Kerry Strongman, Te Hana master carver with 'the biggest heart', dies aged 69

Master carver Kerry Strongman, who passed away on Sunday, gifted thousands of dollars worth of carvings to a Far North marae. Photo/Peter de Graaf

Kerry Strongman was a generous man with the biggest heart who moved people to tears with his carvings.

The Te Hana master carver and sculptor- known for his large swamp-kauri carvings which he called "jewellery for giants" - passed away on Sunday at the age of 69.

Mr Strongman's partner, Kim Ryburn, said he had "the biggest heart" and pieces of his heart would be all around the world because of his carvings.

"He was the most generous man. He loved everybody. He was very giving and gave to different people."

An example of Mr Strongman's generosity was when he donated thousands of dollars' worth of swamp-kauri carvings to Haititai Marangai Marae in Whatuwhiwhi in 2013.

He said at the time the gift had "no monetary value to me, it has only aroha".

Ms Ryburn said Mr Strongman was not only an artist but a spiritual counsellor and guide for people from all over the world.

"They would stop in - tourists travelling - and they would just start crying because of the presence of the pieces of his work and what they represented for spiritual healing and love."

Ms Ryburn had been friends with Mr Strongman for 14 years and his partner for seven of them. They met at the Te Hana Arts Factory.

"It was my first trip from America and I was told to stop in there because it was the real deal and a genuine place."

Ms Ryburn lives in America but the pair would visit each other twice a year. However, Ms Ryburn had been caring for Mr Strongman since September.

"He affected people all over the place and that's been one of my greatest treasures since being with him since September - everybody that's come in. Seeing their aroha for him and his for them."

Mr Strongman, a father of five who is of Ngapuhi descent, was taught to carve at the age of 4 by his grandfather. It was his biggest passion in life alongside his passion for people.

"He loved what he did, he loved to carve."

Sharlene Kiddie, from the Te Hana Cafe, said Mr Strongman's death was a huge loss for Te Hana. She said she would miss him coming in and ordering his large flat white with no foam.

"He was one of a kind, that man. Very loving and very giving and very knowledgeable."

Mr Strongman is lying at Parawhenua Marae in Ohaeawai. A service is being held today.