‘True man of the community’

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.