Tributes are flowing for colourful and much-loved Tararua personality Robyn Cornish.
Friends and family of the Dannevirke resident, who died following a tragic horse-riding accident on August 30, expressed shock and sadness at the passing of a lady who made a huge impression on everyone she met.
Close friend MikeAndrews said she "had a wonderful way with people, able to speak to all levels and she always had some common ground with everyone she met".
Born in Napier in 1958, she was the third daughter of well-known builder Ted Easterbrook and school librarian Helen Easterbrook (nee McKinnon).
In the mid-80s, with two small boys in tow, the couple bought a farmlet 10kms out of Dannevirke and Robyn set about creating her dream life with animals and a horse arena for her lifelong love of horses.
Several years later Robyn and Russell realised they wanted different lives and parted ways with Russell returning to Napier and Robyn remaining in Dannevirke with sons Jarrad and Jamie.
The little farm was eventually sold and the boys moved out and then to Australia (where they still live) and Robyn bought her last property.
This was a few acres in town where she could create gardens and housing for her horses, cows, ducks, chooks and other animals that needed a home.
She was well-known in Dannevirke, and a regular sight with her horses as she would frequently ride or "drive" them through the township.
Robyn putting her horse to work.
In her mid-50s, Robyn discovered a new passion.
Stumbling across African drumming, she gained an even wider circle of friends and travelled the country partaking in and hosting classes, touching even more people's lives with her vibrant spirit.
Sister Gail said she was a greenie before it became a common term.
"Living off the grid and off the land, growing much of her food, hand-milking her cows, making butter and cheese and swapping some of these for other necessities of life.
"Her horses came first, and her expert eye would make sure she'd done everything to make them feel well loved and secure.
"She would often be seen around Dannevirke with her Clydesdales, pulling tyres connected by chains to keep in training as they are workhorses."
Sue Flockton, of Manawatu Drumming, spoke of Robyn's "enormous generosity of spirit, her kindness and her infectious joy and love of drumming".
"Robyn unstintingly shared her talents with others, loaned her drums, gave her time, and patiently fostered and encouraged beginners.
"Her special talent was to nurture new groups into being. We in Whanganui will always remember our friend with love and gratitude."
Her mentor was Robert Koffie Fugan, an African music and dance teacher from Ghana.
She had travelled with him all over New Zealand and twice to his village in West Ghana.
His tribute said: "I look at all the photos and good times we had together, travelling and sharing our passion for drumming with others around the country, making a difference in people's lives.
"You've always been there for many people, especially myself, supported and cared for me."
Jenny Bloomfield, of Moringa Dancers Wellington, shared the feelings of those who knew Robyn.
"We are all feeling the void of her absence and disbelief that she is not still here. I am sure she is riding a glorious horse and drumming passionately on the other side."
Further tributes can be read at https://www.facebook.com/pg/tararuafunerals/posts/?ref=page_internal. Search for Robyn Cornish.
