Rex Collett

COLLETT, Rex Henry, died suddenly in Mary Potter Hospice on 27 October 2024 aged 77. Treasured partner of Erina, father of Tristram, Toby, Anna and Augusta, brother of Terry, Gayle and Carol, Uncle of Sergei and Tatian, and Grandfather of Casper, Phoebe and Amelia. A service to honour Rex’s life will be held in St Andrews on the Terrace  on Friday 1 November at 3pm. Join the livestream or leave an online tribute below. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Potter Hospice. Messages for the family can be sent care of Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis St, Wellington.

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TRIBUTES

Francessa Collett
Dearest Rex, I’m eternally grateful I got to spend time with you when I was home in June. Out late night conversations over red wine on books, music and the state of the world were endless, easy and at times provocative. You will leave a large gap in many lives. My absolute love to Tris, Toby, Anna, Gussy and Erena. To Terry (dad), Carol and Gayle my love and thoughts are with you.
Cessa xx

Maria Collett-Bevan
Rex, you are and always will be a wonderful person, amazing father (Tristram, Toby, Anna and Augusta, your tributes were beautiful), and an amazing brother to Dad (Terry). I know he will miss you incredibly. You have been a wonderful uncle – I loved living in your Grey Lynn flat with Tristram, Leah and Matt (although it was really a beautiful old villa). I also remember you and Erina graciously accepting late rent payments from time to time! We love you, and will miss you, Maria xx

Tracey Vaafusu
To Erina and Family, my cousins Tristram and Toby, what a beautiful service, I watched while creating my daily orders in my florist in Melbourne. Uncle Rex to me, was always ready to listen. We were never close, but he was a dear family member , my uncle. As a child when we met at nanas in Hamilton and then in my adult life the few times at mum’s (Carol’s), Rex always had time to see how I was, asking about my girls and life in general. I have always know Rex to be so gentle and a beautiful voice. Always to be remembered.
Condolences and love to you all, Tracey and Neal.

Candis Craven
Dear Erina, goddaughter Anna and whanau. We are sad not to be able to attend the celebration of Rex’s life. However we will livestream from Kyoto so we can lend our support to our dear friend Erina and goddaughter Anna. John has known Rex for almost 60 years since university and he has been a wonderful loyal friend and all round excellent person in both our lives for the last 30. What a great human has been lost to all of his friends and even more so to his family. The world is a better place for Rex having been in it. Haere ra Rex. Kia kaha Erina and whanau.

Iona Holsted
Tēnā koe Erina e whānau, My thoughts are with you as you grieve and remember Rex. Rex had a rich life because of the warmth, generosity, sincerity, intelligence and creativity he brought to it. Over the forty years I have had the privilege of knowing him his love and gentle pride for you all was always present.
Arohanui Iona

Stephen Logan
Dear Erina and family, on behalf of my partners Shaun, Deb and the LB team I wanted to say how sorry we are for the sudden loss of Rex. He was such a gentleman, always with a ready smile and with kind compliments, appreciating our food and hospitality. All the very best for the celebration of his life and for your next steps.

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