Remembering Sam Neill

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved Patron, Sam Neill.

For the past seven years, Sam has been a treasured supporter of Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, generously giving his time, voice, and his personal support to help champion our mahi. His kindness and commitment made a lasting difference to our organisation and to individuals and whānau affected by traumatic brain and spinal injury, or other disability.

While the world will remember Sam as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished and beloved actors, we will remember him as a remarkable human being whose generosity enriched our organisation and inspired our community.

Sam’s connection to the Trust was personal. As a teenager, his best friend suffered a life changing traumatic brain injury following a car accident. That friend later came to live at Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, where, over time, he was supported to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, finding love in the process. Sam spoke with great affection about his friend and visited him whenever he could, while he was alive. Seeing firsthand the impact of traumatic brain injury gave Sam a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and their whānau, and a lasting connection to our work.

On behalf of our Board, staff and the individuals we support, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Sam’s whānau, friends, and all those who loved him. Our thoughts are with them during this time.

Sam’s legacy of kindness and advocacy will continue to be felt throughout our organisation for many years to come. We are profoundly grateful for the support he gave us and honoured to have called him our Patron and friend.

Moe mai, moe mai rā, e te Rangatira Sam. Thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

E tū Pōhutukawa
Te kaikawe i ngā mate o te tau
Ruiruia ngā mate ki te uma o Ranginui.
Anā! Kua whetūrangihia koutou.

As the red flowers of the tree fall to the earth,

so too do the people fall;

yet, as the star rises,

the spirits are swept up into the sky.

 

Kathryn Jones

CE, Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust