John was well known for his passion for vintage cars and machinery.
Longtime Pirongia Rural Fire brigade member John Lawrence Kelly has died three days short of his 80th birthday.
Kelly, who died on April 26, John was a firefighter from July 1998 to April 2004 and then a brigade support member from December 2013 to March 2022.
A celebration of his life was held on Tuesday at the Pirongia Community Centre Church.
John was well known for his passion for vintage cars and machinery.
He was remembered as a much-loved husband of Rachel (Kay), friend, and member of the community.
He was well known for his passion for vintage cars and machinery and his work included driving for McFalls and bus driving.
Former Te Awamutu Community Board hair Gary Derbyshire described Kelly as a pleasure to work alongside – “full of engineering knowledge and proud of his
Pirongia Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Roan Gouws said John saw the brigade as an extension of his family.
collection”.
Pirongia chief fire officer Roan Gouws spoke of an “awesome guy”.
“He was always at the station, never too shy to grab a broom and tidy up. He always made sure things were in their place,” Gouws said.
“What always stands out to me about him as he was really into the social side. He loved sitting down, having a beer with the crew and reminiscing about the old days.
“He really saw the brigade as an extension of his family – and so do we.
“He was an all-round nice person. He stepped away from the brigade a couple of years or so prior to his passing, but we still invited him to our brigade dinners and then he would always turn up.
“He was a dependable guy and he’s going to be sorely missed. He was always smiling and never had a negative thing to say. He was happy-go-lucky and genuine.”
