Vale Roger Kelly Surfer And Good Bloke
Today (Thursday, March 9) was exclusively dedicated to former ToK member and allround popular surfer and well-known local character, Roger Kelly. On behalf of Roger’s family and particularly his sweet daughters, Johlene and Tracey, their sincere thanks is extended to our Table of Knowledge Boardriders Club and all the other good folk who arrived at our Paddle Out venue at Jack Evans Boat Harbour this morning. Roger’s paddle out was coordinated by former ToK Club President Pearce Dougherty in harmony with Johlene’s and Tracey’s wishes. Pearce also MC’d the very pleasant catered-for “wake” at Club Tweed following the paddle out and flower ceremony. Some very entertaining Roger Kelly anecdotes were aired during the wake proceedings.
Maybe the biggest highlight of the day was when Roger’s eldest daughter Johlene sang a tender Maori funeral song for her father just before we paddled out to form the traditional Hawaiian circle and hold hands and scatter the beautiful flowers within the sacred circle.
