I have just learned of Bobs passing. Much love to his family. We have lost such a great man, and, I am so grateful to have been blessed by this great man. I first met Bob as a 14 year when he was the police officer who I gave my statement to as a victim of sexual abuse. I remember feeling so safe with him, and I could feel that he was doing everything he could in my best interests. I was removed from my home, put in temporary foster care and then into permanent foster care. There was also a court case. A few years later, I learned he was now working as a counsellor in the sexual abuse space, and I was absolutely delighted to become his client and receive guidance and support from a man I trusted immensely. Bobs support made such a phenomenal difference in my life. I was last in touch with him 10 years ago, and I am so pleased I let him know how much of a difference he made to my life. Bob, may you soar high!

I first met Bob when he was in the police and I was working as a psychologist in Wellington. He referred a family where sexual abuse had occurred. I was impressed by his insight into their situation and his determination to ensure this family got the help they needed. I was later to learn that this was always how he worked in situations of family need and distress and that ensuring that sexual abuse was properly addressed and treated was a major focus in his life. After his accident he trained to be a counsellor and was a force in setting up and leading the adolescent programme in Taranaki which worked with youth who had sexually abused others. I became his supervisor and travelled regularly to Taranaki to support his work. He was an excellent therapist, and his work changed many lives. He seemed to know almost everyone in New Plymouth being regularly greeted by friends, clients and people he had put away in prison in the past. I really enjoyed his company and our lunches together, He was a great raconteur with much laughter resulting from his stories of past life in the police and as an athlete. After his accident he was often in pain but showed a determination to retain mobility despite this by going on regular bush marches using two poles for stability. I admired him and learned a lot from him. After he stopped counselling, we stayed friends even though we lived in different cities, and we wrote to each other and talked on the phone till last Christmas. He was a major figure in my life, and I will miss him deeply.

I read with deep sadness of Bob's passing. Bob guided us and our students over the 35 years of our professional life at our Institute Practical Education (PEI). He was always at the end of a phone, there to guide through the horrors we were encountering with our students who had suffered traumas. We never could thank you enough for your support and counsel. May God Bless you Bob- rest in peace old friend. Our deepest sympathy to his family and close friends and colleagues. Pauline Crowley-Zieltjes and Tony Zieltjes Founders and Directors of PEI.

My sincere condolences to all of Bob's loving family. He touched so many lives in such a profound way that his passing was always going to leave a huge void. I knew Bob first through my Dad John (who was and always remained a very close mate with Bob) and through New Plymouth joggers. He was always so approachable, positive, down to earth, but a deep thinker too. In recent years I really enjoyed my chats with him, which I'll miss very much. I'm very sorry not to have been at the funeral yesterday, but am sure that those who were, celebrated the full life of a magnificent person.

My deepest sympathies Michelle, Debbie, Garry & Lee-Ann. Your dad was a mighty man who I treasured dearly. Having known him my entire life as he was great mates with my father Barry Cook and stepfather John Keegan. It was a privilege to be part of his life. Every trip back to New Plymouth always included a visit to see Uncle Bob and Aunty Dot and have a good chin wag and reminisce. I always remember the Sunday School sessions fondly growing up and have treasured those memories all my life. I hope to catch up with you on my next return to NP. Vale Uncle Bob - I am comforted knowing you are now reunited with Aunty Dot. RIP

My dear Uncle Robert I so wanted to be with the family today and to wish you farewell. Am so pleased that I was able to spend some time with you and Dad (Gordon) when I was home last year and gee you both sure can spin a story and I loved every minute, listening to the banter. I have so many fond memories as a kid with Greg and I spending time living with you and Aunty Dot when mum and dad were not able to due to their health. Fond memories that live on in my heart forever. My love and thoughts are with all the family. Your presence, big smile, humour and generous heart will be sorely missed by all who knew you. Reunited with Aunty Dot and other family. Rest easy Uncle and I sure hope they have vodka on tap for you. Love and miss you xx

I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was an amazing man that really helped me through some difficult and dark times in my life. His guidance I will not forget. Bit of a joker that always had a big smile! Fly high now your with Dot.

What a beautiful service, sorry we couldn't be there in person. Loved being able to hear the stories of such an amazing life. Wishing you all the best at such a difficult time. Rema Smith

Greatest Memories esp our younger days..

To Gary and the Stevens Family Sorry to hear the sad news. Have lots of fond memories of Bob. From Craig Daryl Greg & Beryl Plimmer

I worked with Bob in my role as social worker in the first sexual abuse investigation team. We worked for several years together making a difference for the vulnerable children in our community. We never lost touch . You are a legend Bob that made such a huge difference in people's lives. Always in my memories fondly.

I first met Bob about 14 years ago when his son Gary and my daughter Lara moved down to New Plymouth from Auckland to raise their daughter Kelly. I was immediately struck by his warmth and friendliness. He had such a kind face and was, I imagine, the sort of guy you would like to have by your side when things went wrong. How lucky his children were to have him as their father and role model. Visiting from Auckland during a very cold winter's day I was amazed to see him wearing shorts - and I imagine that any efforts to change this would be met with stubborn resistance! Bob, you touched many people in a positive way during your 82 years. You have huge mana in the community and will always be remembered with great love and respect. Rest in peace dear man.

Sending my condolences and my love to all of Bob's family. Bob was an amazing person and I have some great memories. -Chelsea B

My heart goes out to the family. Such a loving caring soul to so many. And a loving carer to Dot. So many friends to miss a generous man of much humanity. We can but admire his journey and teachings. Humbly we strive to be as generous.

Dearest Stevens Family ❤️ It's with the heaviest of hearts that we wish your dad farewell on his journey back to your beautiful mum. We are so privileged to have had them in our lives since we moved to NZ, likewise to you all, you all have a special place in our heart xx he will truely be missed by everyone xxx biggest hugs and much love to all friends and family and this very sad time xxxx

Bob what a legend you were. You achieved so much. Long before I joined the Police, your reputation for sorting out shit in a pub was well known among us young fellas. Bob what a pleasure it was to work with you. You pioneered the way Police throughout New Zealand investigated Sexual Abuse. Your empathy for both victims and perpetrators was amazing. You taught me so much and your support when things got too hard to handle was very much appreciated, but you were always too humble to acknowledge how much you did. Enjoy your rest mate. You've earned it.

What a great time we had over all the fishing trips-fights-cards-drinking and fishing -come to think of it I don't think ever put a rod in the water ?? You will not be forgotten by Jaws- farewell Bob

Great memories of working with Bob. I was sent to A&E one night as part of my enquiries in to a Sudden Death. A nurse came over and said there was a bloke in A&E who wanted to see me. There was Bob a few hours after his bike crash with a hundred wires and tubes in him. The nurse said he was critically injured and unlikely to come through. I walked up to him and a chunky hand reached out to mine and he crushed my hand with his handshake. He looked at me and said “I’m all smashed up but I’m gonna get through. See you back at work” And through sheer determination he pulled through. That was the measure of that man!!! Sleep well my friend.

To all Bobs family we offer our sympathy on your very sad loss. I first met Bob through rugby, later I worked with him in the Police & Armed Offenders. He was one of a kind. A great man. It was a privilege to know & work with him. I’ll miss our weekly contacts via email & phone calls. Jim & Anne Irving.

So sad to hear of your passing Bob. It was such a lot of fun to work with you, but work us you did! We always looked forward to your visits from the White House to the top floor of the old Police Station on Powderham Street, An inspirational, lovely man who won’t be forgotten. Rest well with Dot. Much love to your family. From your old New Plymouth Typing Pool colleagues, Kerry, Fiona, Michelle, Colleen and the loved late Pam.

Bob you will sorely missed by us all a great mate and companion the stories you told kept us all entertained you always liked the fish and Pauas and introduce salads to the trip rest easy mate we will all have a couple for you in a couple of weeks

Our deepest sympathy to Bob's family. He was such a wonderful neighbour and friend for over 10 years. Thank you Bob for the laughs memories and most of all the advice that you gave. You helped me so much through a very stressful time in my life. You were an amazing man, as they say one in a million, and so humble. I hope there is a shed in heaven full of cut wood and you are having a beer or two with your mates once again on your Sunday school session. Rest in peace Bob, with your lovely wife now. Gaylene, Caleb and Adam Hollins

My condolences to Bobs family. What an incredible man he was. I spent the good part of ten years in bobs backyard with the neighbourhood kids ‘Kent,heidi,Fraser and Sarah’. Bobs property was our stomping ground. Many games of 123 home were played there. We used to lie on top of the hedges like beds, eat all his fruit and veges he grew. He would take us on the back of the tractor to get fire wood. Tours in the cattery, He had metal tricycles in the shed that we had free access to, they managed to go all over the farm with us! So many amazing memories and not once did he get mad at us. I remember he would tell us he was having Sunday school in the shed I look back now and think it’s funny his mates all brought beers haha. Dot used to give us biscuits everyday after school out of her biscuit tin. I think to Bob it was a safe place for us to be! I have so many amazing childhood memories thanks to Bob and Dot. May his soul RIP. Love Heather 336 tukapa

Lovely ex neighbour and friend. Will be so sadly missed. Sorry can't be at funeral as we are away but our thoughts and love will be with you

It is with great sadness I read of Bob’s sudden passing - to his family please accept our deepest sympathy. Terry and Bob worked together on the Armed Offenders squad and he always had a special place in Terrys memories of their time together. His respect for Bob was enormous and after Terry’s passing I often received an email just checking in to see if the family and I were okay. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Bob. June McGreevy and family

Bob was an absolute legend. He was a top counsellor who i saw back in 1995 & each time we played a game of draughts i would beat him. Sometimes i let him beat me to make it fair. Bob knew his stuff when it came to sexual abuse. He would always guide me through the issues in a professional manner. Bob was always the best counsellor by far. My condolences to the family of Bob as well. My thoughts, prayers, love, & sympathy are with you all at this time.

Farewell dear friend. Having you in my life and working with you at Taranaki Safer Centre was a treat. Your compassion, strength and determined commitment to high levels of integrity were an inspiration. Your OCD's, insisting on everything in it's place, just had to be teased and secretly messed with. Who else has a stack of fire wood so exact? Love to you Bob and your family at this time of great loss xxxx.

So shocked to hear of Bob’s sudden death. He was my neighbour for 20 plus years and a special friend. Bob and Dot welcomed my children and I into their family when we moved in next door. They were very special people, with huge hearts and with so much love. Bob, I will miss our chats, Love you. Lesley, Anna, Chelsea and Baxter

A mighty totara has fallen...been part of my life for ages...have shared many sausage rolls together...He loved Dot and his children very much..you have lost a very special person. He was so proud of you all. Good bye my special friend 🧡

Our deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. Saddened to learn of his passing as we go back to 1962. First met when we lived in Davies Road and I think we were the last two surviving staff when I worked in New Plymouth from 1961 to 1964. Bob very generously loaned us his Morris 1000 to travel to the South Island on a pre-planned holiday when our car had mechanical issues. Fondly remember times spent in the shed next door. Pleased that we caught up with Bob when we visited New Plymouth last year. Rest in peace my friend - you will be missed.

It is with sorrow that I heard Bob had passed on. He rang me last week and gave me the usual blast, sounded as if he had no problems. I joined the NP Police in December 1964, Bob had already been in the job 2 years then. We worked the same shift. In those days there were only three constables and a sergeant per shift. Most of the work was on the beat. However over time we become the original members of the Police Search and Rescue followed by the first Armed Offenders team put together in New Plymouth. We attended several high profile events such as the murder of the high school teacher at Inglewood and the Glensor incident in Wellington where the Police shoot the offender. Bob was a person full of mischief. Times of the number of parties for no reason in his shed. He was a true friend and even contacted me regularly over the years to keep each other up to date on what was happening. I am going to really miss him.