Rodger Wilson grew up on a sheep and cattle farm at Parakao, a small village between the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean north of Auckland. His childhood was spent riding his horse to and from school, helping out on the farm and beginning his lifelong passion for anything on wheels.
He decided to spend a gap year visiting his aunt and uncle, Bill and Molly Tapper in Australia, arriving in Sydney with his mate John, on a one way ticket with not enough money to return to NZ. Bill managed the Peats Ridge Quarry so he and John quickly found jobs.
Rodger met Lorraine Walpole at a party to celebrate his 20th birthday in the Peats Ridge Community Hall. They would marry on March 6, 1965 in Christ Church, Gosford.
A shortage of farm workers on the mountain caused Ray to ask if a job on the farm at Kulnura would be of interest. They were both ready to go farming again. Rodger fitted into life in Kulnura very quickly becoming one of another large extended family.
The building skills Rodger learnt at Sacred Heart, and which he would put to good use for the rest of his life, were put to good use in the small house into which they moved.
Rodger’s volunteering life began initially with Ray’s encouragement, to assist local farmers fight bush fires with only farm equipment. He remained an active RFS volunteer until he decided not to renew his heavy duty licence three years ago when he turned 80.
When children began school most parents would join the P & C. Rodger was President for a number of years including for the 50th Anniversary celebrations. He went on to project manage the Kooree Guide Cabin construction with a builder mate. It was opened in September 1984 and has since been used by thousands of Guides and other youth groups.
Rodger was in charge of the Sydney NYE Picnic in the Park barbecues for disabled children and their families held adjacent to Government House. The next community project was building a sports field complex on an old quarry site. Bloodtree Sports Complex was opened in August 1986 and remains one of the best fields on the Central Coast today.
He was an inaugural member of the PMK (now Mountains) Football Committee, coached and managed soccer teams for many years. He joined the Rotary Club of Kariong Somersby and quickly became involved with the Rotary Exchange Student program. He was Youth Director for many years and President for two years.
He instigated the Kariong Somersby Rotary Club Citizenship Awards for every Primary School on the mountain. Kariong Somersby Rotary Club are renowned for their barbecue efforts. The often admired barbecue trailer was designed and made by Rodger. He also loved welding.
Rodger experienced so much achievement, fun and friendship during the sixty years he has lived in this community. Often asked for and happily provided his advice and practical help.
Lorraine, Deb and Michelle, Greg and Kate, Abby, Damon, Casey, Zoe and Megan have been overwhelmed by the support they have received and would like to thank all those who were able to attend the Celebration Service for Rodger.
