In Loving Memory of Roger Lindsay Conway

Roger passed away peacefully on Sunday, 27 July 2025, aged 81, surrounded with the love from his family after a five-month battle with lymphoma.

Roger faced his illness with determination. Acceptance never came easily to him — true to character, he chose to fight the disease. He challenged doctors, researched available treatments and clinical trials in search of a cure. Despite the resistance of a rare gene mutation and the limitations of available treatments, Roger continued his fight even after treatment ended unsuccessfully in March. His body tired, but his spirit never wavered. He spent his final seven weeks in the care of Crofton Downs Bupa Care Home, where he was lovingly supported by family.

Roger was a man of pride, strength, and resolve. He took deep pride in his home and family, especially in his daughters and grandchildren, whom he spoke of with heartfelt admiration to his brother and cousins. Roger's legacy traces back through years spent on the rugby field, in the classroom, and in business — periods he remembered fondly. In retirement, Roger became a dedicated investor, thoughtfully building a portfolio that reflected his strategic mind.

A lover of the outdoors, Roger spent many holidays camping and tramping across New Zealand when his children were living at home, and continued sharing this passion through to his retirement. Roger was relentless with running. He rarely missed his two-hour Sunday morning run — a decades-long discipline serving as an inspiration to his family, with his last one in the hills of Karori only two months before his passing. Even in the care home, he walked with purpose as long as his body allowed.

Roger enjoyed stories of history and geography, often weaving tales of family heritage with repeat enthusiasm to those around him, especially his grandkids. His voice, presence, and stories will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is deeply missed by his family, his wife Marijke, daughters Gabrielle, Monika and Hannah, his younger brother David and wife Judy, his sons in law Thom and Corin and his seven grandchildren, Sam, Henry, Eero, Koen, Vela, Jack and Eva.

The family have chosen a small private ceremony for Roger. He will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the coming months within the Makara hills where he ran most Sundays, and can be seen from his home.

In lieu of a funeral and flowers, and in fulfilment of Roger’s final wishes, the family invites you to join them in supporting a cause that meant a lot to Roger: Supporting critical health research, The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.

Roger had a strong interest in Malaghan’s work, in particular in the areas of Systemic Scleroderma and Mantle cell lymphoma cancer. He was not only a passionate advocate, but a major supporter and investor in their mission to advance life-changing science.

A donation page has been created to honour his legacy. If you would like to be part of this tribute, we welcome you to make a contribution here: https://donate.malaghan.org.nz/fundraiser/rogerconway

With heartfelt thanks,

The Family of Roger Conway