Dear Helen. I was sorry not to speak to you at Ross’s funeral. It was a great tribute to him. I hope to catch with you sometime soon. Much Love, Anna (Mary Caughey’s daughter)

Dearest Helen, Matthew and Jonny. What an amazing farewell to Ross. We learned what a big part he played in your lives and how you became the men you are today. You entertained us with humor and important stories. What special memories you have to remember him. You controlled your emotions and grief so well. Ross will now be resting in peace and pride

To Helen, Matt, Jonny and family, what a lovely farewell for Ross. It was so nice to hear all of the stories and all of those amazing qualities and accomplishments of Ross that people shared on that day. All qualities that had been so evident to me for the many years I'd known Ross (and Helen). RIP Ross.

Dearest team Duder. What a very special farewell to be a part of and to witness the true love and affection for the very special man Ross Duder! We have all been blessed having known 'Rossco' and as I said to you on the day Matt, some of the stories that came out on the day brought back some vivid memories of the great character your dad had. He would have been looking down seeing everyone recounting stories and realising what a huge impact he had on so many people's lives. What an innings!! He will live on in the memories of many! Love to you all and I hope to see you soon. Xx Mike

Dear Team Duder - Helen, Matt, Jen, Jonny, Mary Lou, Dixie, Ruby, Max, Bruno, TJ, Sam, Uncle John & extended family, WOW ... what an amazing send off for your most divine an beloved Rossco. You all did him so proud and he would have loved the entire service and special memories, thoughts, stories and we didn't want it to end. Such a joy for us to hear so lovingly, the history that we didn't know of the missing years, of such a wonderful human. If we could all adopt just some of his traits ... our world would be in a better place. May he rest in peace now and we know he will live on in you boys. Beautiful Helen, there is always a cuppa or a glass of wine at our home. We wish you strength and continued good health to rest up now. It has been a long journey for you all. Much love and respect Graeme and Robyn

“Aren’t we lucky James! To live in such a beautiful place!” I often heard these words from Ross when I saw him around the building. His positivity, good vibes, and enthusiasm for life is what I will always remember about him.

What a great send off for an exceptional man and so ably expressed by his family. We hold many memories of Ross crewing with us, where he always took the time to instill good seamanship practices to younger crew members. He liked nothing more than a convivial rum as we made our way back to the marina after a race, with Ross enquiring “do we have to go in now?” Such was his love of sailing and the Gulf. Our deepest sympathy to Helen & family Janine & Ross Gordon

Incredibly loving funeral service. Learnt so much about a man that was recognized by his family & colleagues as an extremely intelligent and engaging human being.

Rosco, I remember this vividly. I'm pretty sure it was both Matt, Jonny and I in the back yard of 115 and we were playing rugby league (I think). You burst through the hedge with an old electric shaver and asked us to stop and listen. You said that this your Dad, Nelson's electric shaver and inside it were his whiskers (I think it might have been a week or so after Nelson had passed away?) You took the top off and we watched as you sprinked them out over the lawn. I could see it meant a lot to you Rosco. I remember you as a sentimental, loyal and loving man. You were always so interested and engaged. I saw the tag line "Job Well Done" at your funeral mate. It certainly was. You're a great man Rosco and huge respect to you sir. Helen, Matt and Jonny did an incredible job sending you off yesterday. You must be so proud. Love you mate.

What a wonderful farewell you all shared with us yesterday. Thank you. Rosspop would have been so proud of his beautiful family. The tributes to him and his life’s journey were heartfelt and inspiring. I felt up lifted and privileged to have known such a fabulous family man. He will missed dearly and remembered always. He definitely lives on in you all. Much love

A very special send off Duder clan. Ross had much mana. I said to a friend beside me. You’ve played a very good innings when are honoured by your children and carried by your grand children. Rest in peace Rossco

What a very special man Ross was. His service yesterday was a very fitting tribute to Ross and his family with so many people wanting to show their love and respect. Helen and family, you must be so proud of him. Ross will be much missed at U3A meetings. Thinking of you so much Helen. With deepest sympathy Phil and Sue x

Many fond memories sailing on Spray and family celebrations At rest with his Lord

Ki te Whānau ō Ross, tēnei te mihi maioha kia koutou katoa. Acknowledgements to Helen, Matt, Johnny, and cousins. It was special to be with John in the UK last month, visiting Widemouth Bay, Bude, and Dene Cottage in Guildford, where he shared stories of he and Ross' time spent there growing up during the War. Thank you all, Ngā mihi, Mukai

To the Duders, What more could a man ask for … than to be honoured by your family and friends as Ross was today . An incredibly moving and insightful journey into his life . So very proud to be part of this Duder clan ! Rest well Ross you really have earned it .

What a wonderful and fitting celebration of such a full rich, funny, loving, and contributing life. It was special for us to hear about all the many aspects of Ross's life. A life well lived. And you did him proud with the service! We'll always remember his smiling face and cheeky wit at the Withers family Christmas'. Sending you our heartfelt love in this painful time.

To Helen ,Matt , Jonny,Jen ,Mary Lou and grandchildren. Ross was a special friend and a great sailing partner. I enjoyed his company at luncheon’s at the squadron and dinners at the Totara Service club and will be sorely missed.The speeches at the funeral were a true reflection of Ross’s life and he would be very proud of Matt and Jonny. Ross always spoke fondly of Helen and Family . Take care With Love Peter Rose

Dear Helen,Matt,Johnny & extended family. Today was a wonderful tribute to the memory of Ross and his exceptional impact on so-many people’s lives. His humour, sincerity & honesty will be Long remembered. May God bless you all at this time. Alan & Judy Roberts

Grateful for having Ross keeping our education updated on his several areas of expertise

Dear Helen, Matt, Jonny & family Today's service, was a truly fitting tribute to a wonderful man!  Celebrating his life on such a bright sunny day, seems so incredibly apt.  No doubt, he's looking down, saying "I should be out on the boat!" Ross & Helen have been in my life, since the day I was born.  We may not catchup much, but "The Duder's" are always in my heart and always on my mind.  I have so many memories of Atherton Road and the many sleep-overs and bike rides, and tree-climbs, etc.  Fantastic memories, that one day we can hopefully sit down over a drink and reminisce about. We last saw your Dad, in November, and he was looking so fantastic.  He had his usual Big Smile and wonderful words to say.  Ever since our wedding, whenever we've seen him, he's always told me that our wedding coaster is so lovely and still sits by his bedside.  Then he always tells Warwick, that his wedding speech was the best he'd ever heard.  Always put a smile on our faces! Warwick and I were incredibly sad to hear of Ross's passing, but pleased that he's no longer in pain.  He won't be forgotten and will always be a huge part of the happy memories I have of my life. Love to you all and I hope we can meet up soon and celebrate his life and our memories! Nicky & Warwick Bell xx

Such a beautiful funeral service. It was wonderful to see so many people there to pay their respects to the delightfully one-of-a-kind Ross. He will be able to rest happy knowing how many people are there to support his beloved wife and family as they grieve.

What a beautiful service for a beautiful man. It was clear how truly loved Ross was. Love and condolences to all the family and especially to Helen. xx The Hunts

even though we didn’t spend that much time with Ross, when we did spend time with him he had the amazing ability to make you feel like you were his best friend. He will be missed xx

Thinking of you Matt, Jen, Max, TJ, Sam and all the family.

Our condolences. Ross was a great supporter and contributed to the care and protection of regional parks. Thanks for your voluntary service and helping our small FoR Parks Committee.