Clarkie 20 November 1954 - 31 January 2011 Graeme Bruce Clark, our esteemed business partner, died suddenly on 31 January 2011, whilst out hosting his family on their family launch, the Wakanui. Born in Auckland on 20 November 1954, Graeme was educated at Kings College, where he represented the school at swimming, was a house prefect, and squeezed in an A Bursary, before attending Auckland University where he graduated with both a B.Com and LLB. During this era Graeme spent hours at sea perfecting the art of keeping the ‘piedies’ afloat and his mates entertained. He became a dab trimmer and spent much of his leisure time throughout his life on the Hauraki Gulf. Graeme chose to pursue Accounting rather than Law, and did his apprenticeship 1978 – 1980 with Wilkinson Wilberfoss (now Ernst Young). OE to Britain and Europe followed.
While in London around 1981-82 Graeme did a stint as an auditor with Rawlinson & Hunter in London before embarking on the traditional journey with his mates around the Continent.
Long lasting friendships were cemented during his school and travel years, many of whom became professional clients of his. One of the special friendships he made in Europe was with Lee-Anne Jones, whom he subsequently married. On his return to Auckland around Christmas time 1983, Graeme connected with Ross Melville Bridgman & Co, where he had a long standing connection through his father, Nobby, who had been a client of Lew Ross for many years. Graeme was persuaded to join the firm and in 1985 he took up the responsibilities of being a Partner. During his career Graeme has embraced the challenge of the ever changing technology. From using a comptometer in his first job, through to the ‘paperless office’, he’s seen it all. He even gave in to using a cellphone! Lee-Anne and their daughters, Sarah and Emma, have enjoyed exciting and fun times with him and will miss him dearly. His jokes, his quirky sayings, his warmth and love are indelibly etched in their memories. His girls so appreciated his guidance; from not only about ‘life in general’, but also childhood friendships, career options and applying for jobs, through to ‘what to really worry about and what to leave’. They already miss the ‘gentle rhythm’ he provided to their family life. Tributes have poured into the PKF Ross Melville Auckland office with such simple one liners as “I just loved that man”; and the one that sums up so many others - “Of all the people I have met in business he would be amongst the best, probably the best, with his humour and willingness to help or to chat and show interest. Every time I spoke to him I was amazed at how easy and enjoyable it was to talk to him” Graeme’s untimely passing has left a huge void to fill, and thankfully, at PKF Ross Melville there is sufficient depth of talent to take up the challenge to service the many and varied needs of his diverse client base.

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