Funeral of Blockhouse Bay stabbing victim: Tennis club remembers scientist Stephen Thorpe

Thorpe, from Coventry in England, was described as a quiet man who led a simple life full of routine and science. Andrew spoke about Thorpe's life “from a neurodiversity perspective,” saying that Thorpe, who is likely autistic, had dedicated his life to studying bugs and insects.

Another side of Thorpe was also mentioned: his sarcastic wit and dry sense of humour. Others recalled his love of British comedy shows and classic rock from the 70s and 80s, with particular mention of his favourites Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple.

About 200 people gathered on the tennis club courts to pay their last respects. There was standing room only. Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, the officer who led the investigation into Thorpe's death, stood at the end of the service.

Thorpe's cardboard coffin was decorated with ferns, flax and other wildflowers. The service began with light live music, with Angelo D'Souza playing accordion arrangements of The Beatles' Penny Lane, Let it be, And Here comes the Sun.

Andrew was emotional as he spoke directly to Thorpe's father and thanked him for allowing the club to hold his funeral, saying Thorpe was “not like anyone else you've ever met”.

“He had very few possessions. When we were at his apartment, everything he owned fit into a small cart. He didn't want for anything. He was content. All he needed was his microscope,” Andrew said.

“Stephen just wanted to be in a lab somewhere with insects and entomologists.

Craig Anglesea, Thorpe's best friend from high school, said they bonded as outsiders in college.

“Stephen has had a tremendous influence on my life.

“He was a very intelligent person, very determined and with strong opinions.

“Stephen was the rock I held on to, someone who was confident in himself and loved his life stubbornly and by his own choice.

“Stephen will always be a part of my life. He was a beer drinker, a troublemaker and he was my mate,” Anglesea said.

The service ended after an hour and a half, and Thorpe's coffin was carried in a short procession in a hearse along the garden path he took to work every day.

The car then stopped 10 metres from where Thorpe had been stabbed and tearful mourners laid flowers.

Raphael Franks is a breaking news reporter from Auckland who joined the Herald as a Te Rito Cadet in 2022.