The cheeky boy from Ohinemutu who grew up in the Ureweras and went on to become one of New Zealand's most loved entertainers probably has a smile on his face.
Sir Howard Morrison's nephew and whanau spokesman, Hollywood actor Temuera Morrison, said his uncle would have been happy to have
been at his home when he passed away yesterday morning.
"Apparently he went peacefully this morning in his bed, in his house in our beautiful village right here," he said.
"I'm sure he's got a little smile on his face that he happened to be here at home."
Heavy rain bucketed down on Ohinemutu through much of yesterday.
Some whanau members said this was a tohu, or a sign, of their uncle's passing. Others spoke of a "surreal mist" that covered their village.
"Maybe he hopped on that mist and started his venture over his waters of Mokoia Island and Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe and started his journey," said Morrison.
In the township, stunned locals still could not quite believe their most famous son had gone.
Aya Duray, who has lived in Rotorua for nearly 40 years, said Sir Howard's death was "totally unexpected".
"It was sudden. He was such an entertainer so it is a sad loss not only for Rotorua but New Zealand."
The Herald also came across a busker in the township singing songs "for the memory of Sir Howard".
Rotorua pharmacist and good friend to Sir Howard Ian Edward said the crooner had been living on "borrowed time" but was still practising his songs.
He said Sir Howard had recently sung at the local RSA to raise funds for his church and was planning a tour in Hawkes Bay over summer.
"I miss him already. If he was of this generation he would have become an international star, there's no question about it."
Temuera Morrison could not confirm who was likely to attend Sir Howard's funeral although he had no doubt the singer's send-off would be a big one.
"Who knows, it could be a tangi show or something...he would probably jump up and say 'hey you guys are all flat'.
Sir Howard's cousin Monty Morrison said the people of Te Arawa were preparing for the tangi, which begins this morning after his body is brought on to Te Papaiouru marae at 10am.
"For Te Arawa to have one of its own knighted is a huge honour and Te Arawa would want to respond," he said.
The tangi will continue until Tuesday when Sir Howard is taken to Kauae cemetery near Ngongotaha.
Sir Howard Morrison inside Tamatekapua last year. Photo / Alan Gibson
The cheeky boy from Ohinemutu who grew up in the Ureweras and went on to become one of New Zealand's most loved entertainers probably has a smile on his face.
Sir Howard Morrison's nephew and whanau spokesman, Hollywood actor Temuera Morrison, said his uncle would have been happy to have
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.