Memorial service for Hayden Marshall-Inman, the guide who died in the White Island volcanic eruption. Photo / Ben Fraser
Memorial service for Hayden Marshall-Inman, the guide who died in the White Island volcanic eruption. Photo / Ben Fraser
Hayden Marshall-Inman was a crocodile-eating, sea-loving, family-centred friend and funcle (fun uncle) who lived life to the fullest and gave selflessly to those he loved and those he had never met.
At a celebration of life for the 40-year-old Whakaari/White Island tour guide in Whakatāne today, hundreds of people crammedinto three spaces of the Baptist Church to hear stories about a man whose body is yet to be returned after the December 9 eruption.
As part of thanking a number of people and organisations involved in the aftermath of the eruption, Inman paid tribute to the helicopter pilots who flew out to White Island.
"To Tom, Mark and Jase, from Kahu, our first responders and our true heroes, we will be forever grateful for your efforts and for the compassion shown by saving lives and respecting the people on Whakaari – especially Hayden and Tipene."
Inman said the Inman and Maangi families now shared a common bond over the loss of their two loved ones who gave their lives in order to save others.
Speaking at the service on behalf of the Maangi family, Rawiri Waititi acknowledged the connection between the two families and said he hoped Hayden would turn up on the East Cape.
Tears and hugs flowed at a celebration of Hayden Marshall-Inman's life in Whakatāne. Photo / Ben Fraser
"There is a saying 'finders keepers', and we will keep him close before returning him to his whānau," Waititi said.
Kahu NZ helicopter pilot Tom Storey said Marshall-Inman and fellow guide Tipene Maangi died as heroes.
"It was until much later that night I remember the gas masks and water on the ground and surrounding the first five people we put into the heli," Storey said. "They were there because Hayden and Tipene put others before themselves as they tried to save lives."
Inman described his brother as a passionate man who lived every moment like it was his last. His smile, sense of adventure and willingness to do anything. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who would need it. He touched so many hearts around the world, he said.
There were many stories about Marshall-Inman's time spent every New Zealand winter at Camp America, and the thousands of young lives he influenced as a senior staff member.
One of the most poignant came from a close friend who spoke of Marshall-Inman's affinity with children, especially disadvantaged children. He said his friend's long-time dream was to set up a New Zealand version of Camp America in this country.
"Perhaps this is something we, his family and friends, can turn into a reality," the friend said.
We love you my man, we know you'll be the last man off that island. Kia Kaha - you've done New Zealand proud.
Inman had those gathered laughing when talking about his brother's mutton-chop sideburns, his ability to befriend all and having a lady in every port.
"Only recently, and after a conversation with a close friend of his, did it dawn on me why he never settled down. She explained it was because of his love for his nieces and nephews that pulled him around the world, and that he was happier playing Lego than chasing girls."
Inman's daughter and Marshall-Inman's niece Bailey said he "was the best uncle anyone could ask for".
"We went on so many adventures together. Last year he took me to Canada for my birthday. He always made me feel loved and he always encouraged those around him.
"My uncle was fearless, he was superman in so many ways."
Inman described his brother as a gentle soul who gave so much when he had so little.
Many people wore sports shirts at a celebration of Hayden Marshall-Inman's life in Whakatāne. Photo / Ben Fraser
"We have only found out he was a member of the IHC smiles club and regularly donated to them. He also sponsored an IHC Heart Award and also left $5 every week at the Ohope Four Square as a pay-it-forward gesture."
Inman talked about his brother's passion for rugby, international travel and the Tarawera Falls.
Through tears, Inman said if you asked his brother who his true rugby hero was, he would say his nephew Liam. "He rarely missed a game."
Inman said Whakaari had always held a special place in the hearts of his family.
"Our Dad crewed for four years and I proposed to my wife out there. Hayden had the utmost respect for Whakaari, His passion was shared with over 20,000 visitors each year over 10 years and over 1111 trips.
"Dad just said the other night he couldn't be more proud of Hayden and how he had touched so many hearts. What better way to lose a son than as a hero and now as guardian of Whakaari.
"We love you my man, we know you'll be the last man off that island. Kia kaha - you've done New Zealand proud."
Inman's mother, work colleague Paul Kingi, and another friend also spoke at the service.
A karakia was shared and Ngāti Awa staff sung a waiata before the service concluded.
