Readers' views: Tributes flow for Robert Young

MEMORIES: Robert Young.PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua-based actor and director Robert Young, whose involvement in the Rotorua musical theatre scene goes back more than 40 years, died on Sunday night. Readers pay tribute to a talented man.

What a privilege, a once in a lifetime experience, to be associated with such a talented dancer, director/choreographer and true friend.

What a tragedy to lose such a talented man in the prime of his life.

He had so much more to give and so many more shows slotted in for 2014/15 and beyond.

Have many happy memories of Robert both on and off the stage.

The last production I was in was Miss Saigon. Will never forget the advice he gave me over 20 years ago: "Vera, if you are going to make a mistake, make it so good that everyone else will think they are wrong."

God bless dear Robert, you are now free of pain.

Rest in peace, love always.

VERA IBBETSON
Rotorua

Tributes to Robert Young from our readers on Facebook:

Much loved over here on the Gold Coast ... for his considerable contribution to the. Art and drama societies..RIP. - Kim Thomson

His unmatched work with the youth in performing arts. It was an honour to be in one of his shows, my son Max got to do two shows on stage and one show on sound with Robert. When he asked for help, people gave including the time he wanted extra men and asked Max and I ... my goodness, ME? lol it was a pleasure and a joy to be on stage in Miss Saigon with my son beside me ... Max and I got to know Robert in private as well. What a warm loving caring wonderful man ... thank you Robert, thank you for allowing us to get to know you ... I know you will be doing your next show with Rob Guest and others high above us. - Mike Baird

I helped with sound for various shows in Rotorua at the Civic Theatre and Rotorua Musical Theatre. I learnt a lot working with Robert, he was a talented professional. RIP - Yvonne Vincent

Robert Young gave me an opportunity to perform on stage, he lifted my confidence and proved that I could do it. A very sad loss for the musical theatre community R.I.P. Robert. My thoughts are with John. - Diane Gray