Humble, kind war veteran dies
A 100-year-old war veteran who served in World War II has passed away.
Albert George Te Artirau Asher died after a short illness at Auckland City Hospital on May 19 and his funeral was held at the Titirangi RSA on May 24.
About 100 friends and family members gathered to send Asher on his final journey to Waikumete Cemetery.
Albert Asher was the son of Arapeta Paurini Wharepapa Asher, the trailblazing Maori All Black who represented New Zealand in rugby union and rugby league.
He was of Te Arawa, of Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Pukenga descent.
Albert Asher served in England, Syria, Egypt, Greece and Tunis during World War II.
In 1943 after he returned from the war, he married Elizabeth Asher whom he called ‘‘the love of his life’’.
The couple had three children Geoff Asher, Margaret Asher and a son Sterling Asher who passed away shortly after birth.
In an interview last year Albert Asher credited the army for making him a ‘‘better’’ man.
‘‘The army has given me everything. I was very lucky. I used to be shy, but I became a much better person by the end of my time with them.’’
He had two children, eight grandchildren, eighteen great-granchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
The funeral began with a welcome and reading from the Bible by Pastor Tai Taua.
He then read a eulogy on behalf of Albert Asher’s children, Geoff and Margaret Asher. Geoff Asher said his father was the toughest man he knew. But he said his funeral was a ‘celebration’ of his life.
‘‘It was not a sad occasion, it was good to see so many people to say goodbye to him,’’ he said.
Two of Albert Asher’s caregivers also attended his funeral – Shirley Bates and Alisi Valu.
’’He was a great man. He was very humble and wise,’’ Bates said.
Bates said he had a great sense of humour and she still remembered the last time he say goodbye to her.
‘‘He told me ‘alright dear I won’t hold you up anymore in the house of moans’,’’ she said.
Valu said he was an ‘‘incredibly kind’’ man. ‘‘I had forgotten my umbrella one day and he told me to take his. He said ‘it’s sad for me to see you getting wet’.’’