Hundreds have gathered to farewell longtime Ponsonby Intermediate principal Nick Wilson.

Through emotional tributes from family, friends and colleagues, a picture emerged of a man deeply devoted to his family, fiercely passionate about education and able to light up every room he entered.

Speakers remembered Wilson as an inspirational principal, loyal friend and loving husband and father whose sudden death has left an immense void in the Ponsonby Intermediate community and far beyond.

Wilson, 50, died on Saturday evening after a sudden medical event.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Racheal, and their two children.

Wilson’s funeral service was held this afternoon at All Saints Chapel at Purewa Crematorium in Meadowbank.

Many wore flowers pinned to their shirts in honour of Wilson’s beloved school house, Rimu, as family, friends and colleagues shared emotional tributes about the impact he had on their lives.

Origami boats made by his students and a captain’s hat with “Captain Wilson” printed on the front lay on top of his coffin, along with a bright assortment of flowers. A tapestry adorned with messages draped the coffin.

Wilson’s wife, Racheal, recalled how the pair first met in their early 20s, describing a chance encounter at the National Library that she said would go on to change both of their lives.

As she walked past him that day, she felt “a shudder I’d never experienced before, almost like a lightning bolt”, adding that he later told her he had felt the same.

• ‘A giant of education’: Ponsonby school to close for principal’s funeral

Ponsonby Intermediate School principal Nick Wilson died from a sudden medical event. Photo / Google

Rachael spoke of their early relationship, and the moment they reconnected months later, saying there was “something about him, something completely different from anyone I had ever met”.

She said their lives quickly became intertwined, recalling a shared world of travel, adventure and new experiences, from boating and fishing to time spent in Tinopai and “partying hard”, as they built a life together.

Rachael also reflected on their family life, including the arrival of their children.

Wilson would describe it as a “winning lotto experience”, and despite the years and challenges, she remained certain from the beginning that he was her “soulmate”.

His daughter spoke of the immense pride and love her father had for her that was never hidden.

Long-time friend Chris Clark said Wilson was taken suddenly and “far too early”.

He spoke of three distinct parts of Wilson’s life: the professional leader, a respected principal of Ponsonby Intermediate who believed strongly in young people; the family man, “absolutely devoted” to Rachael and his two children; and his friend, whom he described as someone with a strong sense of humour and energy for life.

Clark described Wilson as an outstanding athlete who went on to achieve national honours in triathlon. He recalled moments from their younger years, including training sessions, travel and shared adventures.

Assistant principal at Ponsonby Intermediate, Katie Fiddian, said Wilson was “the heart of our community in every fathomable way”.

Staff often thought of him as an anchor, “steady, calm, and there to help us weather any storm”, while students saw him as their captain – a symbol that had emerged in tributes over recent days.

Fiddian said Wilson had a “trailblazer” mindset, often doing things his own way and encouraging others to do the same, and a deep belief that intermediate school was “where the magic happens” and where young people were truly shaped.

She said he had a gift for lifting spirits, telling stories and bringing energy to every part of school life.

His father-in-law, Paul, said Wilson was “an exceptional human being” and a “great, great man”.

Paul said Wilson “never had a bad word to say about anybody” and had enriched the lives of those around him. He said Wilson would leave a “great hole” and would be remembered for his leadership, humour and passion.

Wilson’s brother James spoke about the everyday moments he would miss, including phone calls, jokes and conversations, as well as Wilson’s ability to “walk into a room and completely change the energy”.

He said Wilson was “tough, fiercely loyal” and that when he cared for someone, he did so “with his whole heart”.

James reflected on wishing for “more time, more conversations, more weekends, more holidays” and the simple moments they had shared over the years, including fishing, boating, golf, beers and barbecues.

The school closed at midday today to allow its community to attend the service.

Counselling made available at Wilson’s school

Ponsonby Intermediate was closed on Monday but reopened on Tuesday.

The day began with a full school hui, where the assistant principals addressed the school.

Counselling services have been made available throughout this week.

An email sent to parents on Monday from the school’s assistant principals described Wilson’s death as a “devastating loss”.

They thanked the community for its wrap-around support while the school navigated heartbreak and grief.

A Ministry of Education statement said its traumatic incident team would be supporting the school for as long as needed.

“Our thoughts are with the family, staff, students and wider community at this very difficult time,” a ministry spokesperson said.