Kerwin Killian

Also known as "Koke"

12 March 196125 January 2025

In Loving Memory of Kerwin John KILLIAN (Koke)

“Per ardua ad astra”

Took off peacefully at 8:30 am on 25 January 2025

A born leader who filled his lifespan with a flight plan, Kerwin started as an Air Training Corp Cadet with Squadron 7.

He served as a general service instructor with the RNZ Air Force. He went on to Hawaii and Samoa to pursue his wings, later attaining his commercial licence and becoming an airline pilot. He flew across the world before hanging up his wings to become an accomplished and well-respected simulator instructor. For almost four decades, he was a shining beacon for others in aviation, actively contributing to the CX UPRT training guide.

SGSI - Former General Service Instructor (GSI) at Royal New Zealand Air Force,

Receiving the Top Cadet Ward upon completion of initial training.

**Professional Achievements:**

- Simulator Instructor/Training Manager B747 at Cathay Pacific Hong Kong

- B747-400 Flight Examiner at Air New Zealand

- Training Manager at Air National

- Former Captain B767 at Qantas

- Former Pilot B757/B767 at Britannia Airways, Oslo, Norway

- Former Pilot B757/B767 at Royal Brunei Airlines

- Former Captain/Pilot at Malaysian Helicopter Services, Miri, Sarawak

- Former Captain at Air Nelson, Timaru, and Nelson Based

He is survived by his wife Ema, daughter Kelly, parents Jude and Vic, his three sisters Teresa, Kathy, and Nadine, his brother James, and brothers-in-law Paul and Royston. Kerwin was a visionary thinker who lived life to the fullest, making the most of every moment. 

He loved sailing, cruising, outdoor pursuits and diving. Even during his battle with cancer, his passion for flying remained strong, and he continued gliding whenever he could until the last couple of months.

Kerwin sadly passed away at 8:30 am on Friday, 25 January 2025, after a long battle with cancer. A private farewell was held on Saturday.

 

A simple closed & immediate family cremation will be on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at Te Rapa Crematorium. 

For family, friends, and colleagues who would like to pay their respects, we will have one big toast and send-off.

A life celebration/memorial will be held in Tauranga, NZ, in a couple of months.

Rest in peace, Kerwin. Your warmth, spirit, and love will forever be in our hearts. May your legacy inspire us to live with purpose.



 

Notice by Simply Funerals

Tributes

I am privileged to have been taught by Koke how to fly the real airplane, not the barbie jet

Isaac Zhang

Koke was a true image of what an instructor and human should be, patient, knowledgeable and empathetic. There are many pilots in the sky who are thankful they got a chance to be taught by him. You leave a big void in the industry and will be missed for who you were as a person.

Moemen Elbeltagi

plane crash burn hot hot hot

Abbie Zemlak

Koke, It was a pleasure to know you and have lots of fun playing Airsoft and several beers after. The world is a lesser place without you. Per Ardua

Robert Jones

The loss of a friend and inspiration. Thank you Koke for all you gave. You’re a testament to professionalism and friendship, a leader of aviators and peers. You are missed my friend.

Dave Joslyn

They say that when you have been friends for more than 7 years, you are no longer friends, you are family. Koke is family and we say farewell my friend - farewell my brother, rest in peace. Koke will be remembered by many values, what he leaves behind in his legacy as an aviator, as an Flight Instructor, what we have learnt from him as colleagues or friends, as the down to earth person he was. 25 years have passed since we first met Koke, it only seems like yesterday. 7 years ago he told me he has cancer, had accepted it and went onto say he had a good life. He soldiered on till the end which I have the highest admiration for. From our family - Kura, Kristina, Kyle, Tiare, and Keira to yours -Ema, Kelly, Nana Jude, Teresa, Kath, Nadine and family we send our condolences and love. May Kokes memory continue to inspire and uplift us as we navigate this world without him. RIP Koke.

Mark & Kura Lusby

A friend for nearly 50 years. I think that says it all really. We hung out as teenagers, then travelled our on paths through life, but every so often our paths would connect again and it was as if no time had passed since the last time. So many adventures. So many laughs. There won't be any more adventures together, but as it has been for decades our spirits will remain close.

Brent Lewis

Our deepest sympathies go out to Ema , Kelly , family and friends of Koke , in this most difficult of times. All his Cathay friends and colleague's will miss his presence in our professional working enviroment but more importantly his presence in our social/ family environment. He was a very good professional operator with plenty of skill and knowledge to give and pass on. He possessed a rapier type of Wit which could catch you out. However he was witty , kind and generous with it. I ended learning just how strong and courageous he was , especially with his wonderful wife Ema and daughter Kelly , by his side. He loved his family dearly. We will all miss him up here in Hong Kong however our thoughts and sympathies are very much with his family and friends in NZ Koke , was a good man

Terence OCONNOR

Thanks for all your wisdom and guidance in the 15years or more that I was privileged and proud to know you. Thanks for the inspiration you provided in your stalwart battle against the disease that so mercilessly ravaged you. Your grace and poise was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Rest in peace.

Mike Migdoll

**My Son, The Pilot** You always knew you were going to be a pilot. Even as a young pre-schooler, you would play pilot with your sister as the hostess. You have been a remarkable son, brother, leader, and protector of your family. My heart feels hollow without you, but may your spirit fly high until we are all together again. Now, isn't it a wonderful thing—you met our lovely Ema, the air hostess, and married her. My son, the pilot, you will always be in my heart. With all my love, Mum Jude

Judy Killian

A brother A father figure A best friend A truly amazing person Sometimes bossy🤣 He knew love And he was Loved by many RIP my Brother Goodnight and see you on the other side. Love and will always miss you

Kathy Bryant sister

Koke was a master sailer. My fondest memories of Koke were on Heartbeat where he would advise his neophyte captain (me) on just how to race the boat, the best time to gybe what sails to use etc, all with his gentle nudging and sardonic wit. He was a true character and he will be sorely missed by his many friends and most certainly by me and Mary. We love you and wish you all the best on this next journey.

Dennis and Mary

High 🛫 Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air ... Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Ema

Koke was a remarkable individual whose legacy is defined by his diverse accomplishments and unwavering dedication. As an instructor of pilots old and new within Cathay Pacific and as a training manager he effectively utilized his early military leadership skills and his varied experience as an Airline Captain to nurture and guide those he was teaching. His passion for Sailing Diving and golfing were always shared by those friends around him and showcased his adventurous spirit. A cherished friend to many, his memory will continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuits and endeavors. Along with myself and my family, many are proud to have known him and call him friend. We were enriched by his presence. God speed Koke! Save a spot at the bar for us, we miss you already.

Gerry and Nina Christie
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