Letters to the Editor: Tasteful article pays tribute

TRAGICALLY TAKEN: Israel (Issy) Jack.

From myself (Issy's Dad) and many of our family, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the editor of the Rotorua Daily Post and his reporter Alison King for the full front page tribute to Issy (Israel James Jack) published on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

Issy was tragically killed on Te Ngae Rd in the early hours of Sunday, August 18.

The same picture of Issy you displayed to readers and anyone passing a newspaper stand to see was also the picture at the head of his casket in the Wharanui of Te Takinga Marae where he lay as so many of his family and friends grieved and paid tribute.

A newspaper was also sitting around for anyone to read.

With the top and bottom folded behind, the same newspaper still sits in a stand on the kitchen bench of an Aunty in clear view where family staying over or visiting, sit around chatting and drinking cups of tea.

The picture drew many around his age (20 years) to a sad yet tasteful article with a message that encouraged his peers to be careful and look out for one another when out socialising at night with friends.

It was special that his only sister and mother of his two beautiful nieces, who he lived with and loved so dearly, was asked nicely and therefore able to quote, for the article.

Issy is very much in the hearts and minds of many and we sincerely appreciate the way in which you have respectfully contributed to this.

Thank you for this wonderful tribute to Issy as it is also a tribute to you and the work you do in this community that from my perspective helps hold it together.

RENDALL JACK
Maranui, Wellington