the summer of 1982 to fly in to Wellington and join a ship on my lonesome. I arrived but my luggage did not. Dear cousin Elizabeth wearing an Air New Zealand hat was able to track it down thank goodness. On to Rodger and Louie and Christopher who we were able to entertain along withe the female clan members in the bar on board. My wife and infant son were due to fly in a few days later and join me on board, but this created a bit of a pickle. On the day they were scheduled to arrive New Zealand and Australian were starting the first test. Lillee, Thompson, Border etc against John Wright, Bruce Edgar and Mr. Hadlee. Over quite a few beers it was decided Elizabeth would meet my wife at the airport and Rodger and I along with a very hungover Indian Chief Engineer went off to the cricket. Close of play and back to Rodger's for dinner and to face the music! Jocelyn and I are sorry family circumstances have prevented us travelling, but we will watching over the internet. I aren't a muso so my lasting memory of Rodger will be that day at the Basin, and Rodger you can be sure red ball cricket played in white clothes over 5 days is the game they play in heaven, save a seat for me please.

There are no words to describe what Rodger has accomplished in his life. He was one of those "rare birds" that put his passion, soul, and energy into making his vision a reality with no compromise. There are very few people that operate in such a selfless way and change the world like Rodger did. I will miss his incredible humor, humanity, and amazing generosity.There will be no replacement for Rodger. A total unique and brilliant individual. My heart goes out to Erna and family at this time. Sending my love and thoughts.

Erna and family we are so very sorry for your loss. A wonderful man who gave so much to so many. We are for ever grateful to Rodger for his teaching, as a mentor, as a fellow musician but mostly a dear friend to Lauren. We are currently overseas so will be with you all online