Obituary - Bob Edwards
Well-known South Canterbury adviser Bob Edwards passed away recently. John Wood has kindly penned this Obituary.
Tuesday, July 7th 2015, 9:43AM 
3 Comments
Bob sadly passed away in Ashburton on Monday 29th June, following a long illness.
He was born and raised in Mid-Canterbury and loved the region, especially Ashburton where he made his home. He married his lovely wife Alison at the age of 24 and by age thirty he had two children, Tim and Jeannine. His early working life was in the rural sector. He worked in his own agricultural contracting business, and then moved to Mid Canterbury Transport before pursuing the love of his working life, the insurance industry in 1979, under the National Mutual banner.
Bob ran a very successful life insurance business built on the back of his rural experience and his rugged determination to succeed.
In 1995 Bob was voted onto the National Mutual Advisers Association board and spent the next seven years on the board the last two as President. In 2009 he returned onto the Board (the AXA Advisers Association) until his health forced him to resign in 2013. In 2012 Bob received the highest award any organisation offers, Life Membership. Few could argue that no one more than Bob deserved this, for his outstanding contribution to the Association and its members.
Bob had a character like no other. He loved people and he loved what the industry did for so many people, providing financial protection when needed. Not only did he enjoy helping his clients but he found much pleasure in helping his fellow advisers. Whether it was a personal or business matter Bob was always there to help. In many instances this may well have been fighting for the underdog as he would not tolerate any bullying. No matter the size of the “bullier” Bob stood his ground and was like a “dog with a bone”, he never let go.
His willingness to help others was well known. Part of the process of giving is receiving and Bob took immense pleasure from knowing that his help and support given to his friends and colleagues within the TripleA Advisers Association was appreciated. Over many years Bob worked closely with the TripleA PI insurer and as Trustee for the scheme created one of the industry’s most highly regarded and sort after scheme for its members. He was well known for holding this intellectual property very tightly.
Bob has left behind a great legacy. Peeling back Bob’s ruff and sometimes abrasive nature, you would not find a more generous, caring and loving man who will be missed by all those whom he touched.
- John Wood
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Comments from our readers
He will be missed.
Bernard McCrea
The next experience I had with Bob was after the first massive Christchurch earthquake - he rang me out of the blue and offered to drive to Christchurch to pick me and my son up and take us to his family home in Ashburton for 'safekeeping'. I will never forget that kind offer.
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I cannot thank him enough for his support and unofficial mentoring in regards to business, my board member role and the support he offered my late husband as well. A very big loss to our Industry.
Best wishes to his family Theresa Hatton