Roger Mackie died peacefully in October 2021 aged 79. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mackie family.

Recently, the King’s Charitable Trust has received a substantial bequest from Roger’s estate. It is believed to be the single largest gift that King’s has received. The School family is of course extremely grateful, and will look for ways to recognise this gift appropriately.

Roger was a proud Kingsman. A reserved person, he typified the many Old Boys who enjoyed school immensely despite having less prominence than other boys in their time. Roger received recognition at Prizegiving in 1959 for General Excellence in History, Geography, Science, and Commercial Practice, as a member of 5A.

Roger left school without UE, but his quiet determination and work ethic became evident after he turned 21 in his decision to study Commerce part-time at Otago University, courtesy of his first employer, Wright Stephenson. He graduated B.Comm aged 25. Later, he went to Wellington to work for the government audit department, and remained with it until his retirement.

In his private life, he was a devoted member of the Masonic Lodge; becoming Grand Master in his local area. He also played indoor bowls. A genuine lifelong learner, Roger picked up many handyman skills and renovated his own Lower Hutt home.

We encourage others in our wider community to include King’s High School in their will. Projects like the establishment of a King's hostel will depend on generosity of the sort that Roger Mackie has shown.