Former Howickian and successful children’s book author Gavin Gosney has passed away.
A death notice in the NZ Herald states he died peacefully at his home in Taumarunui, in the central North Island, on July 18.
His funeral was held at the Taumarunui Funeral Services Chapel on July 25
Gavin will be known to many as the talented author of the Sammy Two Shoes series of self-published children’s books.
They tell fun and entertaining stories about the fictional version of the Gosney family’s pet cat Sammy and his adventures with a cast of colourful characters.
They’re aimed at readers aged three to seven years and set in east Auckland.
Gavin was a regular stall holder at the Classy Crafts market in Howick for many years, the host of the popular weekly The Gavvy Gav Show on Howick Village Radio and in recent years a DJ on www.radiowavenz.com.
Local author Marilyn J Bakker has marketed Gavin’s books at Classy Crafts in recent years and will continue to do so.
Howick businessman Wally Rice describes Gavin as a “popular author, radio DJ and a local identity for many years”.
“He will be remembered for his witty humour and larger-than-life personality,” he says.
“This was reflected in the delightful characters and stories he created inspired by his house cat which he named Sammy Two Shoes in his series of books.
“Gavin’s legacy lives on through his writing and through the many people whose lives he touched.
“Howick Village salutes you Gavvy Gav!”
Another east Auckland community stalwart also recently passed away.
Stan Seagar, a former principal at Pakuranga College, died peacefully on July 19. He was 93.
Mr Seagar was deputy principal from 1968 to 1977 and then became the school’s third principal from 1978 to 1987, following the retirement of Ernie Rive.
He immediately preceded Ms Pamela Stone, who commented, “I was honoured to have followed such a fine principal. Stan was a man of outstanding integrity and this was very evident in the school he handed on.
“Indeed, it was the kind of school which Stan ran that attracted me to the position: high academic standards, excellent discipline and a very inclusive and caring environment.”
His son Ross said, “The school was a major part of Dad’s life and following his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed following its progress and growth.”
Son John told the Times, “He took particular interest in the cultural life of the school and also took huge delight that one of the blocks was named after him.”
Mr Seagar’s funeral service is to be held this Saturday July 31 at St John’s Cooperating Parish Church, 245 Bucklands Beach Road at 1pm.
