He played squash, tennis and cricket, but later became more heavily involved in the rugby scene.<\/p>\n
He became a familiar presence on the sidelines and in the clubrooms, often in his Mount Maunganui Sports Club blazer, tie and cap.<\/p>\n
Hurdle became known as \u201cMr Rugby\u201d for his fervent loyalty and enthusiasm for the game, the Mount club and his beloved Bay of Plenty Steamers.<\/p>\n
Steamers manager Wayne Brill said Hurdle was his assistant manager from 2013 to 2015, and helped in other ways over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a funny man, really well-liked, and the players loved having him around. <\/p>\n
Terry Hurdle was a huge Bay of Plenty Steamers supporter for decades and followed the team all around the country. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
\u201cHe used to stand in the tunnel at Tauranga Domain and the Rotorua International Stadium in his blazer, cap and tie and greet the boys individually as they came in and out of the changing rooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will all miss Tezza, who has left an indelible stamp on the Mount and Bay of Plenty club rugby.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union formally recognised Hurdle\u2019s contributions with a Service to Sport award in 2016 and a framed autographed jersey in 2018.<\/p>\n
\u2018Passionate\u2019 family man<\/p>\n
Hurdle\u2019s daughter Julie Hurdle said her father\u2019s passion for rugby and the club he held dear never waned, right to the end.<\/p>\n
She and her brother Russell Hurdle said their mother Raewyn was \u201cDad\u2019s quiet helper\u201d, always there to organise things so he could do what he loved.<\/p>\n
\u201cMum was Dad\u2019s rock, and she backed him 100%, and they were devoted to each other,\u201d Russell said.<\/p>\n
Raewyn Hurdle and her late husband Terry Hurdle celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 30 last year. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the words of Jerry Maguire, our dad used to say, once he met mum, she had him at hello.\u201d<\/p>\n
The couple had 60 years of marriage, two children and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Ben.<\/p>\n
Julie said her father was a \u201cpassionate\u201d family man.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always knew we were loved and Dad always told us how extremely proud he was of our achievements, and supported us 100% …\u201d<\/p>\n
Julie laughed remembering one teenage grandson having the \u201cunenviable task\u201d of calling his grandfather with the news he wanted to switch from playing rugby to football.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a wonderful father and grandfather, and we are extremely proud of all he achieved,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
A plumber by trade – like his father and grandfather – Hurdle started his own company, Terry Hurdle Plumbing.<\/p>\n
He came off the tools in 2004 and worked for Bunnings for nine years – stacking shelves and bending shoppers\u2019 ears about rugby – before retiring aged 72.<\/p>\n
\u2018Immesurable\u2019 service<\/p>\n
Terry Hurdle\u2019s close friend Greg Percy said they knew each other for more than 50 years, playing squash, cricket and tennis together in Mount Maunganui.<\/p>\n
He said Hurdle was \u201cinstrumental\u201d in helping the rugby and squash clubs work closer together.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite his poor health, Terry was still trying to do things for the club right to the end. He will be sorely missed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fellow Mount Maunganui Sports Club life member David Brown said he and Hurdle became close friends in the 1990s.<\/p>\n
He said Hurdle\u2019s lifetime of service to the club was \u201cimmeasurable\u201d.<\/p>\n
Terry Hurdle, in his club rugby cap, blazer and tie, dedicated much of his life to the sport and particularly the Mount Maunganui Sports Club. Photo \/ Andrew Warner<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery club would have someone who goes the extra mile, but I can\u2019t think of anyone who has probably given as much time and commitment to our club in a voluntary capacity as Terry has.\u201d<\/p>\n
Craig Sandlant, a former coach of the Western Bay of Plenty Rugby premier men\u2019s team, said he and Hurdle \u201cgot on like a house on fire\u201d when they met in the 1990s.<\/p>\n
Hurdle was his team manager for about two years.<\/p>\n
\u201cTerry had great organisational and people skills, and a huge knowledge of the game. We worked well together, and he was my right-hand man.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said Hurdle was \u201cwell-thought of\u201d by players, fans and supporters, and his contribution to the Mount and Bay of Plenty club rugby scene was \u201cimmense\u201d.<\/p>\n
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford posted a tribute to Hurdle on Friday, calling him a \u201ctrue local legend and a dedicated servant to our community\u201d.<\/p>\n
A funeral service for Hurdle will be held from 2.30pm today at Legacy Funerals P\u0101pamoa.<\/p>\n
Hurdle was farewelled with a service at Legacy Funerals P\u0101pamoa yesterday.<\/p>\n