Veda May KELLOCK

So sorry to hear the passing of Veda. I have many good memories of staying at your home in Herbert Street as Jan and I were good friends, and enjoyed being a part of your family. Veda was an amazing woman who lived a very fulfilling and interesting life and gave so much to her community. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

It was a privilege to have known Veda, a strong woman of faith, and one who gave to her community in many and varied ways. Her musical legacy to Southland and beyond will be remembered for a long time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

A wonderful singing teacher for many years and also a regular traveller with John. My sympathy to all the family.

Sincere condolences from Neroli Wood (née Smith) and Murray Smith. Veda was a much loved friend of our family, and a strong musical influence, particularly on our sister Jenny (deceased). She is remembered with great fondness. Our thoughts are with Veda’s family at this time.

So sorry to hear of Veda’s passing.
Veda holds a very special place in my heart as someone who helped shape me to be the person I am today.
I will never forget the afternoons waiting on her and John’s porch for my 15-20 minute singing lessons. At the time I always felt like they were short. Not understanding what we were about to accomplish. When I first started about 8 or 9 years old. Veda said it would be an 8-week commitment to prove myself. After the 8 weeks she would let me know if I was good enough. So, every week for those 8 weeks I would sit there hoping I had practiced enough so I would be able to continue, because I enjoyed my lessons with Veda instantly! Lucky enough after those 8 weeks she confirmed what I could only hope for. From there Veda devoted another over a decade to me! And although she was quite the taskmaster in those 20-minute lessons, we achieved a lot.
For me it wasn’t just singing, singing opened some really fun doors but it ultimately taught me patience, practice makes perfect, gave me the confidence to have a voice (which has been very useful professionally).
I know I was not the only one she devoted her time to either. I had the pleasure of meeting many of her students along the way. I am sure their fondness of Veda is much the same. She was one of kind and whilst our teacher, also our friend.
To her family – you are no stranger to the impact she has had especially in music but thank you for allowing us to experience her, her time, her talent and dedication to us.
I really wish I could have been with you at the First Church to be part of her wonderful celebration and share more memories.
Love and thoughts during this time.
Xx
Kendall