-
Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
View Photos
-
Related
Sir Howard Morrison has been laid to rest, buried alongside his whanau in Kauae Cemetery, after a funeral service and procession through Rotorua.
In keeping with his family's wishes the funeral was a celebration of the entertainer's life.
Sir Howard, acclaimed by some as New Zealand's greatest entertainer died on Thursday, aged 74, at his Ohinemutu home on the shore of Lake Rotorua.
Members of Ngati Whakaue, Sir Howard's hapu of Te Arawa, created a festival-like atmosphere, singing in welcome as thousands moved on to Ohinemutu's Te Papa-i-Ouru marae where the service was held.
As the bell rang to mark the start of the service, Te Arawa kaumatua Pihopa Kingi noted that it was the last bell to toll for Sir Howard.
One of three officiating clergy, the Reverend Tom Poata, Vicar of Ohinemutu's St Faith's Church, said Sir Howard was a man who broke down boundaries.
Accompanied by a rousing haka as she moved to the lectern, Sir Howard's daughter Donna Grant says the family had had the support of a man of experience, character, personality and charisma.
"That was my father."
She says he would have wanted the day to be televised for Aotearoa - "the nation and people he loved and the people who loved him."
"What a proud moment to say "my dad"...celebrating the kaleidoscope of experiences, of character, of personality and charisma that is my father," she said.
Her husband, Anaru Grant, a police iwi liaison officer and former member of Sir Howard's Tu Tangata programme, paid tribute to his mother-in-law Kuia, Lady Morrison.
"She is a superb example of a wife."
Representing the Government, Acting Prime Minister Bill English described Sir Howard as a great and unique New Zealander, known nationally and internationally for his graciousness.
"It is with his whanau's generosity and support that he is now able to soar with the wind beneath his wings."
"He wasn't a celebrity who came and went, he knew this country and its people because he travelled the length and breadth of it for decades. He was comfortable with us," said English.
At the conclusion of the service Sir Howard's casket was carried to St Faith's where family members and close friends joined in prayer for him.
His sisters Judy Tapsell, Rene Mitchell and Linda Morrison sang one of his favourite numbers, Shenandoah, before he was taken to a hearse for a final drive through city streets lined with those who had come to say their own farewells.
The road leading the several kilometres to the Kaue cemetery at nearby Ngongotaha was also packed with wellwishers.
Sir Howard has been buried beside his parents and other close whanau.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentDerekWilliams said on 2011-03-29 @ 21:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
Fond memories of a great artist. I played keyboards for Sir Howard on his New Zealand tour when he was Television New Zealand's Entertainer of the Year in 1982. He always filled the stage with his charismatic personality and fine performances, before large and devoted audiences the length and breadth of the country. Always quick with the quips, Howard dubbed me the "albino Maori" as the only Pakeha in his otherwise all Maori band. Rest in Peace Howard.
tisshy said on 2009-11-12 @ 17:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
i remember howard morrison many years ago i think it was late 80s he rode his horse past us in whau valley whangarei. what a treat the kids loved seeing him so proud on this horse.will be sadly missed.
abypter said on 2009-10-13 @ 23:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
Sir Howard Morrison is my favorite singer,i feel very sad to heard his death news. Force Factor
scrubbuzz said on 2009-10-12 @ 14:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Weve lost some truly great souls over the last months. Howard Morrison had his final curtain call and his send off became a national event. His talent as a singer was in some way eclipsed by his greater ability to cross cultural boundaries, bringing people and cultures together through his art.. http://tiny.cc/XhQqP
flamescookie said on 2009-09-30 @ 13:11 NZDT: Report abusive post
Just wanted to say I remember our trip to Spain, to the world expo, I was with the marching team, I was prviileged enough to travel with Sir Howard and his kapahaka group, my thoughts and sympathy is with you all, he was truly a taonga of NZ, one of the greatest icons of NZ, we r privelged to hav had Sir Howard touch us the way he did...may his music and inspiration live on forever xoxoxo