Geoffrey Moss

MOSS, Geoffrey Robert

Died peacefully in his sleep on 24^th November, aged 99. Loving husband of the late Joyce, he is survived by his sisters Evelyn and Lorrie. Loving father/father-in-law to Robyn and Charles, Graeme and Cathy, David and Jane, Lynette (deceased) and Milton. He’ll be sorely missed by his 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Geoff will always be remembered for his unconditional love for his family.

WWII veteran of the RNZ Navy (Achilles, Bellona), agriculturist, author, lecturer, and trainer. Eisenhower Exchange Fellow (1968), Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Agricultural Science, Wellington Toastmasters (foundation member and past-President), a member of the Westminster Lodge, the Wellington RSA, and the Wilton Probus.

Special thanks to the wonderful carers at Malvina Major who provided him with loving care over his last few months.

In Geoff’s words “I have had a great life and a wonderful wife to support me in all my undertakings. I am so proud of our family especially the way they support each other and the way our grandchildren get on so well together. All my life I have been privileged to have travelled widely and to have worked in so many countries. I have lived a full and enjoyable life. One could ask for nothing more.”

A service will be held at Old St Paul’s, on Thursday 27th at 2pm.

Messages to the family and to watch the livestream is available at https://lychgate.co.nz/funeral-notice/moss-73294/ or posted to c/- 306 Willis Street, Aro Valley, Wellington, 6011.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wellington Free Ambulance.

Tributes

Jim Sterling

Geoff Moss changed my life!
Friends of Geoff around the world likely could tell of the significant impact Geoff had on their lives. That’s what he did!
In 1968 , as an American newspaper reporter, my 30-minute interview with him in Ohio turned into an 8-hour visit and a job offer with the NZ Dept of Agriculture, as it was then.
My young family and I spend most of the next decade in Godzone and came to love the country and its people. We even produced our own kiwi while there . . . he’s now 53 and lives in the USA but still has his own NZ Passport!
Our love for NZ, the friends we made, the experiences we had, have been part of our lives for the past 50 years.
Both my sons understand the world better for having lived “overseas.”
My family and I are richer for Geoff’s involvement.
Geoff made our lives richer . . . and the world is poorer for his passing.

Colin & Liz Wharton

To the family of Geoff.

Although we can’t be with you tomorrow, we will be joining with you on-line.

Family times have been really special over many years.

May you be comforted as you celebrate Geoff’s life.

Thoughts and prayers
Colin & Liz Wharton

Valerie Smith

My name is Valerie Smith and I first got to know Geoffrey Moss in 2021 when I became a resident at Huntleigh Home Karori. Geoffrey came everyday, beautifully dressed, driving himself to visit his beloved wife Joyce who was a resident. He gave several talks to residents about his many travels. He read the newspaper to Joyce and pushed her around in her wheelchair, and said hallo to everyone. Later I attended some Stroke Northern Group meetings at Huntleigh Home which Geoffrey attended after his first stroke. He gave several interesting talks to the Group about his travels and collections. Then in the last couple of years Geoffrey himself spent some time in Huntleigh. As a fellow collector I brought one of his books on walking sticks. We all respected Geoffrey and considered him a perfect gentleman. Go well Geoffrey, and finally be at rest with Joyce.

Brenda Moana

Dean and I send our love to all the whanau and will be joining you online to celebrate such a loved man. As an enthusiastic and eloquent raconteur he readily shared his knowledge and his love for life – we so enjoyed time with him. Geoff also was genuinely interested in the lives of others, including other cultures and had such a enquiring mind.

Karl Rossiter

Geoff Moss became my mentor and offered me valuable career guidance throughout my life in NZ. Geoff identified me while he was serving as an Agricultural Adviser in New Pymouth and I was a raw science graduate recruit from the UK – and that was in 1963! He asked me to join his new Ag Extension team in Wellington and that led to an amazing career in agricultural broadcasting, communications, general science and ultimately to international service. My success is down to Geoff Moss’s trust, guidance and encouragement. A wonderful mentor – thank you Geoff,
Karl Rossiter.

Zac McKay

Thanks for being a damn fine uncle. I always loved the visits to Dorset Way. And certainly remember the gorse Sara spoke of. Lovely to see some of the Whanau. Love love

Pauline Prendergast

Geoffrey was a Fellow and a Vice -Chairman of Speech New Zealand for a decade. Some of our older members worked with him. I have his books on public speaking and meeting procedure which I find invaluable in my teaching of the Speech New Zealand syllabus. Most of my speech teacher colleagues also use his books.
Speech NZ would like to send you our condolences on the loss of Geoffrey. He must have been a very special man and will be remembered every time we refer to his books.
Pauline Prendergast
Chair Speech NZ

Margriet Theron

Geoffrey Moss made an excellent contribution to the communication of science in a language that could be understood by all. When I was working in research communication at the Forest Research Institute in Rotorua in the 1980s I used his publications. My sympathy with his family at the loss of a special person.

Melda Townsley

I have just learned of Geoff’s passing and send deepest sympathy to his Family. Geoff contnibuted greatly to the development of Speech NZ and the Speech Board. He gave freely of his valuable knowledge of pubic speaking. He was a real gentleman.