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Kerry ASHBY Obituary

ASHBY, Kerry Ayling. (MNZM). Passed away on 3 March 2015, aged 86, suddenly but not unexpectedly, at home in Weymouth. Dearly loved husband (57 years) of Winkie; loved father of Dan, Rob, Kirsten and Graeme; loved and respected father-in-law of Noeline, Lisa, Malcolm; adored Grandpa of Nicole, Scott, Sam, Grace, Alice, Brooke and Brady. Life member of West End Rowing Club and Rowing NZ. No ordinary bloke-you made a real difference and will be sadly missed by family, friends and many others. Following private cremation, a celebration of Kerry's life will be held at West End Rowing Club, Saunders Place, Avondale, on Wednesday 11 March commencing at 2.00pm. "And we shout out "Ake Ake" while life and lungs give zest, To pass on…but not forgotten by the rest"



Published by The New Zealand Herald on Mar. 7, 2015.

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Memories and Condolences
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14 Entries

My sincere and belated condolences to Winkie and all the Ashby family on Kerry's passing. I met him just once to sing him a song called 'The Phantom Fleet'. We used the words of Kerry's father, Ted Ashby, set to music and it has been recorded by The Maritime Crew. Kerry was a delight to meet and get to know, brief though our encounter was. It is remiss of me not to have kept in touch and I'm saddened that he did not hear our recording of the song before he passed on.

Bob Large

February 2, 2016

Words alone cannot ease the pain and loss that your family is experiencing right now. "May seeking comfort from God provide strength during this difficult time." Heartfelt condolences - Isa 51:12

September 25, 2015

Our sincere sympathies to you Winkey and family for the passing of Kerry. Many a time at grt sth rd Paptoetoe what seems like many years ago. May he rest in peace. He and Vic will probably set up rowing in heaven

Sally Hundleby

March 12, 2015

kate woolsey

March 12, 2015

The special friendship that existed between our father and Kerry is one we can only aspire to. Kerry was such a wonderful part of our lives and his Tusitala tales, his booming laughter and the fun memories he has left us with will have him live on in our lives forever. Our sympathies to St Peter now that Vic and Kerry have joined forces again. Our warmest thoughts and love are with you and your family Winkie. The Douglas family

Janene Eagleton

March 11, 2015

Much love to Auntie Winky,Dan,Rob,Kirsten and Graeme. My thoughts have been with you all at this sad time. Love Robyn xxxxx

Robyn Allen

March 11, 2015

Janene Eagleton

March 10, 2015

Janene Eagleton

March 10, 2015

Janene Eagleton

March 10, 2015

We are sending our heartfelt condolences at the passing of a longtime rowing mate and friend. Our thoughts are with you Winkie and your family. Regards - Jim and Doreen Hill and family.

Janetta Wilson ( Hill)

March 10, 2015

A man who gave great guidance to me over many years; who supported and encouraged my rowing career and came to my assistance in times of need. We will miss you Kerry, and on every occasion at the clubhouse when your favourite song is sung, there will be strong memories of you. Love and best wishes to Winkie and all the family. Tony and Sandra Hurt.

March 9, 2015

Many fond memories of life and work in Fiji. All power to Winkie in the keeping up the spirits for so long. I will miss the occasional meet and argument with Ashabai san. Love Paul Freeman

March 9, 2015

My late husband Wesley Dixon of the Ngaruawahia Rowing who also loved rowing as his first sport often spoke of Kerry Ashby and Don Rowlands )now Sir). He rowed against Kerry and their West End team in the years 1952 1953. From then on Kerry with Sir Don Rowlands and the West End Rowing club as rowing crews to model their own rowing capabilities. Your name Kerry was a household in our house as my husband and no doubt all his rowing mates in Ngaruawahia looked up to you of West End. Condolences to your whanau and may you rest in peace after your long row in life. A true rowing legend ake, ake, ake tonu atu - From Wesley Dixon's widow and whanau.

March 9, 2015

Kerry Ashby a man of Passion Persistence and persuasion who touched the lives of so many of us young Mt Albert Grammar boys and changed our attitude to life forever .Kerry's love of rowing was legendary and I have no doubt that Kerry has been a huge part of the can do attitude that persists in New Zealand Rowers today as they take on and usually beat the rest of the world.Thank you Kerry for believing in us and steering us through life and Thankyou to Winkie and the kids for sharing Kerry with us
Ross underwood

Ross Underwood

March 8, 2015

ASHBY, Kerry Ayling Passed away on 03-03-2015. Another 49er passed away - will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by our family as a life-long friend and supporter of West End. Wonderful support and care by Winkie and family coping with some difficult health issues over many months. He fought on right to the finish. Love to you all from Bill and Judy.

March 9, 2015

ASHBY, Kerry Kerry Ashby, respected Life Member and stalwart of the West End Rowing Club, Life Member of Rowing New Zealand and the Auckland Rowing Association, passed away on the evening of Tuesday 3rd March 2015 at the age of 86. He joined West End from Mt Albert Grammar in 1947 and was member of the first West End crew to win Redcoats in the eight in 1949. Kerry went on to win a further six redcoats. Competing for New Zealand, Kerry won two silver medals at the Empire Games in the Men's Eight in 1950 at Auckland and in the Coxed Four in Vancouver 1954, as well as being in the coxed four crew at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. Kerry played key roles in the building of the last three clubhouses. More recently he had been instrumental in the revival of Mt Albert Grammar School rowing. Under Kerry's keen impetus MAGS began rowing again in 2008 after a hiatus of over 20 years and has grown from strength to strength. His great enthusiasm for West End will be missed. Sincerest condolences to Winkie and the Ashby Family from the Officers and Members of West End Rowing Club. Ake Ake Kia Kaha.

March 7, 2015

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