Your tributes: 'The kids were ecstatic'

Jonah Lomu

Tributes are flowing in from Northern Advocate readers for All Blacks' great Jonah Lomu, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday.

Within seconds of the news of his death breaking, readers started putting their tributes to - and memories of - the powerful winger on the Advocate's Facebook page.

Here are some of them:

Cheryl Moana Rasmussen

RIP Jonah

Daph Pawson

So sad and so young "gone to soon" R.I.P Jonah Lomu thoughts and prayers for your family

Deryl Bennett-Young

RIP. . Legend

Venus Wati

I have known Jonah since I was about 14 years old ... he would have been 15 ... he played a lot of rep rugby with my brother when they were teenagers and they played their first NZ team together along with David Howell ... Jonah was a friend to our family and we have some fond memories of him from over the years ... the last time I saw Jonah was when he came to Whangarei for his book signing ... I went along and bought a book like everyone else ... the lady came along the queue of people and asked our names and wrote them on a post it and stuck to the book ... When Jonah saw my name he looked at me ... stood up and gave me a big hug and kiss ... the lady told him to sit down and he said to her ... this is my friend ... Jonah was such a humble person and no matter where he was in the world or how famous he was he always remembered his friends ... knowing that he is no longer with us breaks my heart ... Jonah was my friend ... my love and thoughts go out to the Lomu family ... his wife and his sons..

Martyn Patterson

RIP GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. WE WILL MISS YOU BIG BOY.

Flo Higgins

Rip Jonah Xx.

Gaye Alexander

Thank you Jonah for the time you visited Ronald McDonald House Auckland - back in 2003 - empowering the critically ill children and their stressed families. You lifted our spirits - gave us strength. You were reserved, humble, yet your smile lit up the entire room ... and you signed autographs, had photos taken and your very presence uplifted us all. The kids were ecstatic to have been in your company. May your family be uplifted by a nation who will dearly miss you for all that you were.

Andre Avies Avies

RIP Jonah ... it is a very sad day for the RUGBY WORLD ... what a fine player you were ... still remember the BIG MAN in the World Cup of 1995. Wow.

Kat Murray

All around Aotearoa an the world we mourn the Loss of a great Man ... A man who will be missed dearly. Moe Mai Ra Moe Mai Ra Jonah you will be missed by all.

Todd Morgan

I saw that game at Kamo High in '93 & Jonah was unstoppable.

Vanessa Wihongi

Sad to hear of your passing ... Jonah you'll always be a legend ... in history, throughout the world, throughout our country and throughout our religion. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints", such an awesome role model for the youth of today and & example to many people. Your natural talent on the rugby field and much more. Because you believe in life after death like I do, I know we will see you again. Much condolences to your family & blessings of comfort at this time. God be with you till we meet again ... !xox

Darcel Bolton

Rest in Love Jonah, thank you for all the fond memories