29 Dec 1958 - 22 Oct 2018
29 Dec 1958 - 22 Oct 2018
The celebration of Kevin's life was held at the Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival Spiegeltent, Havelock North Domain, Havelock North, on Saturday 27th October 2018 at 3.00pm
Farewell to a very passionate and compassionate man - Kevin you lived life with such gusto - but without losing your love for others. I felt privileged to be able to watch your funeral online and see how much you were loved also.
Jonathon....thank you for making Kevin the happiest man on earth... You made him as he made you.
I met Kevin in 1977... He and I did our nursing training together, we were in the same class. I would go shopping for a new dress... Which meant a date with my sewing machine, and Kevin would be there helping choose the pattern, the fabric, the colour... And a venue for the unveiling of said dress... He was funny, political and captivating, way back then. (One of those unveilings involved a 5km walk home in 6in stiletto heels!) My feet are still thinking about forgiving me. I never knew that Kevin did not understand his sexuality, I was very young and completely niave. When years later, about 1987 or do, when I ran into him he was flabbergasted to know that his big coming out was no surprise to me... I already knew... All us nurses knew ???? and, happily, I can honestly say it never made any difference to the way we worked with him... He was just Kevin..????????
I am honestly ashamed that I did not keep up the contact with him... I loved him dearly... I last saw him in the flesh in the early 90's when he came to dinner at my house in Morrinsville..we laughed and reminisced about nursing school and former colleagues, he entertained my son's... And reminded me of what I was missing... However life carried on and he moved on to a much better space and place with you!! I am so pleased you found each other, you completed him .. thank you for streaming the service for those of us that could not be there... I was doing well, even as you started to crack...but ever the entertainer, you forged on...but the Haka undid me.
I will never be able to imagine the deep sorrow and pain you feel, (and I don't want to, selfish I know) but please know you are in my ???? heart, my thoughts and my prayers ???? and will be for a long time to come...
Aroha Jonathon..
Haere ra Kevin... Until we meet again...
I remember the first time I met you 33 years ago
Tall, tanned and very handsome with your glorious warmth, smile and your great sense of humour, you made me laugh
The exuberant energy you created, it was an instant attraction and love at first sight for me
I am here to celebrate your life, and the way you touched my life, a privilege to have known you
I wish to pay my last respects, to thank you for your friendship
The bond between us cannot be broken; no interval of time can destroy it
The beautiful memories I will treasure and hold close to my heart,
With enormous gratitude, I bid you farewell my beautiful friend
As painful parting be, I bow to you my Kevin as I see you off to distant clouds.
Kamla (your chocolate buttons)
Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane
The totara has fallen in the forest of Tane
I will miss you Mr. Baker..and all your wit, charm and humour. Angels are always on loan.
Kevin there are no words to that express how much yoir loss means to so many people. Will never forget your laugh and hugs.
Was an honour to call you a friend. Love and hugs to you Jonathon and thankyou for streaming the farewell. Watched it and laughed and reminisced from Brisbane. xxx
Jonathon
It was a privilege to be part of the celebration of Kevin’s life by live stream. Thank you for making this available .
Kevin was a delightful man, and I’m so sorry that he has gone. I had a lovely time in my garden today enjoying the flowers of the cuttings he generously gave me when we stayed at your BnB. Helene and I both have fond memories of him from that visit, and of course I enjoyed our interactions when in GALS, backstage and at your wedding.
Much aroha
Nga mihi
Catherine and Helene
Jonathan & Family, thinking of you over the time, A big thank you Kevin for colouring our world and giving back to our community. Very big loss. Rest In Peace xxx
I have known Kevin all my life. Our parents where good friends and grew up with the Baker boys. As I couldn't make it to the funeral I watch it live,and it was a beautiful service. Kevin was a very caring and loving person and always had time for people.He will always be in my heart and thoughts.
Dear Kevin. I can hear you chuckling, hear your voice. Y our marriage with Dear Jonathan was n inspiration to us all. May Buffy delight the Yniverse forever. Kee[ flying dear one, continue to surround Jonathan with you love. XXXXX
Feel so very sad today dear Kevin. You were a warm, generous and kind man in so many peoples lives. I wish I could be there with your friends and family today as they all celebrate your life in Aotearoa. So pleased to be able to celebrate you and cry, live streaming here in Melbourne. Kia Kaha to Jonathan, your friends and whanau.
Ros xx
My memories of your support and assistance dear Kevin are both warming and endearing. Your smile and laugh infectious. Gentle words that helped settle were always received with appreciation, along with your approach. Rest now gentle man, taken albeit to soon.....Love and thoughts to Jonathan and your family at this time too. Arohanui O. x
Dear Kevin you will always for me be the epitome of unconditional love.
Your legacy of that love will stay with me forever.
Thank you
Arohanui
Alan Archer
Kevin a beautiful man you were. We worked for many years on various mental health projects through Like Minds Like Mine and the Mental Health Foundation of NZ. And then I always love you as Buffy and Bimbo you were amazing together and entertained thousands and bought many smiles and warmth to our hearts. Thankyou for all the amazing memories. Moe mai ra Rangatira
Dearest Kevin gave unstintingly to our world. His beautiful wise happy soul reached out and touched us all making us expand happily and become better and more loving human beings. Kevin beloved friend, thank you for your priceless gifts of joy, inspiration, selfless generosity and unforgettable chuckling laughter....bringing peace into our hearts.... Darling man... your work will continue... always in our hearts.... Your priceless gifts will live on. Jennifer Hagberg
Kevin, you were a bright light for me. Your warmth and intelligence held me solid during difficult times. We often laughed through my tears and your unconditional regard for the work I was doing gave me the strength to continue. Thank you, my friend, you will be missed.
Darling Kevin, you were such a bright spirit. Warm and wonderful. I will miss you not being in this world.