Members of the Taradale Football Club and the wider Hawke’s Bay community are mourning for David Greene, who has died aged 54.
Greene was Taradale’s first team manager for 37 consecutive seasons, and 775 games, an achievement he took in his stride.
He was a Life Member of the club and, in 2021, was awarded a Lifetime Contribution to Sport award by Sport Hawke’s Bay.
Known by most as “Greenie”, he was born with a rare form of skin cancer, which required ongoing treatment through his life, and he survived two bouts of leukaemia as a boy.
Greene (54) was discovered to have a brain tumour in 2021, and he undertook surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
A secondary tumour appeared in 2023, prompting the football community to rally.
The esteem in which he was held was demonstrated in January 2024 when Taradale staged a special tribute match, featuring 50 former players from Greene-managed teams.
Two large squads and a healthy standby roster ensured the match showcased the talents of former Taradale players whose collective appearances for the club approached 5,000 games.
The match was a fitting way for the club, players and supporters to share their affection for a man, described by one of the match organisers, Dan Ball, as ‘selfless’.
READ MORE: Former players rally for Taradale’s legendary team manager David Greene >>>>
After the tribute match, Taradale’s first team coach Jamie Hall told Hawke’s Bay Today: “He’s a walking miracle and I think that’s why everybody loves him so much.
“Just because of the amount of stuff he’s done so we can enjoy what we do, all while he’s had other things going on in his life.
“He wasn’t expected to live past 2-years-old and his oncologist and GP went to his 21st because he’s an absolute marvel.”
Taradale FC have urged their members and supporters to celebrate Green’s life at the Taradale Club (which is not the football club) on Wharerangi Road, Greenmeadows, on Thursday March 28, 2024, at 1pm.
“The family have requested that those attending wear a Taradale or a Liverpool shirt, if they have one, but no stress if you don’t have one. Smart shorts or jeans and trainers are the go,” the club says.
David James Greene (September 23, 1969 — March 22, 2024)
The following notice appeared in Hawke’s Bay Today:
GREENE, David James ‘Greenie’. Peacefully, after a bravely fought battle on March 22, 2024, at the Taradale Masonic Residential Home. Aged 54 years. Much loved and cherished husband of Michelle. Son of Maureen and Colin (deceased) and brother of Natalie. Son-in-law of Pompi and Maurice, brother- in-law of Debbie and Jonathan, Terry, and Ash and Caroline. Uncle of Todd, Oliver, Alex and Daniel. Respected and adored friend and colleague to many. We would like to thank the staff at the Taradale Masonic Residential Home for their love and care of David during his final weeks. A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at the Taradale Club, Wharerangi Road, Greenmeadows on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 1pm. Messages to the ‘Greene Family’ C/- PO Box 7001, Taradale, Napier 4141.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
