Donald RAE Obituary

I only learned today of Don´s untimely passing. I worked with Don in the late 90´s to early 2000´s. Our path rarely crossed after we both left Jade. I remember Don as a thoughtful, intelligent and fun colleague who mostly wore a cheeky/wry smile.

My sincere condolences, Leonie and family, Don was a gem.

Julian

We started as cousins. But by the time we made 20 and a bit we were friends. Donald was gigging around Christchurch including solubrious venues like The British in Lyttleton. Bikies downstairs and fey boys with eyeliner upstairs one of them blowing the world's first electric bassoon. Donald's dad Wally and my mum Phyllis grew up in the family home at 503 Cashel St. In the early 80s having spent the previous few years at said 19th century cottage I passed the family homestead to Donald as I departed Christchurch. Friends and flatmates for a moment in time. Half a lifetime later we would hook up in Auckland on his seemingly annual work pilgrimages. He'd come and stay the night our politics now at either end of spectrum. When everyone else had long retired to bed we'd still be arguing, and smoking illegal things, but unlike today the debate would be without rancor. Agreed facts even. One of my many faults is failing to cherish those close to me, instead believing there'll always be time to catch up and ask "how's it going? I guess Donald's won that argument. A cousin and a friend. Brilliant combination.

Don was a legend, there was never a dull moment with him. You didn't know what he was going to say or do next but whatever it was, it was done with conviction, passion, and if you happened to take a contrary view, good humour.
I will remember him fondly.