Hundreds farewell murdered Taupo man

Seven long weeks after Stephen George's body was found in a burnt-out cottage near Taupo, his family was yesterday finally able to lay him to rest.

More than 300 people came from the throughout the country to the Te Awamutu Bible Chapel to remember their mate or family member.

His son Christian, one of four children, amazed those attending when he got up on the stage and pulled down the microphone.

"Thanks Dad for being my dad. Thank you for taking me to all those places like Rainbow's End, the lion park - everywhere."

Officiant Clive Hanna said the family wanted the funeral to be a celebration of Mr George's life and the singing of the hymns to be done with "gusto and a little bit of oomph".

The body of 35-year-old Mr George was found at his burnt-out Tirohanga farm cottage on October 9. His Nissan Primera car was found burnt out four days later, 12km north-west of Mangakino near the intersection of Waipapa and Ranganui Rds.

Police are still hunting Mr George's killer with a team of 20 police based in Tokoroa.

It has not yet been revealed whether Mr George died in the fire or was already dead.

Brother-in-law Shane Dodunski read a eulogy that was written by Mr George's mother, Lindsay George.

It talked about his love for his wife, Leone, and his four children.

Mr Dodunski said Mr George made sacrifices for the family that saw them separated during the week.

Mr George was a bricklayer for 15 years before getting involved in farming. During the past few years he worked on farms in Reporoa, Te Kuiti and Tirohanga, near Taupo, before it was decided moving around was taking its toll on the children, who were involved in sporting and cultural activities.

His wife and children moved back to Te Awamutu and Mr Dodunski said the sacrifices had started to pay off.

"Katrina [his daughter] just got a certificate for the most improved at jazz ballet.

Stephen would have been so proud. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother.

"A caring friend and mate to many. Thanks Stephen for sharing your life with us."

Police believe there are at least two people responsible for the murder because it would have taken more than one person to abandon Mr George's car.

The investigation, which is being led by Rotorua's Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, is proving challenging because there was little physical evidence as the cottage and the car were burned out.

Anyone with information can call police on 0800 STAR09.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)