Rugby referee dies on Christmas Day
A service celebrating his life was held in the Spotswood College Hall yesterday, with people urged to leave black at home and wear colour.
Taranaki rugby is mourning the loss of one of its longest-serving members, who died on Christmas Day.
William Angus Te Warihi ‘Gus’ Erueti, who was 70, passed away at home surrounded by his family.
He was coach and referee to hundreds of rugby and touch athletes in the Taranaki province and a familiar face at Spotswood College, where he was property manager.
A service celebrating his life was held in the Spotswood College Hall yesterday, with people urged to leave black at home and wear colour.
Ray Hopkinson, president of the Taranaki Rugby Referees’ Association, said Erueti always had a smile on his face.
‘‘He handled the young players very well,’’ Hopkinson said.
‘‘He was a gentleman and a hell of a nice guy.’’
Erueti, who was married to Sharon and had four daughters, joined the referees’ association in
1986, one year before Hopkinson. In
2016 he received a certificate from New Zealand Rugby in recognition of 30 years’ service. He was one of the province’s top morning grade referees and adjudicated at matches all around the province, including his ‘‘beloved Spotswood College sports ground’’, Hopkinson said. ‘‘He obviously played the game in his early years and had a good knowledge of the game and feel for the game.
‘‘He was a very likeable guy.’’ Hopkinson said he did not know details but Erueti had been ill for some time.
Tributes flowed on Facebook, with Taranaki Community Rugby saying their thoughts were with the family. ‘‘A great servant to our game, as a referee for 30 years and as a player and fan for longer.’’
Colleen Deegan wrote: ‘‘There are some gentlemen who touch our lives and will be remembered for longer than their living years on this earth. Angus is one of these great legends.’’
And Richard Kelly wrote that Erueti was ‘‘a top man’’.
‘‘I always enjoyed a rugby conversation with Angus.
‘‘He always had time for everyone.’’