Kerre Woodham: A good knight, Sir Paul

11:30 AM Sunday Jan 20, 2013

Wife, lover and friend: Sir Paul Holmes' wife has stood by him. Photo / NZ Herald

It was bittersweet watching Sir Paul Holmes receive his knighthood at his home in Hawke's Bay this week.

You know that if the Governor-General is willing to have the ceremony moved forward, and if he pays a house call, things are pretty serious for New Zealand's most talented broadcaster.

As Paul - oops, Sir Paul - said himself, he doesn't think Houdini's gonna do it this time.

It's well-known that Sir Paul has stared death in the face a number of times. On each of those occasions, he's managed to charm and cajole the Grim Reaper into giving him a few more years.

He has been given reprieve after reprieve, but now it looks like it's only a matter of time before the Grim Reaper has come to collect his dues.

Sir Paul will not die wondering. He lived honestly and with courage and with spirit. His place in broadcasting history is secure. His curiosity and his intelligence, his empathy for people and his quick wit made him one of a kind. None of us will see the likes of him again.

He has loved fiercely and that love has seen his wife, his family and his many, many friends stand by his side through the good times and the bad.

His fierce and unwavering love helped his beautiful, talented daughter battle her demons and emerge triumphant.

His life has been a phenomenal success, personally and professionally. I am privileged to know him and proud to call him a friend.

By Kerre McIvor

- Herald on Sunday

Barry Eastwood (Epsom) | 11:20AM Monday, 21 Jan 2013

Good on you Kerre. Very nicely said.

This is a perfect example for the return of the titular honours system. "Sir Paul Holmes" is so appropriate.

Des Cowie (New Zealand) | 11:20AM Monday, 21 Jan 2013

A small man on a large stage, who became a hero to all those who aspire within the media industry. I doubt that his smoking habits, self promotion and parental skills, set standards to which the rest of us would be so admiring.

Ken Blakie () | 11:20AM Monday, 21 Jan 2013

We have been so lucky to have had this man set the bar so high in the standard of journalism and TV presentation. It is hoped that others can aspire to reach his standards and move on from the purile nonsense so often now seen on our screens masqerading as news or current affairs. Thank you Sir Paul. God bless you.

Ken Blakie
Paihia