Dear Kerry, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and friendship from when I first moved into 53A Carthew st. That goes for Dave and Ben too. You have such a vibrant spirit and a deep caring for people, a real neighborliness, if that is a word! I loved the waves as you were in the driveway and seeing all the beautiful colours you were dressed in. Thank you for the social distanced covid cups of tea from over the fence that we shared with Penny, my other neighbor. It was a lonely time for me as my husband and I had just separated and I was alone in the house. The meals, the parties and wee sneaky wines we shared a few afternoons. The world is now rather less colourful but heaven has won a treasured prize. God Bless and all my love to you Dave and Whanau.

Our deepest sympathy to you Dave and your family. Kerry was such a warm friendly and vibrant person and will be so sadly missed by you all. Ron and Janice Thompson

Our deepest condolences to Dave and family. Will never forget the warm welcome at your home. Heimo and Renate Staudinger

Please accept our condolaces at the passing of Kerry. Watched the lovely service via live-stream link. What a remarkable lady she was and a lovely family she has sadly left behind. All the best for the future and our thoughts are with you Dave,.Regards Mary & Ian Julian

Thank you Kerry for being such a wonderful caring, supportive and inspiring neighbour. Yours and Dave's hospitality, kindness and community spirit contributed to our wonderful time living 2 doors down for so many years in Okato village. I'll always remember you turning up at my door many times when kids were little checking in on me to see if I was coping with the "small people" years. We knew we could call on you and Dave anytime and we have deep gratitude for that. May you rest in peace dear one. My heart goes out to your family and Dave. You will be dearly missed, the big smile, calm presence and always colourful persona xxxxx

Kerry was a cherished member of the Bowen family. Kerry was a remarkable woman who touched our lives with her warmth and kindness. Kerry was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Her love for her family was boundless, and she always had a smile to share. Her presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. With love and remembrance, The Bowen Family

Dave and family our thoughts and love are with you all.

To Dave and family, our love goes out to you all with the loss of Kerry. Kerry will leave a huge gap in our extended whanau. She was such a loving person with many talents and fun to be around. I recall when Willie and I returned from a holiday, Kerry presented Willie with a beautifully iced cake to celebrate a special birthday. Love and Hugs to you all Anne & Willie

Sincerest sympathy to you Dave, and your family, in the loss of Kerry. As I have also experienced sudden death I say 'treasure those memories'. I have lots of photos around my house now!! Jan Dempsey

Reflections from the Soulsby family David and I first met dear Kerry in the late 70's, experiencing her warm, welcoming and generous nature on many occasions... during visits to Okato, New year's parties, sleep overs, barbecues at the bach and family milestones, to name a few. Michelle and Pip enjoyed camping at Oakura beach and playing in the house and around the section at Carthew Street when they were school age. Kerry's confidence blossomed over the years and we witnessed determination, perseverance and tenacity.These traits were alongside her many talents including....culinary skills, crafts, writing and editing, flair for colourful clothes and of course supporting Dave and family. Recently we have reminisced about our cycle holidays, photo of the day competitions, visits to Tongaporutu and more recently the epic Cape to Cape adventure - Kerry nailed it , even with a heavy,hired E bike after her's broke down. " Yes Dave, Kerry sadly won't be around to keep me in line " David. We send thoughts of love and support, sympathy and friendship from afar in Sicily at present. Sorry we aren't able to be with you all in person ( but will be in spirit, especially on Wednesday. ) Love from Linda, David, Michelle and Pip xx

Thank you, Kerry, for always wearing a smile and bringing joy to those around you. You will be missed by many. Our hearts go out to your family in this incredibly difficult time. Aroha nui.

To Dave & family, Our sincere sympathy to you and your family during this sad loss of a loved Wife and Mother Sorry we cannot be with you at the service. Barry has a Hospital appointment. As Kevin & Diane & Anna & Deane are overseas Please accept their sympathy too. Janet &Barry Goble & family

So sad to hear of Kerry's passing. Such a lovely vibrant Lady and my heart goes out to you David & your family, she will be really missed by you all. The extended family will miss her also as she was a very talented Lady. Love to you all. Maureen

Dave and family, sorry for your loss, Tippy and Sue

Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family David. May Kerry RIP. Graeme & Kate Guilford Matamata

So sad to hear of Aunty Kerry’s passing. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies prayers go out to all her family.

Kerry, our positive, colourful, sparkly friend with that beautiful attitude towards life, that lots of people could learn from and that would make this world a better place.Always kind , warm hearted , with a curious spirit and open mind. Sharing dinners together with a good glass of wine, diving into some meaningful conversations wherever we met, not to mention the creative cakes which blew us away. Taking us to the old pa in oakura was so special. We will miss your presence in the village and in our lives, we will carry you in our hearts forever. Thank you for the warm welcome to okato and the community. Lots of strength and love to you Dave and your beautiful family. Aroha Kat, Kalani and Alwin

Our thoughts are with you all. In memory of a very kind and wonderful lady. Kerry will always hold a special place in our hearts. Lovely memories. Lots of love Kevin, Ann and family The UK branch of the Lilley family xxx

To Dave & Family Thinking of you guys at this hard & sad time

I am so sorry for your sudden loss of your beautiful, vibrant Kerry, David. No words could express the ripped apart you must be feeling. Take care, with your family and friends, let them help. I am sorry not to be at Kerry's Celebration of Life, I am in Christchurch with grandchildren, but I will come down and visit you sometime very soon. I will be donating to the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.

Our deepest sympathy to you all in the sad passing of Kerry Danny & Colleen Lawn

Thinking of you at this very sad time, as is mum (Yvonne)

Dear Dave and family We are shocked and saddened to read of Kerry’s passing. We are currently in Podgora where we know you spend a super time together - those are the great memories along with many more that you will treasure. Our deepest sympathy and love to you all at this very sad time - we will be with you on the day of Kerry’s celebration of life even though from many miles away. Julie and Ivan Marinovich

To Dave & family Thinking of you all at this very sad time

Terribly sad news. Fond memories of happy Kerry. Love and support to Dave and family. Craig & Sue Burrell

Dear Dave and family. We are so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Kerry. I loved the times we shared together during our days of the Okato TOM. Always full of great ideas, a curious mind and lots of laughs. We will miss her smiling face about the village and the catch up chats, usually at the cafe. Thinking of you all at this extremely sad time. Milly and Richard xx

Our loving thoughts are with Kerry's family at this sad time.Sincerely Nigel and Eleanor Preston

We feel blessed to have known such a special person. Our deepest sympathy for Dave and the family.

Sorry Dave and family for your loss. Kerry had such a lovely bright bubbly personality. Such a loss for our community. Love to you all Hugo and Maria

So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Kerry, thinking of you all. Much love, Sharon van der Fits

We are so sorry for your loss Dave and family. Kerry was always such a cheerful, colourful, friendly presence at Lemonwood and I always enjoyed her company. I’m unable to attend her service but my thoughts will be with you. Warmly BARBARA

I still can't believe that you've passed oto the spiritual world. You're such an incredible woman with an amazing personality plus a huge loving heart to go with myit. All of his siblings were incredibly lucky to have had you as their sister. Jeez I can still remember when Joanne and I came out to stay in Okato when we were young and the look on your face was priceless when I dropped that heavy cash register until the newly layed wooden floors in kitchhen and then packing myself when you said that we still have to tell Dave 🫣. RIP Kerry, you will be sorely missed. RIP 🙏🙏😭😭❤️🙏🎂😁