Kevin Ernest Wilkey
On 5 April 2025, peacefully at Hospice Marlborough, aged 75 years.
Devoted and loving husband of Hilary and a loved father of Janelle and Chris. An adored grandfather (G.D.) of Nelson. A loved brother and brother-in-law of John and June; Trevor (dec) and Norma; Ray; Erin;
Carmel (dec) and Peter; Marion and John.
Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust would be appreciated and can be made
via their website or at the service. Heartfelt thanks to the amazing team at Hospice Marlborough and Oncology, Wairau Hospital.
A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services,
15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Friday 11 April at 11.00am followed by private cremation.
The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES BLENHEIM F.D.A.N.Z.
Service Details
Springlands Chapel
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services
15 Boyce Street
Blenheim
Friday 11 April 2025
11.00am
Please note, three camera views are available when watching a service at our Springlands Chapel. Select at top right of viewing screen.
From - Henry & Lynn Dowler
Our hearts go out to Hilary and all the family at this very sad time. We only came to know Kevin recently, but what a delight it was to share his company. We will miss him terribly, but take some solace in remembering the warm welcome we received from him and the fun times we had together.
What an incredible legacy he left us all - a life that must truly be celebrated.
From - Peter O'Keeffe
Kevin - What an amazing flight instructor and writer.
Kevin you took me out to the bar - low level and in between the sandbanks. I had bugger all clearance on both sides of my wing tips - I was sweating bullets - but you trusted me - even though you had your hands and feet very near the control columns!!!! And then we did bad weather configurations - that too was petrifying, but I leant so so much.
And then I used to read your epistles - they were so so funny and so down to earth - you had a way with words
before AI came in.
I loved you as my flying instructor and I loved you as a person.
Thank you for making a difference in my life.
My flying will never be the same without you in the right hand seat.
Lake Angeles and Lake stn fly-in is a memory close to my heart.
Thank you Kevin
From - Lucas diamond
I'm very sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. I will always have very special memories of Kevin,
both in and out of the cockpit.
Kevin gave me the most precious of things — the license to fly. There is a very special bond in that,
one that will always be remembered.
Kevin was hilarious, and his humour always helped me.
There are thousands of examples of your teaching moments, your friendship, the jokes and the laughs
we shared — far too many to list.
I will never forget the words he once said to me:
"There’s what’s in the book, and then there’s how to fly this plane and stay alive —
and that’s what I’m going to teach you."
He did. That was Kevin — utterly practical. I learned things from him, that keep me out of trouble to this day.
The way he taught — with humour, with examples, and with compassion (especially after a good pie!)
— will always be remembered.
My thoughts are with Hillary and family.
Kevin, You will always be remembered with a smile. I cherish the book you signed for me
and will re-read the tales one more time — hopefully not identifying myself in the pages as "that bloody student."
Go west, mate — blue skies and tailwinds.
From - Graham and Celia Zumbach
Our deepest Sympathy Janelle and Chris.
We have so many great memories of your dad. We even have a joke he told our son when Glendyn was 3.
We remember Kevin as being happy, helpful, willing and fun to be with. Love to you both at this very sad time.
Graham and Celia and family.
