Fenton KELLY Obituary

Fenton was a real gentleman - with a great sense of humour. We used to learn loads from him while conversing at the Hastings Club. We also used to harvest his grapes which was a time of joy and celebration. I´ve not seen Fenton for a lot of years but will always remember him as a gentleman. Sorry for your loss Felicity. Stuart MacIntyre (on behalf of myself, Jane and the late Rhod MacIntyre)

So sorry to hear this. From the end of 1982 Fenton gave my brother and I work for all our years as university students. This was not just on the farm and vineyard, but also at the home in York Street and in Taupo. He was kind and generous, as well as just being great fun to work with. Fenton taught us a considerable amount about wine, something I am still grateful for. I have so many great memories. I remember one incident where my brother and I were sitting in the Honda Civic. Fenton had grabbed one of the motorcycles to quickly survey the sheep on one of the hill paddocks. For some bizarre reason - and unbeknownst to Fenton - there was a lone warratah planted in the ground in the middle of this particular paddock. Poor Fenton was peering at the sheep, drove straight into it and went clear over the handlebars. He got up off the ground, dusted himself off, and a few minutes later was back in the car with us. We tried not to laugh, but to no avail. Fenton informed us it wasn't a laughing matter as he could have been hurt. My brother responded by asking if he was trying to be Evel Knieval, at which we all laughed and went home. One of the things I particularly liked about Fenton was how kind he was with the livestock. I recall an old ewe going down in the yards and Fenton cupping his hands to try and give it mouth to mouth to resuscitate it. He will be very much missed, a true gentleman farmer. Deepest condolences to Felicity.

Deepest sympathy Felicity at the loss of your brother and my life long friend.