We knew you for too short a time Kel but enjoyed the times we did spend in your company and having attended your service, loved hearing more about the legend you truly were and stories of a life well lived. Fly high and maybe enjoy a beer or a tequila with my John over some tall tales Hugs to Sally and family Sharon Corbett

Kel, we only got to know you in the last few years, but we always enjoyed your company and the many tales you told. You'll be very much missed. RIP Kel, with your beloved dog Mana.

Sally. Sad to hear of Johns passing. We are very appreciative of John coming down to help us with our wee house. He will be sadly missed by everyone. Our thoughts will be with you today Sally at Johns farewell. Sorry we couldn’t be there. Jo and Steve.

From the physically solid scout leader upon whom I broke my finger as a 15 year old in a game of bullrush, to the solid, dependable man in later life who loved and cared for my older sister ... Kel has always been someone I have respected and admired. A new adventure awaits you.

John, You were a gentleman and will be very sadly missed. I missed your company when we moved on in seperate directions after Gorgon. However, I thoroughly enjoyed our catch-ups. Unfortunately, circumstances caught up on us meeting again. You will be sorely missed, Big Man! Commiserations to Sally and family. We’ll be with you today! Lots of love, Alan and Carolyn.

Hey JK it was good to know you, good to know Austeritis was a shared affliction, and bloody great to go flying with you .. Sally I’m so sorry John had to go before his time but I hope his memory will keep you in good fettle in the years ahead… Blue Skies JK

Well Kel, I’ve already thanked you but I’d like to share with others. We haven’t known you and Sally long, however we thank you both for inviting us to join your Orphans Christmas dinners. Loads of delicious food, drink and laughs a plenty. We followed you on a couple of caravan trips to special places. More laughs had amongst great friends. Especially one trip in particular being at Wanaka Campground, with the toilet wrapping event of the year. This was truly hilarious (not so much for some at the time) but was very memorable. It of course was celebrated with more friends, food, wine, and the odd spirit (tequila) of course. You will be remembered. Big hugs to Sally and family xx

What memories and fun we had the Tequila evenings esp were great , And as for the Flying and restorations of Vintage aircraft we had a lot of time together esp the odd road trip to retrive Planes and parts from all over a lot of fun and joy had ,We will miss you so much ,You even helped out the team at founders park helping preserve there Bristol freighter what a legacy ,But behind every great man is an even greater Lady Sally your a rock thank you , John i hope you know what and still mean to us all you are a great friend ,Sorry we cant be there for you now but over here in the UK you are with me when im flying in my Auster , Steve and Jan

Dear Sharyn and Jude, so sorry to hear that John has passed away, many happy childhood memories of our families spending time together at your house in Mornington especially during the school holidays. Our thoughts are with you all, with much love, your cousin Wendy

We head off to Nelson this week to farewell an amazing character - John Kelly (Kel). A gentle giant, he was practical and imaginative in a way that the likes of me never could be. He loved this land we live on, and the skies above it. I never got to accompany him on one of his flights but many did, especially my sister Sally. I would note the regular excursions they enjoyed and would post about on Facebook, and be content that they were living their best lives together. That they 're-found' each other after many years apart was truly romantic, in the best sense of the word. He will leave a massive hole in Sal's universe, and in the lives of their many good mates.

So sorry to read of John' passing. We had a great time at KVHS in Dunedin with a great group of mates, rabbit shooting, beers, trips around the south, more beers. We met up again in the mid 80's when John owned Arrowtown Electrical. It was so good to catch up with John & Sally again a couple of years ago, & see the Auster nearly completed. Our thoughts are with Sally and family Bruce & Sally Hogg

John Kelly LEGEND Loving husband, stepdad, grandad and friend to so many all over the world. Electrician, engineer, epic adventurer cautious, safe aviator and motorcyclist. Generous with his time and patient, always thinking of others especially Sally during this final experience with melanoma. Enormous heart. Never gave up the battle over the last couple of years. Driven to succeed and fulfil his dreams. David and I are very grateful to Kel and Sal introducing us to each other 50 years ago. What an amazing life you shared together. RIP Kel. Love Louise and David Perry

Kel……. You have been in more than half of my life… a dad to me… a proud parent… I am a proud daughter… . You taught me how to drive, how much garlic NOT to put on bread, and how to convince mum to make extra Choccy pudding . You have always told me you are proud of me and that you love me… and I am forever grateful to call you my dad. Your last words to me were “be happy girl…. Just be happy”…. And I promise that I will do the best I can. . I will forever miss you and love you

Kel, Your presence in our lives will always be cherished and your absence will never be forgotten. You certainly knew how to live and embrace every moment. Not everyone has a brother-in-law they cherished but we were among the lucky ones. Fly free 🥀

I'll always remember Kel as a big smile on his face and being an amazing grand dad to the boys. He was always so warm, welcoming and kind. The world will be a sadder place without him in it now, but I'm grateful for the time I and the boys got with him. I'll be having a hot tottie on Tuesday for him.

John, a very clever engineer, good friend, one of natures good guys.

Just by being you, John, I reckon you passed on 3 really beautiful concepts for living: 1. Do what you love doing 2. Do what you love doing with people you like 3. Get the job done Heartfelt appreciation for having met you. Ari

I was privileged to have met John, even if it was only in the later years of his life. He was sad to see his beloved Cessna go but encouraged me to share it’s ongoing adventures through my camera lens and we bonded over our shared love of the aircraft out in NZ’s back country. For such a modest man he had lived an incredible life and offered many snippets of advice on the expat lifestyle. My life is richer for having become his friend. RIP JK.

Dear Sally, I was very sad to hear about John. We had some great times in our early days in Dunedin & I'm sorry we didn't catch up in more recently. I was so pleased that you two go together again after a period apart. I'm guessing there wouldn't have been a dull moment with Kel ! My thoughts are with you . Pete Peter Springford Friend

Words can not describe the feeling of the loss of such a wonderful friend. The times we had together will always be treasured. Our conversations and the sharing of knowledge has been so unique and will be missed. "Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday". Go well my friend, Our thoughts are with you Sally and the family. Paul and Glenys

A sad loss of a good man. We had some good times. Gone but not forgotten. Thoughts are with Sally and family.

Sorry you've gone mate. You always had advice for me about Austers and flying. You were generous with your time and made Teresa and I welcome whenever we stayed. I loved listening to your stories and wish my life was half as interesting as yours. Blue skies my friend.

Well JK no more flying by the seat of your pants old mate, from here on in you’ll have your own wings. Thanks for all the memories John. I’m proud to have had you as my mate and work colleague and every time I look at an Auster I’ll be reminded of you. A fiercely proud New Zealander. Cheers for now

It was an absolute pleasure to hang out and work with you John. He was a very talented but incredibly humble man. You will be missed. Thanks for the memories.

John, my dear brother was one of the best. I am proud to have known him for 69 plus years. He certainly had a life well lived and leaves a rich legacy of love and memories for so many. He will be missed.