Touching tributes flow at ‘Hogan’s’ funeral

The funeral of New Zealand cricketing legend Martin Crowe took place in Auckland on Friday, with tributes from family and friends pouring in from around the world.
The service for 'Hogan', a nickname apparently based on his childhood love for TV show Hogan's Heroes, was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral, and was partly led by his brother Jeff Crowe, who is known for his job as an ICC match referee.
Along with the actor Russell Crowe, a cousin of the brothers, Martin's wife Lorraine Downes also spoke, as did former New Zealand player Ian Smith, who delivered the eulogy to the man who passed away at age 53 after a battle with cancer.
Jeff Crowe was the first speaker, and he said of his brother: "He was a husband, a famous caring father, a son of substance a bold and beautiful brother.
"A unique uncle and a magnanimous mate, a cricket genius, a master blaster, leader, fighter, mentor, single figure golfer, powerful skilled tennis player, business executive, creative innovator, public personality, life coach and acclaimed journalist."
He also addressed Lorraine and Crowe's daughter, Emma: "Lorraine, you've been a marvel. A true gift from God, his complete and always his rod.
"You never wavered through thick or thin and for that we're truly grateful.
"Emma, the strength and courage you have shown for someone so young. Your dad was so caring and loving, he was so proud of you, as we are of him. We are so proud of you.
"What you've achieved and what you're about to, keep smiling and you're always a delight to be with."
Smith also gave a speech, and said that Crowe had found peace before he passed away: "One word sums up Martin and all he did – passion. He cared deeply about everything he attempted.
"Sometimes it led him down the path of confrontation, often it led to him being seen as problematic, but it occurred solely because his devotion ran so deep, it was in his heart and flowed through his veins.
"I spoke to Martin not long ago and I got the feeling he'd made peace with the game and all of those around him. That was terrific, because he gave so much to it."
Latest
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.
-
News
Heather Knight to lead England in ‘historic’ Pakistan tour
England Women will play two T20s and three ODIs in Karachi later this year.
-
News
Claire Polosak makes history as first woman to officiate a men’s Test
Claire Polosak continues to blaze a trail for women in umpiring.
-
News
Pooran insists West Indies will be a T20 World Cup threat
You would be foolish to discount the West Indies in the short format despite their poor run of late.
-
News
Andrew Balbirnie excited about Ireland’s year ahead
Ireland will play seven internationals in January, the same as the whole of 2020.
-
News
Zak Crawley out to prove he is no ‘one-hit wonder’ in Sri Lanka
The Kent batsman, 22, hit a magnificent 267 against Pakistan on his previous England appearance in August.
-
News
England clear to train as players other than Moeen Ali test negative for Covid
Moeen tested positive on Monday and is self-isolating, but the latest round of testing produced no further positives.
-
News
England clear to start training after players test negative for Covid-19
Moeen Ali tested positive on Monday and is self-isolating, but the latest round of testing produced no further positives.
-
News
England hope for clean bill of health ahead of their Test series in Sri Lanka
The travelling party were retested for coronavirus at their team base in Hambantota.
-
News
Gayle, Miller, Khan, Lynn on PSL roster
Chris Gayle, David Miller, Rashid Khan and Chris Lynn are some of the prominent foreigners who will be available in the draft for the PSL.