Bernard Kelly (OBE)

4 March 193214 May 2022

Born 4 March 1932. Passed away at his home in New Plymouth on 14 May 2022. Dearly loved husband of the late Josephine for 64 years. Much loved and respected father and father-in-law of Clare & Chris Nordstrom; Moira & Peter Scammell; Anne Kelly & Ross Beaton; Brendan & Helen Kelly; John & Margaret Kelly; Peter & Juliet Kelly; and Catherine Kelly (dec). Loving grandfather of Ellie Nordstrom; Patrick, Olivia (Gardner) & Emma Scammell; Alice, Sophia & Max Burney; Sarah, Grace (Crowley) & Anna Kelly; Hannah (Middleton), Sean, Joseph, Kate (dec) & Rose (dec) Kelly; and Jack, Laura & Angus Kelly. Great-grandfather of Ted, George, Stella, Pippa, and Maggie.
Son of Joseph & Frances Kelly. Brother & Brother-in-law of Peter (dec) & Marie Kelly; Michael & Mary Kelly (both dec), Jim (dec) & Gloria Kelly; and Mary & Clarrie Sullivan (both dec). RIP.
All messages to the Kelly family may be left here on his tribute page.
Family and friends will celebrate Requiem Mass for Bernard at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Powderham Street, New Plymouth on Thursday 19 May 2022 at 11.00am. Bernard will be laid to rest at the Hawera Cemetery on Friday at 12 noon. For those unable to attend, Bernard’s service will be live streamed here on his tribute page.

Eagars Funerals

Notice by Eagars Funerals

Funeral service held at St Joseph's Catholic Church New Plymouth

Tributes

To The Kelly Family, My deepest sympathy to you all. Bernard was an amazing man, so understanding of all who crossed his path. He was so good to me when I was a stock clerk with Farmers Co-Op even though he was a senior Manager at the time working for the opposition firm, Newton King. It was a privilege to work with Bernard, Josephine and the family in more recent times from an Investment Advisory perspective. Rest In Peace Bernard David McCarthy

David P McCarthy

With deepest sympathy to Bernie's family. He was always the gentleman. I used to enjoy our chats in the supermarket and catching up on the current form of the Myers horses. Thinking of you all Jill Osten (Trask)

Jill Osten

Hi Clare and Chris, Moira and Peter, Anne and Ross, Brendan and Helen, John and Margaret and Peter and Juliet and all your children, Our thoughts, love and prayers have been with you this week as you farewell Uncle Bernard. Stephen and I would love to have joined you in person. However, Covid entered our household and plans had to be changed! It was lovely to watch the livestream of Uncle Bernard's funeral and in some way feel part of it. Like him, the funeral was respectful, beautiful and dignified. Uncle Bernard and Aunty Josephine have always been so interested and supportive to our family. May Uncle Bernard rest in the peace of God with Aunty Josephine, Catherine and his wonderful brothers and sister, Love from, Frances, Stephen, Joseph and Daniel (McNeill) XXXX

Frances McNeill

Hi to all the Kelly clan on this sad day. Our thoughts were with you all as we watched the service from home. Last saw Bernard and Josephine in 2007, how time flies. Hope we can all catch up in person before another 15 years goes by, Love to you all, Michael, Ava, Clodagh

Michael Kelly

My sympathy to the three generations of your family. The respect I have always had for Bernard, was established in the 1960’s when I was one of many kids in the Hawera neighbourhood of McCarthy Street. It fascinated me how Bernard and my father Keith, could work in opposition to each other as Livestock Agents and Auctioneers, for different companies, and still be such good friends. They enjoyed the shard the interest in Horse Racing. Bernard was very good to me. In my High School years, I used to work with him each Saturday. This would be either on Joe’s farm at Te Roti or on the farm he owned with Michael on Duthie Road. He paid me one pound a day, which I thought was pretty good. I did not enjoy grubbing thistles, but did enjoy loading the press at shearing time and dunking the sheep in the liquid dip. A very special thing for me was that Bernard taught me to drive in the Land Rover. This was on low ratio gears, in the paddock, of course. Strange as it may seem, our family vehicle these days is a Land Rover Discovery. While these reflections are mine, I send this message of condolence also on behalf of my brothers and sisters; Jan, Sally, Robert, Phillipa and Donald. Sincerely, John Newland (Havelock North)

John Newland

From Jim & Gloria Kelly’s family in Australia & overseas, we extend our deepest sympathies to Bernard’s family at this time of great loss. We had hoped for a stronger ‘Jim & Gloria Kelly’ representation at today’s funeral, but unfortunately, certain factors were against us. Whilst our lives became busy and our interactions have been limited across the tasman, we often think of our family in New Zealand and cherish the times we have been able to connect. The support that Bernard & Josephine provided us at the time of our own father’s passing will always be remembered and appreciated. Bernard had a very strong bond with his brothers and sister and this family orientation is his hallmark. We have just viewed the beautiful service for Bernard online and it is clearer than ever that he was a true gentleman and family meant everything to him. And what a lovely family! It has been endearing to see his children and grandchildren speak so eloquently about Bernard’s life and it has been a treat (and a surprise) to learn new things, not only about Bernard and the man he was, but also about our grandparents, Joseph & Nancy (Frances). We expect the past few weeks have been heart breaking for those closest to Bernard but rest assured that the happy memories will soon replace the most recent images of your beloved father and grandfather. We wish you all the very best and trust you take comfort in the fact you have such a large, strong family and community for support. Love from all of us.

Phillipa Kelly

Bernard, an absolute gentleman and wonderful neighbour, Redwood Crescent was blessed to have Bernard and Josephine as part of their community. Personally, we so enjoyed our talks, your wit, knowledge and the in-depth conversations. The thing that we will miss the most is walking past your home and knowing our wave will be returned. Rest in Peace Bernard, you were loved by many.

Chris & Lesa Mora

It was an honour to know Bernie and to have him (and Josephine) as our neighbour. We had a lot of good chats and spoke often. Our kids really loved going over to see him to say hi and give him high fives and show their latest bike and scooter tricks. He related well to our young kids and they looked up to him. R.I.P Bernie, it was a pleasure.

Lee Drew

.It is with deepest sympathy we send our condolences to Bernard's Family , Sorry we are unable to attend the service .Thinking of you at this sad time . He will always be remembered for being a great man and for giving us a leg up into the dairy industry..Greg & Catherine Campbell

Greg & Catherine Campbell

Kind regards from Valerie and Jane Reilly of Hamilton.

The Reilly Family

To the Kelly family, was so sad to read today of Bernie's passing. He was a man of the highest integrity who served so many sectors with great diligence and selflessness. I had the pleasure of working in both the health and racing industries and always admired Bernie's passion and dedication in any role he was asked to perform. As a family you can feel tremendously proud of his achievements and I know he was always very proud of his children and grandchildren. A true gentleman with a sparkling sense of humour who will be sadly missed. Brian and Jenny Lawlor, Gold Coast.

Brian Lawlor

To Clare, Moira, Anne, Brendon, John, Peter, and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on the sad loss of your father. Bernard and Josephine were a part of our life when we were young and we have many fond memories of you all. Sylvia Murphy (99 years old) Dan & Kathleen Murphy Palmerston North

Dan Murphy

To Clare, Moira, Anne, Brendon, John, Peter, and family, On behalf of the Peter Kelly family I am writing to honour Bernard's life, our uncle and brother-in-law. He was a role model in all our lives and a man whose legacy lives on in his wonderful family, of which he was rightly so proud. He had countless strengths and achievements but it is particularly his kindness towards our family we remember so vividly after the loss of our own father and husband, and his tremendous and unwavering support of Marie. It is with great sadness we now see the end of an era. He was an exemplary leader, a true gentleman, and will remain in our hearts as a real life hero and inspiration. Our deepest sympathy, Marie, Cushla, Nicola and Patrick Kelly, Kristin Haigh and Maria Fuller, and family.

CUSHLA KELLY

I was informed on Sunday of the death of Bernard, and this morning in the internet version of the Taranaki Daily News saw the notice of his death. It seems just a short time ago that the final farewell was given to Josephine, his wife for many years. To all the Kelly family and especially Brendon, John and Peter I extend my sincere sympathy on the passing of your father. May the Good Lord now welcome Bernard home with His arms outstretched and may both your parents be forever at peace. Declan G Thompson…. declanfsc2@yahoo.com.au (still, an 88 year old, residing in Auckland.)

Declan G Thompson

We offer our deepest sympathy to the Kelly family. Sad when the older generations are passing on. Les and I last saw Josephine and Bernard at Joan Corbett's 100th birthday celebrations in Auckland.. Only a few of us cousins of that generation of Cromptons are now left. Thinking of you all and hoping we don't lose touch. . Linley Jones (Crompton), Judi Press (Crompton), Anne Crompton and Michael Crompton (deceased)

Linley Jones (nee Crompton)

To the Kelly family Our thoughts are with you at this time. Bernard was a true gentleman; kind and genuine. He was always engaging with a warm and great send of humour. He achieved a lot in his life and leaves behind a great legacy. At rest now with Josephine and Catherine. Jane, David, Ned and Greta Langton

Jane Langton

We send our deepest sympathy to all the Kelly families. Bernard was an absolute icon in Taranaki . Over a long and amazing life, he made a huge contribution in many fields including farming, racing , health , and business. Bernard and Josephine were a wonderful couple. May they rest in peace. Maeve and John McCarthy

John & Maeve McCarthy (Auckland )

Bernard Kelly ranked in our top tier of friends from the time Myra and I met Josephine and Bernard at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club's Centenary clebrations in 1984. We sat together in the grandstand at Ocean Park watching an American high-dive team in action and immediately bonded. Our stay with Bernard and Josephine at New Plymouth a few years kater, followed by a tour of the South Island together was memorable. Subsequent reunions at Asian Racing Conferences were eagerly anticipated.. Bernard's contributions to his community and the New Zealand racing industry were characteristic of his high ideals. Our condolences are extended to Berard and Josephine's wonderful family. Ray & Myra Alexander, Moss Vale, NSW, Australia. rnard's contributions to his community and the racing industry were

Ray Alexsnder

Our deepest sympathy to you all at this sad time, you are in our thoughts and prayers Tracey and Richard Roberts

Tracey and Richard Roberts

Dear Brendon, John, Peter, Clare, Moira, Anne and your families. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. It was a pleasure to work for both of them and they were always happy to give advise when asked. He will be back with Josephine again, and they will be watching over us all. May they both be resting in peace. Paul and Susan England and family xoxo

Susan England
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