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‘True man of the community’
27th March 2023 The Gisborne Herald
Photo: Image supplied by Keepa Digital
Don Pearson’s wairua was “set free” in a moving paddle-out at his beloved Makorori Beach yesterday.
Around 100 surfers gathered at northern Makorori the day after the life of the surfing stalwart was celebrated at a funeral service at the House of Breakthrough.
Don died after suffering a medical event while surfing the previous weekend.
Tributes poured in over social media for a man described by Gisborne Boardriders Club as “an absolute legend and a true man of the community . . . a surfer, educator, photographer, supporter of both the great and the humble, and family man”.
Those involved in the paddle-out formed a circle. Inside the circle were some of Don’s direct family, Daniel and Moti Procter, who gave a karakia, and Gisborne Boardriders Club president Dan Croskery.
The ocean itself also spoke as currents reshaped the circle into what appeared to be a heart.
And in the sky above this poignant scene, a Tiger Moth, flown by Wayne Thomas, did a
special fly-over.
“I think we all did you proud,” a friend said in a Facebook tribute. “
“You would have had the best view through the widest lens, the brightest Hawaiian shirt on and the biggest bloody smile ever
. . . have fun sliding down the rainbow and surfing perfect waves.”
