Roger Lunt

William Roger Lunt 1935 – 2011, born in Rotorua, first trained as a Marine Engineer at the Devonport Naval base. Roger held a number of engineering roles over the years but spent the most part of his career (27 years) as an engineer for Fonterra (Previously Anchor) located at Kerepehi (not far from Thames); then later at the Fonterra Head Office in Hamilton as Chief Engineer consulting on the design of cool-stores and like facilities. 

Interestingly after retiring from Fonterra, Roger’s last career move was as a Driver Instructor, a role he held for some eight years around the streets of Hamilton. Roger’s interest in vintage vehicles started very early with him joining the Vintage Car Club in the late 50’s. He had a long interest in Austin’s but later acquired (and the family still have) a 1935 Packard 1202 seven seater formal sedan which by the way was once the Hamilton Mayoral car during the forties. This car was also previously owned by Alan Orr for a short while, later being restored by a Hamilton local, prior to Roger acquiring it.

Roger has been an active member of the VCC and Packard clubs for some time having travelled to Warren USA for the Packard Centennial and also taking part in the Packard Run held in Cambridge in 2004. Roger received his 50 year service award from the VCC in 2008. Some members may remember an article in the club's magazine regarding the Tucker....one of the many interests that captured Roger's eye.

Recently Roger and wife Colleen celebrated 50 years of marriage and to mark the celebration they went to Europe covering 11 countries in 3 months. In addition to the Packard sedan, Roger was also a keen motorbike enthusiast and a Jag enthusiast having three lovely Jags. He had acquired just recently a mid 70’s Cadillac Deville as well; this car having only been “VIC’d” about 6 months ago. Our thoughts go to wife Colleen, children David, Carl and Sue and seven grandchildren.

Theo de Leeuw