The first time we met Sam was on his wedding day and what an amazing day that was! Bex and I have been friends since primary school and have lived thousands of miles apart for most of our adult lives. To finally meet Sam, the man who was making my friend so happy was such a blessing. His humour, positivity and outlook on life was incredible and what an adventure he and Bex shared together. These tributes are a testament to the person Sam was. He will be sorely missed, but I hope he can now rest knowing that he lived his life to the very fullest with Bex by his side. Sending all our love to Bex and all of Sam’s family at this time. Thinking of you all. Love Penny and Gav xxx

Sam and I were close at high school. He was this loyal, solid pillar of friendship. He took me out of my worries by dropping f bombs, throwing paper at me in class and shoving me around. We had silly nicknames for each other, Butch and Pansy. He cracked me up constantly. I hadn’t seen as much of Sam as I would have liked after school. It’s been heart wrenching and inspirational watching him handle these last five years. I’m glad he had his beautiful wife by his side. You’re the man, Sam ❤️

The world is a little duller. Sam embodied life and fun and everything is a little less colourful. I loved seeing all the photos today at the service, his beautiful love story with Bex. Sam was a laugh, a wonderful colleague and universally loved. A tragic loss.

Sam had grown a rich life beyond his school days and we weren’t all that connected any more. But this week hit hard despite that lack and I was reminded how much of a champion he was. I loved my time as Sam’s friend and hockey team mate. He was a special dude. He probably took a bit of flack from the Spotty crew back in the day but he seemed to take it all in his stride with a big smile and laugh. He was an awesome goalie that I was proud to play alongside for Spotty and Taranaki. He has, and continues to be an inspiration from a far as to how to respond to adversity. This last week has been a great reminder for me to follow in his MO - to live life to the fullest and really embrace who you are and all that you love. Thank you for everything you’ve given Sam. I’m so glad he lived such a rich life.

I have such fond memories of playing hockey with Sam at Spotty. He never failed to make us laugh with his quick wit. He made the team what it was. Growing up with our two sisters being so close, it was great having Sam as an ally when they were being the annoying older sisters :) Thanks Sam Much love to all the family. Sam your light will be so missed.

Mr Keegan was my Year 11 geography teacher. I only picked geography because I had no other class i wanted to do and so it was kind of the last option. After afew lessons it shortly became one of my favourite classes because of Mr Keegan and his humour. His class was full of laughter and being there never failed to cheer me up. He always pushed us to do the best we could. I am horrible at geography and I failed probably every test throughout that year but Mr Keegan never stopped believing that I could pass just one test. I ended up passing the end of year geography exam. When Mr Keegan found out I actually passed the exam, he made it known to me that he was proud and I am so grateful for all of his support throughout that year. He was always so joyful and brought light into every room. I’ll never forget you Mr Keegan!

Sam, I knew you from uni and from working one summer holiday at The Warehouse and laugh at all all the mischief we caused there. I sit watching this celebration of your life from the office at the back of my classroom and know how much a teacher can matter to students. Sam, you meant a lot of things to a lot of people and it is a testament to you that there are a lot of students there to farewell to you. The rain is falling in New Plymouth to farewell such a good bugger.

Sam was an amazing teacher he made our Geo classes and Geo trips amazingly fun. It was an absolute pleasure knowing him in school, bantering with him about many different things and sometimes getting on his nerves. He cared a lot about the students in his class and I remember him waiting outside the exam hall for our last year 13 Geo exam to check in with how it all went. You will be missed and I will always look back on those last years in high school with fond memories. Thank you Sam for everything.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Sam’s whanau at this very sad time. Sam’s life has been cut far too short and all those who knew and loved him will be left with a big gap in their lives.

A Tribute to a Bloody Good Bloke Some people leave this world quietly. Then there are people like Sam — people who arrive, make an absolute bloody racket, have a laugh, get things done, and leave behind stories that will probably be told for years. He was a go-getter in every sense of the word. If there was something to be done, he was already halfway through doing it. He had that rare ability to turn an idea into action before the rest of us had even worked out what the idea was. He didn’t sit around waiting for life to happen — he went out and grabbed it by the balls. And then there was his humour. Bloody hell, his humour. He could make you laugh when you really shouldn’t be laughing. He had the kind of wit that could catch you completely off guard, and somehow he always seemed to have the perfect one-liner ready to go. Some of the things he said probably shouldn’t be repeated in public… and some definitely shouldn’t be repeated in front of the kids! But that was him. Authentic, cheeky, hilarious and completely himself. Cancer has a bloody lot to answer for. It has taken someone who had far more living to do, far more trouble to cause, far more laughs to share and, undoubtedly, far more questionable decisions to make. He was taken way too soon. There should have been more adventures. More beers. More laughs. More ridiculous stories. More moments where everyone around him shook their heads and thought, “Only he would do that.” And that’s what makes this so bloody hard. Because while we’re left with the sadness of losing him, we’re also incredibly lucky to have known him. Lucky to have laughed with him. Lucky to have experienced his humour, his determination and his larger-than-life personality. Lucky to call him my cousin. I hope wherever he is now, there’s a decent supply of whatever he liked, someone to argue with, and absolutely no bloody rules. And knowing him, he’s probably already causing trouble. So here’s to Sam. You fricken legend!

We could not have wished for a better son-in-law than you Sam. Your engaging smile, sense of humour, and enduring strength and determination in your long battle with cancer is borne out by the many comments and tributes we have seen already. Sam, you will be sorely missed and will always have a place in our hearts. Forever loved; forever family. Rest easy friend. Steve and Dawn.

Our love and thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. May Sam now rest in peace.

I went to UHC and had Sam as a teacher a few years back. He was the funniest man I knew, and I was always excited for class (which was rare for me lol). Keegan was a gem, he was so adored by everyone I knew, he had such a genuine care for the success of all the students. His work and ability to make connections with people is a skill I strive to have one day. After being out of high school for a few years, I look back and think of class with Keegan as one of my fondest memories. It was an honour to know such a wonderful man. Bless Mr Keegan and rest easy. Xx

Gill and Bernie, My heart goes out to support you at the news of Sam’s passing. May he rest in peace. God bless you all. Trish Wells

Sam, you introduced me to awesome Welly back in 2010. I arrived on my own to NZ and I’ve had never felt so welcome from you and so many others. From the great nights out, to showing me where to get good kicks, to just being an awesome, lovely guy. You and Bex then came to Dublin and I showed you my home town. Some people stay in your memories and you’ll be one of them Sam. I’m so sorry for your loss of such an amazing son, brother, husband and friend. Rest with all the legends up there Sam. Take care buddy.x

Thanks Sam for being the awesomest brother a brother could have. Yes, we fought like mad when growing up, but then somewhere along the way we became best mates. Sharing so much of our lives together, so many differences, but so many similarities. I'm going to miss our regular gaming days, which became more of a regular catch up rather than just playing. Ha, and I know how much you hated that you couldn't bait me when playing with Golf With Your Friends. I will yield to your superior putting skills however!