Maranga “Jimmy” Paki 3 February 1954 – 27 April 2025

Our Uncle Bimbo is and will always be one of my favourites. He had the biggest smile with the biggest heart and he was always that 'go with the flow guy' who just lived life without the stress that most of us worry about every day. Uncle has been in my ear for the past few days and I have put together his poem, his story. As I was writing it I immediately was connected to Uncle's WALK ABOUT NATURE which is fitting as it also reflects on his connection to Ahitereiria the place he called home for the past 16+years. Whenever Uncle went back home he always made sure to visit NAN & POP at the homestead in Taupiri and our Parentals Roore Pakhi Maryann Chas Pakii in Horotiu. He had a soft spot for Dad as too did Dad for his cousin. And even when our sister Tiriana Pakigot married Uncle wanted to be in my shout out video to her to wish her and her darling a great life together. Even though I didn't see Uncle as much as I would have liked, our bond never waivered. For our Ma & Pa to be there with you Uncle as you make your next hikoi to see our heavenly whaanau, we know they carry our aroha to you. To our cuzzins Justin Pak Katie Paki we love you both. Uncle had only wonderful memories of you both. To your partner thank you for loving and caring for our Uncle. He was a lucky man to have you and your whaanau beside him, with him especially in his final day. This is called BIMBO's STORY... You know me A no fuss man A smile on my face A beer in one hand A man who hopes His story is told Bout a man named BIMBO And his heart of GREEN & GOLD. The story of Bimbo Maranga by name Is one to remember For he's one and the same A no frills man No mucking around And when all is done At his local he's found... A straight to the point guy With a joke or two Who liked a good laugh And to party with you A few beers with mates Or with Whaanau at home This is the BIMBO We've all come to know.... A loving Partner A Husband to one An OLD MAN whose loved By a daughter & son A man who lived life Without any regret This man named BIMBO We will never forget... He grew up in Huntly The Mana Raks way Lived by Kingiitanga Each and every day Swam in the awa Stole fruit off the tree Those were good times Barefoot and free... When cousins were brothers And Uncles were Dads This is the childhood That BIMBO had... From days at the club Taniwharau from the start No matter the distance Green and Gold filled his heart... The bond to the NAKI Through a union so true Has always been there But this you all knew When his soulmate was taken And his heart broke in two BIMBO hopped on a plane To start life anew.... The love of a son Was there from the start And that GREEN and GOLD mana Healed his heart. A Best friend, a Partner A new life together Til the day BIMBO passed She was his forever.... But nothing meant more Then the love of a son Who took front and centre BIMBO''s number one Then came the day When his son took a wife And his beautiful daughter Came into his life..... Now BIMBO would say Let's have a beer Your wasting drinking time So stop with your tears Head to my local Buy a round for my mates I scored a hole in one Through those pearly gates.... When you speak his name Make sure to tell The story of BIMBO And the man we knew well Always remember To send him some cheer And always have ready That one hand and beer..... You know me A no fuss man A smile on my face A beer in one hand A man who hopes His story is told Bout a man named BIMBO And his heart of GREEN & GOLD. Moe mai ra Uncle BIMBO. Love you always & forever From Me, Joe & our Whaanau View full message

Our dearest uncle Bimbo ❤️ Have lots of happy memories with you down at nan & pops always happy, hard case as and to think we only little then. Dad was really quiet when I told him of your passing, he looked at me and said I loved my brother bubby and I miss my sister. He's 85 now uncle. Anyway uncle, big awhi to all our whaanau especially my mum. Rest in Paradise uncle Bimbo View full message