Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) is mourning the loss of a stalwart.
Mike Garner, who was managing director at PIC Insurance Brokers, died last Thursday after a short but courageous fight against cancer, the club said.
“Few people contribute to local sporting bodies in the manner the Mike Garner contributed to PURC, from his early playing days at the club in the ’80s and ’90s to his coaching days of the highly successful U85 Pythons and his multiple governance roles with in the committees and Board of Management of our club,” PURC said.
“As his career as a business owner in the insurance industry grew, so did Mike’s generosity towards many community-based clubs within our community, none more so than Pakuranga United Rugby Club.
“PIC Insurance Brokers has been our club-naming rights sponsor since 2019 and, just before Mike’s passing, signed a further term as our primary sponsor.
“Mike’s support of rugby in particular can be seen in his sponsorship of the Counties, Auckland and Waikato rugby unions and the Chiefs and Blues Super Rugby franchises.
“Our special thoughts go out to his wife Robyn, his children Daniel, Rachael and Kristen and the extended Garner whanau.”
A funeral service is to be held at the Pakuranga United Rugby Club on March 16 at 2pm.
