Key Takeaways
- Sir Tim Shadbolt, one of New Zealand’s longest-serving mayors, passed away at the age of 78
- A public funeral service was held in Invercargill to celebrate his life and legacy
- Sir Tim was remembered for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to listen to others
- He was a dedicated public servant, serving eight terms as Invercargill mayor and two terms as Waitematā mayor
- A private celebration and interment will be held at Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery after the service
Introduction to Sir Tim Shadbolt’s Funeral
Mourners gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the life of Sir Tim Shadbolt at a public funeral service in Invercargill. The service was held at the Civic Theatre, where friends, family, and community members came together to honor the life and legacy of one of New Zealand’s longest-serving mayors. Sir Tim, who passed away at the age of 78, served eight terms as Invercargill mayor and two terms as Waitematā mayor, leaving behind a lasting impact on the communities he served.
Remembering Sir Tim’s Kindness and Generosity
Pastor Graeme Pope, who oversaw the funeral proceedings, described Sir Tim as a "gift" to the community. He remembered Sir Tim as a sincerely enjoyable person who always had a kind word to share. According to Pastor Pope, Sir Tim was generous with his time, attention, and love, and was always willing to listen to others. This quality was echoed by Sir Tim’s eldest son, Robert, who said that his father’s ability to listen and connect with people was one of his greatest strengths. Robert noted that "today we come together to celebrate someone who really, really lived," highlighting Sir Tim’s full and vibrant life.
Sir Tim’s Life and Legacy
Sir Tim’s life was marked by his dedication to public service and his passion for making a difference in his community. His son Ben Shadbolt talked about his father’s concrete mixing business, and the pleasure Sir Tim got out of both his business and his activism. Ben noted that his father’s willingness to speak out and take a stand on issues he cared about allowed him to achieve great things. Cousin Tui Shadbolt described Sir Tim as someone who could "roll up his sleeves and make things happen," and noted that Invercargill became his cause. Sir Tim’s ability to mobilize people and bring them together to work towards a common goal was a hallmark of his leadership style.
Tributes and Celebrations
The funeral service was a celebration of Sir Tim’s life and legacy, with many speakers sharing stories and anecdotes about his kindness, generosity, and dedication to public service. Sir Tim was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to his community. After the service, a private celebration and interment will be held at Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery, where Sir Tim will be laid to rest. The public is invited to witness the funeral procession and line the streets in a final tribute to Sir Tim, and a celebration of his legacy will be held at the Ascot Park Hotel.
Conclusion and Final Tribute
The passing of Sir Tim Shadbolt is a significant loss for the community, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many contributions he made to his city and country. As mourners gathered to pay their respects and celebrate his life, it was clear that Sir Tim’s impact will be felt for generations to come. His kindness, generosity, and dedication to public service are an inspiration to us all, and his memory will continue to motivate and inspire others to make a positive difference in their communities. As the community comes together to bid farewell to Sir Tim, they also celebrate his life and legacy, and honor the lasting impact he had on the world around him.
