A life of service: Vale Rob Head
by Deb Fox | Wycliffe Today Autumn 2025 |
Robert Head 31/05/1937 – 14/12/2024
Rob Head dedicated his life to serving Jesus. Rob and his wife, June, spent over 60 years in translation work with the Kaugel people in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea – a group with around 50,000 speakers. Despite ongoing illness and tough living conditions, Rob and June were committed to their calling. They joined Wycliffe Australia in 1962, serving in various roles in Ukarumpa including Regional Area Director, Branch Treasurer and Secretary.
Along with Kaugel speakers, the Heads translated the first two dialects of the Kaugel New Testament which were dedicated in 1995. This was followed by a third in 1999, as well as other resources such as a hymn book and dictionary. In 2008, the Heads were encouraged to retire but they continued with remote assignments in Melbourne and regular trips back to PNG to complete the full Kaugel Bible translations. After June passed away in 2013, Rob continued returning to the Kaugel language area and made his last trip to PNG in July of last year, at the age of 87. In his last few years, he was producing and distributing the New Testament in audio format using MegaVoice devices.
Rob was farewelled on 23 January at All Saints Anglican in Upwey. During the service, one of Rob’s younger brothers, David, said:
‘What does a linguist do in his retirement? We know now that Rob had no intention of retiring – he died with his boots on, still in service for his Lord. I always felt honoured and blessed to call Robert Head my brother.’
Rob’s daughter Nola said that life with her dad was always full of adventure:
Not many people can say their dad fought off machete-wielding bandits with a torch, or translated an entire Bible into a previously unknown language. He built 2 houses in very primitive conditions and always drove the family safely through treacherous conditions. He would fix cars, pull teeth, stitch people up, pull arrows out of people, create an alphabet, teach illiterate people to read, build fences, distribute rice, and was there for people no matter what. He lived a life exemplified by kindness to others.
Rumbai is one of Rob’s closest friends who has been helping him learn the Kaugel language. He shared:
We miss one of the greatest missionaries, linguists and translators that we could have ever met. We honour and salute his many years of hard work and dedication. We wish to send our gratitude to Wycliffe Australia, the churches and supporters who helped Rob in his work.
Wycliffe Australia’s CEO Max Sahl was a neighbour of Rob’s in Ukarumpa. He shares:
Rob was a man of few words but when he spoke, you listened. He was a wonderful example of serving our God all the days of our lives. Surely Rob will hear the words ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’. We are so blessed to have known Rob and to learn from his example.
Thanks for your patience...