Just Do It!
30 Apr 2004, 14:59
Today is the day, now is the hour, the time has come. In the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him.
April 30 marks probably the saddest and most heartfelt outpouring of grief, emotion, and support publicly displayed in this country since the death of Bruce Leslie McLaren on June 2nd 1970.
New Zealand was still reeling in the shock of the fact that an iconic hero was lying injured in a South Island hospital from a crash 12 days early, which occurred whilst he was preparing to do what he most loved - drive cars to his utmost ability on gravel.
At 7pm, there was a special announcement via a TVNZ News bulletin that due to the state of the injuries sustained in the crash 10 days prior, the family of Possum Bourne had elected, in consultation with his medical specialists, that it would be in Possum's best interest to cease life support.
Such decisions are never taken lightly, but must have been even harder to make when the grief process is likely to be such a public and high-profile event.
For Possum, to be in such a state, it would have cruel to keep living in hope. His character and personality meant that to be incapacitated would have been far worse.
New Zealand, and the world, poured their hearts and accolades for a man who meant so much to so many - many of whom he never knew or met.
Possum was a guy who will always be remembered for being able to touch your heart with his passion and enthusiasm to indulge in rallying. His colourful recollection of events of an incident, stage, moment, day, or rally were always a "fly on the wall" experience.
To replace Possum could never be, but to know the man that was was an utter honour. A few brief moments spent with him can stay with you for a lifetime as other incidents fall into insignificance.
Possum was always just Possum, and in being that, he was all you could ever ask for or expect. He exceeded all expectation in all that he did and never will rallying or the world ever have such a great ambassador for life, experience, dedication, self-belief, or natural ability driven purely by self-desire without ego.
As I prepare to post this tribute to such a man at almost the precise time that he ceased his life on earth, it important to tell you that I only ever met Possum 2 or 3 times. My experiences and stories came largely from others, from the media, from his post-humously published autobiography, from tributes at his funeral which I attended to support a friend and to pay my own personal homage to a guy who was able to reach out through the television and be sitting with you in your lounge.
To Peggy, Taylor, Spencer, and Jazlin - thank you for letting us experience the man you knew as a husband and a father.
To all his extended family, friends, associates, fellow competitors - there will never be another, but remember the one that you all knew.
To Possum - Thank you for teaching us to dream, to strive, to focus, but most importantly to be our unpretentious selves no matter what.
As the sound of music fades in the distance, we remember one of the finest ever - Peter "Possum" Bourne - The kid from Pukekohe who never let go of his dream!
April 30 marks probably the saddest and most heartfelt outpouring of grief, emotion, and support publicly displayed in this country since the death of Bruce Leslie McLaren on June 2nd 1970.
New Zealand was still reeling in the shock of the fact that an iconic hero was lying injured in a South Island hospital from a crash 12 days early, which occurred whilst he was preparing to do what he most loved - drive cars to his utmost ability on gravel.
At 7pm, there was a special announcement via a TVNZ News bulletin that due to the state of the injuries sustained in the crash 10 days prior, the family of Possum Bourne had elected, in consultation with his medical specialists, that it would be in Possum's best interest to cease life support.
Such decisions are never taken lightly, but must have been even harder to make when the grief process is likely to be such a public and high-profile event.
For Possum, to be in such a state, it would have cruel to keep living in hope. His character and personality meant that to be incapacitated would have been far worse.
New Zealand, and the world, poured their hearts and accolades for a man who meant so much to so many - many of whom he never knew or met.
Possum was a guy who will always be remembered for being able to touch your heart with his passion and enthusiasm to indulge in rallying. His colourful recollection of events of an incident, stage, moment, day, or rally were always a "fly on the wall" experience.
To replace Possum could never be, but to know the man that was was an utter honour. A few brief moments spent with him can stay with you for a lifetime as other incidents fall into insignificance.
Possum was always just Possum, and in being that, he was all you could ever ask for or expect. He exceeded all expectation in all that he did and never will rallying or the world ever have such a great ambassador for life, experience, dedication, self-belief, or natural ability driven purely by self-desire without ego.
As I prepare to post this tribute to such a man at almost the precise time that he ceased his life on earth, it important to tell you that I only ever met Possum 2 or 3 times. My experiences and stories came largely from others, from the media, from his post-humously published autobiography, from tributes at his funeral which I attended to support a friend and to pay my own personal homage to a guy who was able to reach out through the television and be sitting with you in your lounge.
To Peggy, Taylor, Spencer, and Jazlin - thank you for letting us experience the man you knew as a husband and a father.
To all his extended family, friends, associates, fellow competitors - there will never be another, but remember the one that you all knew.
To Possum - Thank you for teaching us to dream, to strive, to focus, but most importantly to be our unpretentious selves no matter what.
As the sound of music fades in the distance, we remember one of the finest ever - Peter "Possum" Bourne - The kid from Pukekohe who never let go of his dream!
