Ben TAWHITI Obituary

Forever you will be remembered for your music and the great man that you were. No words could ever explain what you meant to everyone who knew and loved you. Be at peace with your loved ones in heaven. Love you forever and for aways. Kushla Pakaru.xxxooo

To my Daddy,

It's not been easy to say the least as I'm missing you like crazy but am comforted knowing that you are finally in the loving arms of Mum, Amelia and Doug. They've been waiting for such a longtime - you are indeed in paradise and finally at rest - but selfishly taken way too soon for my liking....

I'm not deleting your number off my phone just yet! I miss that I could ring you if ever I had a problem (or needed some $$!!) and you'd pick up straight away and talk with me to help make it all better.

I miss telling you about the kids achievements and seeing your face light up eveytime. I miss hearing you tell them how proud you are of them.

I'm so grateful to Neville for throwing our "surprise wedding" at my 50th this year, me dressed as Alice in Wonderland and him an Anaethetist - it left you and everyone else totally shocked at what was happening, but you had a good laugh anyway! And when you came up to have your mihi and you both played the guitars and sang - I meant what I said " these are 2 of the most important men in my life right here".

Your legacy can never be replaced Dad. I see alot of your ways and thinking in our kids and I know that they will always acknowledge, honour and aspire just for you to achieve their best.

I have the biggest smile on my face right now knowing that you are up there embracing Mum and doing what you both do best - watching over us ~~
I love and miss you both xxxxxxxxxAlice

Hi pops just to let you know im missing you big time.It was sad to leave rangiwaea but you at home now.Thank you for being the best father and granddad and great popppa.Tell mum and them we miss you all but no that your all watching over us.Dont worry bout me its all over now tho i maybe blue ill manage some how you no the rest of the song.Love you always pops.Leone.

I'm so glad i got to say goodbye to you on your final day with us papa. It was so hard leaving you behind on Rangiwaea but I'm happy you're at home and the whanau on the island will take care of you at your final resting place :) I'm so happy I am one of your many mokos. You are the main reason I aspire to become more in music. Say hi to everyone Nan, aunty melia and uncle doug for us. I know one day we will meet again. I love you papa. I'll see you again soon xoxoxoxo

I'm so happy I got to say goodbye to you papa. It was so hard leaving you on Rangiwaea but I know you will be happy to be back there forever. I'm so happy that i am apart of this family and also being one of your grandchildren. You are the main reason I want to be something in music inspiring me with yours. Im so happy you are my grandfather. I'll always love you. I hope you, nan, aunty melia and uncle doug have found each other and i know you'll be watching over all of us every day. There hasn't been a day so far you haven't been on my mind.
I'm waiting for the day i get to see you again. I love you and i miss you every day <3

So many happy memories we have shared with you Poppa. In yours and Nans eyes we could never ever do anything wrong (which came in extra specially handy when our parents were mad!) loved cherished and safe is what you always made sure we were. Right until the last day you made sure to bring us all together whether in person telephone or Skype. Pineapple centre pieces, white singlets, amazing music, cool LOUD instruments, change for the spacies up the dairy, mean orange falcon...how could we ever forget those things. I know your with Nan, Mum , Uncle Doug and Uncle Reg eating the yummiest cakes , criticising those useless rugby players all the while sharing your extremely dumb but hilarious jokes! We love you always Poppa, we will all miss you everyday..Give Mum a kiss for us xxxx

I have known Ben for over 45 years. He was a friend, one of those many good people, who, through the generations,in their own quiet and unassuming way, really made a difference to others. There must be hundreds and hundreds of people that Ben gave a helping hand to who are really saddened by his passing. Ben never sought recognition but his contribution was immense. He was proud of the achievements of his family, proud of his culture and heritage and proud of his work at Lynfield College. He was a brilliant role model as a person with a fine set of values. He was a great musician; an expert in marae protocols and he generously gave his time to help less fortunate people who had lost their way. And for me, he was a kindly teacher. He taught me the cultural necessities for being the principal of a New Zealand school and he helped me provide a realistic educational setting for both Maori and pakeha and new immigrant students. I guess you and I won't be swapping sweet corn or trout or spuds any more but they were good days. Ben, Nyra, Sally and Haki and the rest of our family will really miss you. To us you are a taonga, a great New Zealander.

Dear Ben, thank you for taking care of and sharing your everlasting love with my best friend. Dearest Jane, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of the love of your life, albeit it late. Hugs and kisses to you and yours, and the extended whanau.

im glad you're back home in Rangiwaea, even though it was the hardest thing for me to do :( im proud to be one of your grandchildren. you're my inspiration .. im going to miss you so much, and i cant wait till we all come back and see you again <3 xxxx i love you poppa :')

Not one of us are strangers to the pain of loss but it stings us not, nor does it embitter us or render our emotions to drain us or disable us.
Such a Love does have that power to cripple us in our own lives.

Not this Love. Not your Love.

How powerfully important your presence in our lives?
How blessed we were to have you, so very precious.
When we most needed it, you have given so generously of your time.
You've supported us, loved us, helped us and celebrated with us.
We are richer for it.
We will never forget.
We love you.

How proud we are of you, and how proud we are to call you Uncle.

because how endless your compassion?
and how awesome your strength of character?
and how abundant your gifts and talent?
and how cunning your MasterPlan to reunite families and reconnect them with their roots
and how beautiful too – that you give to us extraordinary access to the many gifts from the past
there for us to unwrap, every one – and each other to share these gifts with.

May the power of our Uncle's will resonate in our thoughts and our lives
and may we each make the journey to reconnect in our time.

Rest in Peace Mr Tawhiti. Hugs and comfort to the family. From the Tofa family (ex-Te Atatu).

Haere ra Ben, may you rest in peace, and your family be comforted in their loss.
One of the most gifted musicians in our era. A real influence, and role model in the guitar world of the 50's-90s decades. Ros and I will miss your playing and humour.
Peter and Ros Johnston.

Dear Ben,We had lots of happy memories at the milford marina hotel were your band played and i worked.God Bless.
Dave Sharp

TAWHITI, Ben. One of our finest and most respected musicians. Past President of our Association, Ben will always be remembered. NZ. Hawaiian Steel Guitar Assn.

TAWHITI, Ben. Passed away 15 September 2012 at Waitakare Hospital. Dearly beloved brother of Mavis (deceased) and brother inlaw of Jack Koni (deceased). Much loved uncle and great uncle of Tina and Pauline and their children and grandchildren. 'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.' Funeral 11am at Rangiwaea Thursday 20th.

TAWHITI, Ben. Loving nephew of Uncle Louis and Auntie Maggie. Treasured memories as a person, Marion and Hank, Peter and Anne and their families and past nieces and nephews. Heap Arohanui with Daffodil, Bennie Ka-Kite- Ano.