An airhorn sounded and "play ball" was called as the well-loved Makoura College teacher known as "Toko" was farewelled at South Park yesterday.
Hundreds of students, teachers and parents, and the children whom he coached in various sports, gathered on the softball diamond to pay their respects to 49-year-old Tyrone Tokorangi
Winiata with people crowding bleachers, temporary seats and dugouts.
His casket adorned in feather cloaks and lying at home plate, an "umpire" started the service by sounding an airhorn and dusting the plate. The service was held at the softball diamond, home of the Giants, whose under-13 boys team he co-coached and managed, as well as being their van driver and first-aid man.
Mr Winiata's brother Uma Winiata said he was moved by the large turn out, which showed how much of an "icon" Toko had become in Masterton sporting circles.
"Any longer and we might have had a new mayor in town."
He said Toko's partner Lesley Forrest had looked after his brother well.
"She filled his heart and she was his heart ... We can put him down and know he's looked after well by his friends and family."
Among those who turned up were many Makoura College students who came to say goodbye to a teacher who had been sports co-ordinator at Makoura since 1999, with students from Masterton Intermediate singing a waiata.
Struggling with emotion, Mr Winiata's nephew said his uncle was inspirational.
"He always wanted for you to be all you can be ... and you can honour him by taking up that challenge.
"He is really going to be missed, I know he is, and I miss him already."
Mr Winiata died suddenly last week at Queen Elizabeth Park after the finish of a Wairarapa inter-collegiate athletics day at Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, where he had been acting as team manager for Makoura athletes.
He was found a short distance from the field by a teacher and several students who had gone looking for him.
A private cremation followed his service, with a large reception at Makoura College.
