Taneatua mourns local hero - A mighty Totara has fallen
An eastern bay community is in mourning following the loss of a local hero.
The community of Taneatua is in mourning after the death of local leader, koro, and principle Rob Shaw. Mr Shaw, 71, passed away on Sunday morning at Whakatane hospital following a stroke.
Described as a silent hero, a man of his community Mr Shaw served as the principal of Taneatua School for the past 16 years and gave 52 years involvement to Whakatane and Rangitaiki Tai Mitchell junior rugby teams. This year he was also honoured with a local heroes medal for his outstanding services and contribution to the Taneatua community.
Mr Shaw has been described as having a heart of gold for anyone that needed a helping hand, mentoring and shaping many children who have come from troubled homes and backgrounds. Kiwis captain Benji Marshall was among those whom Shaw has mentored
Life was not always smelling of roses. Shaw had known heartache, too. He lost his son Greg who drowned while surfing during Cyclone Ivy in 2004 and last year his 17-year-old whangai son Hugh Biddle was killed when a landslide engulfed their home at Ohope.
Yet for all that he kept going strong - helping his community and those that needed that extra helping hand.
His death has come as a shock to the community of Taneatua and residents say he will be greatly missed by all.
"I just want to say you look happy koro, happy to be with your boys. But it hurts to see you go. "says a former student.
Tribute messages on social networking sites have described Mr Shaw as a great man and say a mighty Totara tree has fallen.
A post on Facebook by a former student said. "You truly will be missed Sir, LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER! thanks for being the best ever! always there when anyone needed you!"
And this post by a former team player coached by Mr Shaw said. "He always treated us like we were his own in every way on and off the field and you could always go to him for anything and he would welcome you with open arms and had a heart of gold,he was more than just a manager,a mentor,a role model..MOE MAI RA E ROB,MA TE ATUA KOE E MANAAKI.AROHANUI.."
Mr Shaw's body will lie instate at Rewarewa Marae until Wednesday when a public funeral service is planned in Whakatane.