Many family members and the wider community gathered at Makaurau Marae, to mourn the loss of the Waikato-Tainui, Te Kawerau-a-Maki, Te Ākitai, Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Māhanga descendant, who passed away yesterday in Auckland Hospital.
Te Rikawa Dallas Eru Tawha Thompson was an active, leader and strong member of his community who passed away too soon at the age of 63 years old.
Those are the words of his close family and friends.
He was also an acknowledged historian and tohunga of Waikato-Tainui, and was sought after throughout Tāmaki Makaurau for his sage advice, wisdom and knowledge.
His expertise led him to be part of the delegation that officially opened Māori Television, alongside with the mother of the Māori King Tuheitia, the late Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.
Eru Thompson will be laid to rest with his ancestors at Pūkaki Urupā on Saturday.