Te Hira Leo Walter Savage

In Loving Memory of Te Hira Leo Walter Savage

07 September 1935 - 16 April 2017
Tēnā koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai.

This page has been created to honour and celebrate the life of Te Hira Leo Walter Savage.
A devoted husband, loving father, cherished Koro, proud great-Koro and a man whose greatest legacy lives on through his whānau.

Born into the proud lineage of Tūhoe and raised in Waiohau, Te Hira was one of thirteen children. Growing up in a large whānau helped shape the values he carried throughout his life. Family, loyalty, humility and standing by those he loved were at the centre of who he was.

A talented sportsman, Te Hira played rugby at a high level before injury brought that chapter of his sporting journey to an end. Determined to remain involved in the sporting world he loved, he turned his attention to softball, where his skill and dedication saw him represent New Zealand and later New South Wales in Australia. One of the highlights of his sporting career was representing New South Wales alongside his son, a first in Australian softball at the time and a proud achievement for both father and son.

Sport was woven throughout his life. Whether on the field, beside it or cheering from the sidelines it brought him joy, lifelong friendships and countless memories. It reflected the qualities that defined him: commitment, determination, humility and bringing people together.

By trade, Te Hira was a carpenter. Through his hard work and dedication, he built a life centred on family and created a strong foundation for future generations.

His beloved wife was Monterey "Monty" Savage, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and family.
Together they raised four children who became the centre of his world:

Stephanie Anne Mamo
Philip Wayne Savage
Michelle Amanda Nussbaum
Lindsay Francis Pudner
Their family grew into the legacy he was most proud of.

Ngā Mokopuna
Grandchildren

Stephanie and Joseph Mamo
• Courtenay
• Alexandria
Philip and Lorraine Macleod
• Shaun
• Jordan
Michelle and Darrin Nussbaum
• Bolton
• Caprice
Lindsay and Christopher Pudner
• Brianna
• Harrison

Ngā Mokopuna Tuarua
Great-Grandchildren

Jordan
• Posie
• Tiare
Bolton
• Roman
• Amari
Brianna
• Hunter
• Nylah
• Sulaiman
• Gabriel
Harrison
• Taine

Those who knew Te Hira will remember his presence, his laughter, his strength, his love of sport and the way he made people feel. They will remember the stories he shared, the friendships he cherished and the quiet ways he showed his love and pride for his
whānau. As long as his name is spoken, his stories are told and his descendants walk this world with pride in where they come from, Te Hira's legacy will never fade.

"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Moe mai rā, e Koro.
Rest peacefully. Your love lives on in every generation that follows.