The wife of the second firefighter who was fatally injured in a slip in Muriwai has paid tribute to him at his funeral today, saying he was his sons’ “ultimate hero”.
Craig Stevens, 39, succumbed to his injuries in hospital days after the slip. His funeral is being held at Parihoa Farm in Muriwai, the same venue where his colleague was farewelled last week.
Stevens and his colleague were digging a trench behind a woman’s home on Motutara Rd on Monday, February 13 to divert water and protect the property from flooding amid the onslaught of Cyclone Gabrielle.
As the pair worked, a giant slab of the hillside above them gave way - inundating the property with a mountain of sodden mud and debris.
Stevens was rescued and taken to hospital in critical condition. The body of colleague Dave van Zwanenberg was pulled from the wreckage two days later.
Stevens’ widow, Lucy Stevens, thanked everyone for the support her family had received over the past few weeks.
”Craig, you exploded into my life 17 years ago. I instantly knew there was something special, you had an incredible energy.”
She was interrupted by her son as she held him in her arms: “Yeah,” he said.
The pair met in South Africa and travelled for their five-month honeymoon before settling in Muriwai.
”We would often stand on our deck looking at the sea, talking about how we couldn’t believe we were living our dream.
”I was so proud when you joined the fire service. You were the ultimate adrenaline junkie and you loved rushing out of the house every time you got a call out.
”You were the boys’ ultimate hero,” she said.
”You were always so special to me, but I’ve been blown away by stories I hear from others.
”Life will never be the same without you by our sides, but your spirit will always be with us and with the boys. Love you Craig.”
The Chief of the Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade said he never expected to stand at Stevens’ funeral and farewell him.
”I first met Craig when I was invited to a party on Domain Crescent. My first impression of him was that he was a quiet guy who was very welcoming. Well, that is not my impression now.
”Craig had a confident charisma. He was always keen to get into it, whether it was dropping into the surf, or throwing himself into the air on his beloved BMX.
”Craig was a busy guy, but he would always make time.”
He spoke about his and Stevens’ firefighter training in 2018 - saying Craig took on any challenge with gusto.
”Craig loved being part of the fire service and was serving his community to the end. He put his body on the line. This time, he didn’t come home smiling. But wherever he is, I know he’ll be looking down smiling.
”He was so loved and will be missed. [Kauri], your dad is a hero.”
Stevens’ best man, who travelled to attend the service from the United Kingdom, gave his deepest sympathies to his family.
”My utmost respect for the bravery and focus of what they must now go through.
”For someone like Craig, he could always do what he set himself out to do.
”All I can now say, we thank you for everything Craig, your effect on the world, the world that was lucky to know you. Thank you, my brother.”
Stevens’ oldest friend in New Zealand said, “here I am mate, talking to you once again”.
”Coming from overseas, neither of us had our families around when we arrived in New Zealand. But we found a loving community and great friends in Muriwai. They’re all standing here now, Craig.
”You were a great father and husband, always caring for your family and those around you.”
He shared memories of his and Steven’s surfing trips.
”Craig, my love goes to your mum, Maryane. You are a fantastic woman. Your resilience and strength is incredible and you are a role model for us.
”Craig, you will be missed by all of us. Your powerful soul will be always with us. Now, ride free through the waves in the sky.
”We’ll be here for your family always, we won’t let you down.”
Stevens’ one true ability was his belief in himself, one of his friends said.
”I joked with [Stevens] that he made his firefighter training sound easy.
”Craig has left us in maybe the most Craig way possible.
”Craig, I’m going to miss you so much. You are a true hero. We’re all going to miss you.”
A local Murwai band played a song that Stevens had written for his own movie.
Earlier, about 20 BMX riders preceded three fire engines, the final one a vintage engine carrying Stevens into the Muriwai venue.
A line of people stood in front of surfboards as the engine-turned-hearse drove in.
Pallbearers from Fire and Emergency NZ carried Stevens’ casket before the crowd, before laying his firefighting helmet and draping a New Zealand flag over it.
“Today we gather to share our grief, mourn our loss, and celebrate the life of Craig Paul Stevens,” the service’s celebrant said.
”Craig’s service today will be a simple, heartfelt ceremony.
”This is a time of immense pain and disorientation for [Steven’s family], but you all though need some understanding of your own loss. And we all hope Craig’s memory stays with us all.
”We need to tell each other we remember Craig as the vibrant daredevil we remember him as.
”A true friend is someone on whom you can confidently rely to pull you through hard times, loyal, will not judge you for who you are, we never forget a true friend. That person who made an indelible mark on our lives.
”Craig was such a friend to so many people, including his family.”
Van Zwanenberg was remembered last week for his good humour, his authentic care, and his astronomic intelligence and supreme competence at anything he turned his hand to.
“You are irreplaceable”.
That was how van Zwanenberg’s widow farewelled her husband at a poignant service attended by hundreds.
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