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Condolences
- What a lovely service. Julie and I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.I first met Bruce on my first day of work at The Evening Post newspaper in Wellington in early February of 1972. I was 17. He was a 21-year-old hot type, lino-type operator and a very good one at that. I wanted to be a racing journalist and eventually Bruce left the typesetting side of things behind and became the Racing Editor. I ended up going back to the Post 18 years later and working for him for several years in the racing department. We had always been good friends, even when I'd left the Post to work on other publications. He was one of the best and fairest bosses I ever had in a long career in journalism. His humour was infectious and he regularly entertained with his quick, sharp wit. We spent many memorable days on racecourses together - both punting and writing stories for the paper. He had a half share in a very good horse in Fort Laramie, who won several races before, unfortunately, having to be retired due to a back injury. One of the many funny episodes I remember was when Bruce waved a Lotto ticket in the air one afternoon and said: "I just bought the winning Lotto ticket, the rest of you may as well not bother". One of the sports reporters yelled out to him: "What will you buy me if you win Bruce?" Quick as a flash and with a straight face, Bruce turned to me and said: "Steve, can you find out what the price of a one-way bus ticket to North Cape is please". (North Cape is the northern most tip of New Zealand). It left all the rest of us in stitches. RIP my old friend. You will be sadly missed.
- Such along time since we worked together at the Evening Post. You were a great guy and the fun times we had at the Britanna Hotel. We meet when I stared my Apprenticeship in 1970. You were a comic a laugh a minute. Will have a beer on Thursday night with some others who you worked with. Sorry to your families loss, not here in sight but in our hearts. RIP Bruce may the lord be with your family.
- Farewell dear friendIt was a pleasure to work with you and an honour to have you as a friendRest in peace BruceBob Grewal
- Rest well Bruce, you deserved it. A lovely service in your memory and a reminder of how much you touched the lives of all who knew you. Also nice to hear Sandy's memories, thank you Sandy, and the written contributions of Moff and Richard Ives. Sincere condolences to your whānau in Toowoomba whose regard for you was obvious in their comments. I'm still searching to find someone with the quickness of wit that you made your own, and enlivened many of my days. You may be gone but you will not be forgotten. Thank you to Burstows also for being able to share your service. MCCONN (Evening Post internal msg id)
- Sending our condolences to you all in the Kemsley family in the sad loss of Bruce. Bruce was a guy I only saw occasionally however he was a guy I would like to have seen a lot more often. Our connection began at Te Horo primary school when his father took a position at the Railway station. As adults we met a few times throughout the years, thanks to his friendship with Steve M.
RIP Bruce.special loving thoughts for you Patsy, losing your brother so close on losing your beloved Laurie.
Denise and Ted ParataWaikanae - Thank you for giving Bruce a lovely service. He would have loved the flowers, and of course the music, but most of all he would have loved being surrounded by the whanau in Towoomba he often spoke about.The pictures of Bruce with the children (as well as friends and family) showed how he found much joy and happiness in Queensland, and those pics spoke a thousand words.I was lucky enough to know Bruce in his later years when we bought a Bach in Otaki. I went there the other evening and reflected on the beautiful garden Bruce (mostly) created there, and I'm sure he built on that passion he had with the land in his forever home in Towoomba.Thank you for the love you showed Bruce and the stories you shared.Glenys
- I have such fond memories of Bruce - from when I was very young - my Dad Boysie Barrett and Bruce had been long time friends and I always knew of that fondness from my family for Bruce. He will be in my memory as a charming, Happy, friendly & impeccably dressed man who was well thought of and will be missed.Pouri i ngaro X
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- It's hard to believe that you're gone Bruce. So many memories of you and Moff up at Mum and Dads' having an adult beverage or two. I can't really put my memories on here as I think we'll keep those just between us. You were such a beautiful soul. Say hi to Mum and Dad.
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- It's with great sadness we leave this rememberence of Bruce, a dear friend of over 35 years.We will his quick wit, great command of the English language, gained with 50 years experience in the newspaper business, and his appreciation of the finer things in life; horses, antiques, ceramica, home decor and fine clothes/shoes. Bruce was the only person I've known to have up to six pairs of R M Williams boots, and a similar number of dress suits.Rest easy old friend, you will be forever missed.Nigel & Paul.