Well respected community member and businessman, Robert Nomchong passed away on 6th June and a funeral was held at St Bede's Church Braidwood. The following eulogy was given by Narelle Bunn. 

I would like to welcome you all on behalf of Mervyn, Sharon, Lawrence, Susanna, Ian, Edward, Louise and Ryder to celebrate Robert’s life. 

Robert passed away last Friday at his home maintaining his independence till the last. He was still gardening and even digging his own potatoes and had also planted an avocado tree, always the positive one, or maybe it was for Ed and Ryder, as they take a long time until they produce fruit. 

Robert was the second son of George and Wong Ho and brother to Thomas and his sister Liy all born in China. 

Robert and Thomas came to Australia as boys and went to school at St Pats in Goulburn, then returned to china where Robert married Helen Koyit Wing. 

Later Robert returned ti Braidwood and lived with the Aunts in their family home which was part of the Nomchong shop where he worked in the shop and at night studied a correspondence course in wireless and electrics and when he achieved this he bought and opened his business known as RJ Nomchong in Wallace Street. Ed still conducts the business today. 

Robert played tennis and attended APEX. He also drove the aunts around in their later life, but tended to have a bit of a heavy foot, once going airborne on their way to Canberra art the old bridge at Mulloon which made the Aunts say their rosaries quicker than usually as they were in the habit of saying the Rosary while travelling in the car. 

Robert’s eldest son Mervyn came to Australia and went to St Pats to attend school, but found the food very strange for a Chinese boy, was also homesick and didn’t speak much English, so Robert’s Aunty Pearl Shun Soo suggested he come to live with her ad go to school in Sydney, so at least the food would be more to his liking. 

Helen and Robert were still in China but finally Robert was able to have them both join him in Braidwood, where Lawrence finished his schooling and Robert and Helen were blessed with another son Ed, born in 1972.

Robert supported the football clubs and many causes and charities in the town over the years and was known to all in the district as Bob, and as testament to his good service his business is still a going concern today.

He and Helen were very proud of their boys and especially Ian their grandson. Ryder being the little grandson put a twinkle in his Pa’s eyes with a smile on his lips whenever they were together and brought such joy to Robert in these last years of his life. 

His father George and Mother Wong Ho, grandparents Chee Dock and Mary Nomchong would be proud of Bob’s accomplishments and the way he lived his life in Braidwood as a well-respected citizen of this community, as they themselves were in their time. 

Robert is at rest now with his faithful partner Helen who passed away 10 years ago. 

Rest in Peace Bob and may your journey to the next life be a good one and good fortune shine on you. 

Bob’s family ask you all to join them at the Services Club for refreshment after the service at the graveside is over. 

Thank you all for coming and your support at this sad time. 

Narelle Bunn