Rolly ends long, dedicated tenure at Rotorua RSA

Rolly Rolston has devoted himself to the Rotorua RSA for 23 years and now it's time for a well-earned rest.

Mr Rolston will retire as manager/secretary on Tuesday, in his words "to sit back and smell the roses".

"The last three years have been stressful, particularly with the financial climate," he said. "I need to look after my health ... I am sad to go but I know I need to so I don't join the cemetery too soon!"

After 20 years in the army, Mr Rolston left when he was 36 and took up the RSA job.

"I planned to just do two years [at the RSA] but every time I went to move on something exciting happened, there was always some project to get on with."

He said his predecessor told him the hardest thing would be finding something to do every day.

"I am still waiting for that day," he laughed. "It's been 24/7, always on call."

Despite the stresses of recent years, Mr Rolston believes the 97-year-old Rotorua branch is in a good place, with 350 veterans and 410 service people. "We're in good heart, people are happy."

Mr Rolston said one of the most rewarding parts of his job had been helping veterans get welfare and war pensions they were entitled to.

He's also worked with young people at the youth remand centre and cadet forces and acted as guardian for members in rest homes.

Then there are the friendships - "it's like going to a party every day."

There have been downsides too. "The hard part is seeing so many people die. Probably 2000 RSA people have died since I have been here. I can go around and show you where they all used to sit."

Mr Rolston, who was awarded a Queen's Service Medal 11 years ago, said his only regret was not getting the RSA a new building.

In retirement he plans to "just enjoy life", spending time with family and making the most of his bach and fishing boat at Maketu.

RSA members and friends will farewell Mr Rolston at a morning tea on Tuesday.

"I will probably have a tear in my eye," he said. "I'm going to miss the place - I've been coming here every day for 23 years."

Mr Rolston said he wanted to thank the public for its generous support over the years.