Frederick KELNER Obituary

Sailed as second mate with Fred when he was mate of the m.v. Kaiapoi in 1963, under the command of Captain Desmond Champion on the Westport coal run. A good friend and shipmate with whom I enjoyed many a good laugh, even when things weren't always going so well. My condolences to his wife and family.

One of the best Captains I ever sailed with. I was his 1st Mate on the Kurutai and became a friend of the family. Jill and I remember many parties and visits during our stay in Auckland.
A very sad loss, Jill and I extend our love and best wishes to all the Kelner family at this time.
Captain Guy and Jill Dennison, Tauranga

I recall an amusing incident during my piloting days in Tauranga. Fred, on the Taiko, and another vessel, a woodchip carrier, both competing for the same berth - POT's berthage policy in those days were "First in First served"- and both heading for the pilot station at full speed. Needless to say, both vessels were giving the same ETA. It was decided that to "split" them a radar range be set up to see who crossed the line first - think it might have been 5 miles. Needless to say both crossed together. So the range was brought down a notch - 4 miles. Again both together. In the meantime Fred was on the radio enquiring whether a decision had been made as he was on full speed and neede to slow down. A minutes or two later, and having not heard from Port Control, he announced that - and I won't quote him - unless someone made up their mind soon the Taiko was going to end up a permanent fixture on Mount Maunganui beach. The Taiko won, and a hasty turn was made to seaward to wash off his speed. The woodchip ship was sent off to anchor. Happy memories.

Fred was a consumate master mariner of the old school. Unlike many from his era though he really cared about the progress of his junior officers and took the time to help and nudge them along. I was fortunate enough to sail with him in Kotuku and Taiko.

He was never one to suffer fools in silence and could not abide abuse of power over those in vulnerable positions. He kept the industrial department, the engineers, the stewards, seamen, and young pilots honest and expected his officers to meet his standards.

Off the ship he was great fun: a racconteur with an arsenal of great stories. As a host he was always generous and entertaining.

Fred's home life meant everything to him. He lived for his time with Evelyn, Ann and Graeme, and Anja, Neil and the grandkids.

I had the greatest respect for Fred's skills as a mariner. He was my first real mentor and was my friend, and I will feel his loss greatly. Fred has crossed the bar; so it goes.

captain Fred Kelner was a Master, shipmate and wonderful mentor during my seagoing career aboard the New Zealand coastal tankers 'Kotuku' and 'Taiko'.

Captain Fred was the consummate organiser and who can forget the 'Where is the Master" chocolate wheel outside his cabin on 'Taiko' informing all hands of his whereabouts.

Our sincere condolences to the Kelner family and we give thanks for life well lived by Captain Fred.

Fair winds and following seas...

Stuart Scott and Ali McPheat