Black Cap Jimmy Neesham pays tribute to high school coach David Gordon, who died during World Cup final

Former Auckland Grammar teacher and coach to Black Cap Jimmy Neesham passed away during New Zealand's thrilling Cricket World Cup final against England. Photo / Supplied

Former cricket coach David Gordon drew his last breath on Monday morning, just moments after protege Black Cap Jimmy Neesham belted a six into the stands during the Cricket World Cup final's thrilling climax.

Gordon's daughters Leonie Gordon and Kimberley Allan had earlier joked that their seriously ill dad would be sure to stick around long enough catch the big game.

And sure enough, it was not until New Zealand began batting in the Super Over in a bid to end the deadlock with England that Gordon's breathing began to change.

Former Auckland Grammar teacher and coach to Black Cap Jimmy Neesham passed away during New Zealand's thrilling Cricket World Cup final against England. Photo / Supplied

"Then Jimmy hit that big six in the Super Over and Dad just stopped breathing," Leonie Gordon said.

She said that while Gordon had been lying unconscious throughout the game, it felt like he had been "channelling" the cricket in some way.

Neesham today tweeted his praise for Gordon as a high school teacher, coach and friend.

"Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you," Neesham said.

Gordon coached Neesham, fellow Black Cap Lockie Ferguson and numerous other high school students during his more than 25-years as a teacher and cricket and hockey coach at Auckland Grammar.

Many of these students sent heartwarming messages to Gordon's family in the days since his death.

One letter from five former students and members of Auckland Grammar's undefeated 1999/2000 cricket team told how Gordon had a "positive and lasting impact" on them.

Dave Gordon, my High School teacher, coach and friend. Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you. How appropriate you held on until just after such a match. Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 17, 2019

"Through his unorthodox methods and flair for the dramatic ... he made us laugh, built lasting camaraderie, taught us about respect and gave us belief in ourselves," the letter said.

Among Gordon's many tricks to draw a laugh was to lay flowers before a match to mark the demise of the opposing team - a result that was never in doubt in his mind.

"Those influenced by Dave are now scattered all over the world, but five of us from his Grammar team of 1999/2000 are meeting in Melbourne on Boxing Day to watch the New Zealand versus Australia Test Match at the MCG," the letter said.

"And a couple of his more successful cricketing charges [Neesham and Ferguson] may well be playing."

The former students said they will remember Gordon in the years to come as a true gentleman, who could often be seen chewing on his pipe and with a glint in his eye.

Leonie Gordon said her dad was a very passionate and loyal teacher and mentor, who loved to see the boys develop into happy young men.

Thanks Jimmy, my sister and I were with Dad at the end, cheering for you and the team. He was so proud of you!

— Leonie Gordon (@Leonie_Gordon) July 17, 2019

He first went to Auckland Grammar as a student and later loved teaching at the school so much that he continued working part-time until the age of 70.

He only became seriously ill in the past five weeks, having suffered a heart failure. After being cared for at home, he was then rushed to hospital last Friday, before hanging on to life until just moments before the end of the World Cup final.

"He didn't see us not win - because we don't like to call it losing - but he would have been have been so proud of those boys," Leonie Gordon said.

Neesham tweeted that it was appropriate that Gordon had held on until the match.

"Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP."