Yogi Martin's Memorial Service Thursday 25th of April 2013

Firstly, My heart, love and best wishes go out to All Yogi's Family his lovely wife Sue, his sons and daughters, Yogi's extended Whanau, friends, visitors and all in attendance.

It was indeed a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of a very moving and spiritual service, held in Yogi's honour.

It was a real event to be a part of the sharing of Yogi's life, Yogi's experiences. Many happy and funny anecdotes were shared by all who knew him.

Stout friends who stood firm to resolutely pay homage to a great musician, father and exceptionally talented human being.

A rare gem in the garden of the world, who touched deeply; everyone he met.

RIP Yogi. Go with God to that big Gig in the Heavens and there live on forever.

The day was beautiful and sunny, with a nice breeze coming of the two lakes either side of the Cemetery.

The service was held at Yogis final resting place in a beautiful family plot nestled in the tranquil lakes and bush of his ancestral lands that abound lake Waikare.

The Stone was a beautifully carved piece that depicted the essence of "Yogi." this piece was a traditional Taonga.

It was modelled on a Bone carving that Yogi always wore. This design was modelled along traditional Maori art forms of koru and Whakairo.

Superimposed over these Traditional Maori Carving designs and art forms, was a grand vision of Yogi himself, resplendent with his beloved and trusty Piano Accordian.

Set into the stone around the edges were pictures of Yogi in his classic pose as remembered by all who saw and experienced him play.

Yogi, head slightly inclined back, eyes closed, lost a world away, millions of miles away in another universe.

Playing his Piano Accordian music superbly, with panache, inspiration and Wairua, as only Yogi could...

Friends and celebrities present included Frankie Stevens who sang a beautiful and moving ballad dedicated to Yogi. Ian Sinclair of Televison reporter fame. Ian was best recognised as a TV presenter for many years. Now a renowned Filmaker, who documented this auspicious occasion.

Yogi touched many people from many walks of life and occupations.

Paul Moroney, from Matamata and the New Zealand Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Paul shared many funny stories and anecdotes from his times socialising and interacting with Yogi.

Paul shared one particularly funny story. He talked about how Yogi had a very astute and adept mathematical mind- therefore he had a gift of "convincing" people he met of just about anything?

Yogi had that special gift. Anything he imagined was possible. Yogi had the nous, drive, "the plan and the design" to make it all work. No matter how "far fetched" the idea, Yogi was able to make you "believe" he could do it and it would make work Lol.

Thank you for touching all our hearts and Souls Yogi Martin.

note the "Taonga" and Bone carving shown at the start of the Video. This is the pattern that Yogi's Memorial stone was Carved from. Here I would simply like to leave the last words to Yogi himself. Listen to Yogi play. Yogi Martin - World Class Accordion Musician Click the hyper Link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd4Z3qnmPxY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPR3SRhHkw0 Yogi Martin (accordian) Carmel Courtney & Mita Edwards (guitar) Jam session http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VeWrYjzfkA Yogi Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPR3SRhHkw0 Set Demonstration of Roland FR-7x V-Accordion Using Customized Linked Presets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTFvNHD42hY Oxygen - Yogi Martin by Paul Moroney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLOD2hR0izI Hamilton Gardens - Music Yogi Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEuyQT8JlSw