58
EG 19/2022
Obituaries
Robert Anthony Peacocke (Bob) CMEngNZ
Bruce Henry Williams CMEngNZ CPEng
1942–2022
1940–2022
Bob Peacocke CMEngNZ has been described as “truly one of the industry greats”. After attending several primary schools in Auckland and Waikato, then St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, Bob studied engineering at the University of Canterbury, graduating in 1966. He also joined Te Ao Rangahau that year, and went on to become a Life Member. His early roles were with the Ministry of Works in Wellington and Tongariro, followed by projects at Tiwai Point, Kinleith and Hamilton, where he was Area Manager for Hawkins Construction. His career included working overseas in Dubai, Australia and Western Samoa, focusing on many differing facets of civil engineering and project management, with management a key strength. Bob was also involved in a range of governance work and was a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand. His contribution to engineering is summed up by a close colleague: “He was principled, firm but fair, technically competent, a good communicator and a successful engineering practitioner.”
Born in Greymouth, Bruce Henry Williams CMEngNZ CPEng moved to Christchurch before starting school. He studied engineering at the University of Canterbury and began work at Christchurch City Council, where he stayed for about 10 years. His major project there was the Lichfield Street car park which remained after the earthquakes. Bruce studied transport engineering in Australia before moving to Palmerston North, then to Hastings to work for the council’s roading and engineering department. In the early 1980s he joined architects Len Hoogerbrug and Paris Magdalinos, creating multidiscliplinary firm Hoogerbrug Magdalinos and Williams. When the partnership dissolved later that decade, Bruce became a sole practitioner, with both his former partners as clients. He became a “go to” person for many architects, designers, contractors and private clients as well as the transport fabricators. He has been described as a talented, dedicated engineer, a gentleman, and friend to many.