By Geoff Vause
Wairarapa hockey lost a highly-regarded player and coach recently, and the community lost a valuable team player and family man.
Paul Sargeant was farewelled yesterday at Clareville Hockey Pavilion by more than 400 people at a ceremony arranged by Rosewood Funeral Home and conducted by celebrant Graeme Burnard.
With Queen song You’re My Best Friend playing, Paul’s coffin was carried in by fellow hockey stalwarts Matt Spicer, Kerry Hare, John Presow with Rosie Davies and Stacey Puddy, and the eulogy was delivered by Greg Herrick.
Paul’s wife Wendy and children Lauren and Hayden were blessed by tributes from the wider hockey fraternity noting his skill as a player and ability as a coach and mentor.
Paul spoke well of everyone, and met challenges with a warm sense of humour.
In a fitting gesture, Paul was carried from the service by Hayden Sargeant, Tony Hodgkiss, John Esler, Shannon Herrick, John McLachlan and James Percy through a guard of honour created with raised hockey sticks.
It was a send off befitting the honor of Paul. See ya Sarge…