Statement from the family of Rob Ayley

Today, Monday 28th July, we are gathering with friends and family to celebrate Rob’s life. The service will be held at the church where we have worshipped as a family for 17 years. Rob played drums there on a Sunday over time with bright blue hair, dreds, a cheeky smile and at times a teenage attitude. He thought nothing of dropping his drum sticks at quiet poingnant moments in the services but brought a new energy to the worship.

Rob was a vibrant young man. He had a great sense of family and although he was only 2 when we emigrated he always had a sense of belonging to his English family as well as his kiwi one. So it was a great joy to him that he fathered 2 beautiful boys who are so like him in many ways but also have a lovely balance with their Mum’s genes as well!

Rob lives on in his family, in his boys and in the many memories we all have of him. He wasn’t a saint, he was no-one important. His death is no more tragic than that of anyone who dies. Death is always a separation from the ones we love and sadness always follows. The circumstances of Rob's death are unique as Rob was unique but beneath it all he was a happy man who loved life and did what he could to make others happy too.

Remember Rob, if you do, as an ordinary chap who ultimately achieved some amazing things which shows we should never assume someone's abilities but let them dream dreams and some may come true.

God bless our son. Thank you New Zealand for caring.

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the future for Rob’s two little boys this would of course be very gratefully received. We have set up a Trust Fund and donations may be made to at the Westpac Bank.

ENDS

© Scoop Media