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In Memorium


Peter Francis Kearns (1960-2025)
Peter Francis Kearns (1960-2025)

05 September 2025, 12:40 AM

PETER FRANCIS KEARNS 15/11/1950 - 21/6/2025Son of Frank and Peg Kearns (deceased), formerly of Kiama and Sydney. Loving brother of Bill, Maree, Pat, Patricia and Margaret and brother-in- law to their partners. Loving uncle and great uncle to all his nieces and nephews and their children. Peter spent over 30 years of his life in the Northern Territory. His final residence was Lismore NSW."Uncle Pete will never not have uncle in his name for me. He was more than just an uncle to everyone. He was what home felt like for us all. A BBQ at the Lamberts wasn't complete without Pete there. He always accepted me for who I was, laughed with me at my young and uninformed decisions and loved me like family unconditionally. I cherish the time we travelled down to Alice Springs with Gary and he took me out for a Chinese meal. We shared a beer and that healed my recently broken heart after a failed relationship. Now, his departure has left us with a new break but the love in this family will get us through it and Pete would want that. We love you forever." (Lambert family friend - Ruby)"Peter accompanied me at my debut at the Wentworth Hotel. I was very nervous but he quietly sang as we proceeded up the aisle to be presented to the Governor General at the time. He was certainly a steady rock for me and a good dancer. We waited outside the hotel for a taxi. Kamahl's blue Rolls Royce arrived for him to drive home. He had been part of the entertainment. Peter asked him if we could have a ride home as he understood Kamahl lived at Pymble. Kamahl laughed at Peter's cheekiness and said 'of course'. So we sat in the back with Kamahl driving us home - happy memories. I'm still so sad Peter has left us. He left us with such an ache in our hearts. He will very much be missed. Although we didn't see each other regularly, he just got me and was a special friend in my life. Rest In Peace dear Peter." (Patsy Shannon - friend)"The One. The Only, Fun Doctor. A more noble man could not be met and if Christ Himself came down again to vet, it would be Peter once more He'd choose to cast His net. Our Peter. He was a gift to behold and through his very being, lessons taught more valuable than gold, on the true riches of life and how he lived his should be told. Be kind, be loving, be present, be humble. Laugh with your belly, cry with your heart. Help your fellow man. Work hard, enjoy it and if you fumble, go back and repeat from the start. I'll keep your lessons with me for the rest of my days, although the benchmark you've set is extraordinarily high. I may have to wade through the mud in six-inch heels on my feet and many a pie before I repeat but I'll happily do it I say now with a sigh, in the hopes to see you again by and by." (Audrie Kearns - niece)"I am sorry to hear Pete died. I will raise a glass in memory of him. We had many many fun times together back in the day when we were 'serious' bankers. It seemed no problem was too daunting, that after a few beers could not be solved. Pete was best man at Liz and my wedding in 1987. It is one of our favourite photos around the house. I always tried to get in touch with him for his birthday and Christmas. He wasn't great at correspondence but every once in a while I would receive a letter and what a letter it would be, normally 8 or 9 pages packed with news about the Kearns/Lambert family. The last one was about the move to the Lismore area. Pete never changed. He was always generous materially and in spirit and I was always better for having had his company and support. I will always remember his smile. It wasn't always forthcoming but when it arrived, for me it was worth the wait. I can honestly say, I cannot recall an occasion when anyone had anything negative to say about Pete. I reckon he would have been in the express lane at the pearly gates despite any variance he had with the church rules here on earth." (Peter Friend - friend)"Uncle Pete to many who knew him, was just one word, not two, although my own daughters called him The Fun Doctor and he called them The Little People. Those little people are in their early 40s today. The last time I heard him say that, was only two weeks before he died, when he spoke with two of them by phone at his house at Lismore and it was: "Hi. How are all the little people". He was of that rare breed who identified his calling at a very early age - always eager to participate, yet never craved an audience. His was a life of simplicity and enviable athenticity, undergirded by a metronomic militant like consistency which conformed in obedience to Jesus's urging in Matthews Gospel Ch5 Vrs5: "Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth". As his brother, I could do a lot worse than to follow Pete's example, for if ever there was a recommended life to emulate in order to enter the Eternal Kingdom, then surely his was it. God remain always with you Pete. Rest In Peace Fun Doctor." (Pat Kearns - brother)"It's hard to put into words the impact that Uncle Pete had. He was just always there. He had been in my life as long as I remember. Uncle Pete was a man of simple joys. He didn't need much; like a lawn mower, a whipper-snipper, some grass to cut, a cold Tooheys New, some cheese and crackers and a good set of headphones so he could ignore Garry when he couldn't be bothered to speak to him. What made Pete special was the way he showed up for those he loved. Pete was one of the most dedicated people I know. He always gave more than he expected in return, not only as a person but also as an employee. Maybe these are some of the quiet lessons Pete leaves us with. Find joy in the little things. To show up for the people that you love. To lend a hand without being asked and to live without needing recognition. We miss you Uncle Pete. I'm so grateful for all the memories we shared. Thank you for everything." (Rebecca Lambert - niece)The Kearns family wish to convey their gratitude to all who attended Peter's funeral, to Reverends Jim Littleton, Pat Ahern (Kensington), John Kelliher (Darwin), who are MSC priests and Father Brian Steel MGL, who also celebrated masses for Peter, to all who conveyed their condolences for Peter and to all who contributed to this In Memorium.

Burnetts on Barney Pays Heartfelt Tribute at Jazz Festival
Burnetts on Barney Pays Heartfelt Tribute at Jazz Festival

13 March 2024, 12:13 AM

Tragedy struck the Burnetts on Barney community earlier in the week as they mourned the loss of one of their own, Debra East. The Jazz Festival performances became a touching tribute to her legacy, turning the stage into a canvas of remembrance adorned with flowers and a portrait of Debra. Elizabeth from Burnetts, with a heavy heart, delivered a moving tribute before the performance, dedicating the stage to Debra. In addition to honouring her memory, the event served as a platform to raise funds for the Lions Club Of Kiama Cancer Care Trust. Strawberries, drinks, and delicious food were sold, with all proceeds going to the Trust.The sudden loss of Debra left many in the community grappling with sorrow, as expressed in Burnetts' Facebook post: “Deb left too soon and without time for goodbyes, but the memory of her welcoming smile and gentle, selfless kindness will remain in our hearts forever.”Tom Harrigan, who graced the stage with a wonderful acoustic performance, empathised with the audience, sharing his own recent loss of his dear nan. His heartfelt condolences resonated with the crowd, making his set a memorable and emotional experience. It was evident that the Jazz Festival had become a platform for shared grief and healing.Despite the sombre circumstances, Debra's close family attended the event, choosing to celebrate her life amidst the sorrow, and share her love of live music. In a statement Burnetts expressed their sympathy: “We will miss her sway when she was listening to music playing in the quarry. She loved the Jazz Festival above all else and this Saturday our Jazz Festival music will play in Deb’s memory.” Tom Harrigan Playing his set with the stage set in memory of Debra

Betrothal at The Bugle!
Betrothal at The Bugle!

13 February 2024, 10:00 PM

The Bugle is thrilled to announce the joyous news that two of our own are getting married! The engagement comes as no surprise to those who know them best as Molly and Brendon have radiated love and happiness throughout their relationshipThe couple’s journey began two years ago, during that time their friendship slowly flourished into a beautiful love story. They have experienced many highs and lows together, but their enduring support is a testament that the pair really belong together.Swiftie Molly, known for her endearing charisma and vibrant personality, and Brendon, admired for his intellect and unwavering dedication to his work, are an unstoppable team both in and out of the newsroom. The pair are already hard at work planning the winter wedding of their dreams. With smiles that could light up the whole town, we at The Bugle can’t wait to be a part of the celebration and watch our two enamoured coworkers tie the knot among their friends and family. I am personally overjoyed to be writing this announcement on behalf of my close friend, Molly who deserves every happiness in life and it has been a delight watching her find that in Brendon. Please join us in congratulating the happy couple and sending them all the love and well wishes as they begin this enchanted new chapter together. Here's to the love that brought you both together, the memories you've created, and the future that awaits. Congratulations on your engagement, and may your love continue to flourish fearlessly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PASSING OF KIAMA ELDERS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PASSING OF KIAMA ELDERS

19 September 2023, 11:55 PM

The Bugle would like to acknowledge the recent passing of some of our Kiama elders.WINSOME BARKER(Winsome Barker pictured above) Winsome Barker, well-known citizen of Kiama passed away on Tuesday 5 September 2023.After an eventful life, Winsome moved to Kiama in 1990.Winsome was instrumental in the creation of Peace Park (noted for the wonderful rose garden) in Manning Street, and the Kiama Pelican statue down at harbour, which was moved to Kiama Library. Many locals have fond memories of Winsome’s many colourful hats. The Kiama Garden Club presented Winsome with her life membership in 2014. The gazebo at Kiama Peace Park, which Winsome was instrumental in creating, is named the Winsome Barker gazebo in her honour. The park was paid for by the innovative “Buy a Brick” scheme where bricks with names can be added to the walking paths, which has now has become a memorial itself. A less well-known fact is that Winsome worked for many years as a volunteer guide at Taronga Zoo, despite the long distance required to travel to and from Kiama. Winsome was a long-term member of the Kiama and District Historical Society.As part of the Tidy Town Committee, Winsome arranged for the bronze mix statue of the Kiama Pelican. The statue by artist Tim Johnman was erected in 2002 as a warning to fishers and locals about the dangers of plastic bags to local wildlife after Winsome heard the story of a real pelican at Kiama that died eating plastic bags after mistaking them for jellyfish.In 2014 Winsome Barker was presented with the Kiama Electorate Community Recognition Award by NSW Governor David Hurley.The Bugle would like to thank Barry Wilson for supplying much of the above material. Barry, Winsome’s long-time neighbour, remembers Winsome “as a distinguished lady who maintained an aura and thoroughly enjoyed talking to people and doing as  much as possible for our community.” Her legacy will be enjoyed by the community and visitors for many decades to come. Winnsome was just shy of 99 when she passed. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Winsome’s life at the Kiama Presbyterian Church on Thursday 21 September, 2023 from 11.30 am. DICK OKEDick Oke, who passed away on 30 August 2023 in Astonville, is fondly remembered by Kiama locals and former residents who have moved away for his extensive knowledge and photographic contributions to the local Facebook group, Kiama Remembers, a history of Kiama. (Dick Oke)His mother Esme Campbell’s family were from Kiama, and Dick visited Kiama many times in his youth. Dick was in many ways the heart of the Kiama Historical Pages on Facebook, and his many posts were a joy to all.Dick went to Macquarie Boys High and worked at Grace Bros in Sydney. He loved golf. His son, David Oke said: “Dad loved his Datsun 260z which he bought new and owned all his life.He was a great fan of Star Trek and the Goons. He was heavily into music and was in a band which tried out on Bandstand with Brian Henderson.”David told The Bugle that Dick had compiled a large document about Kiama with lots of photos that hopefully will be publicly available one day. As one contributor to the Kiama Remembers FB page said in tribute: “The photos that Dick put up on the page brought up so many great memories of Kiama’s past. He will definitely be missed.”Both Winsome and Dick forged connections and memories which have helped make the Kiama community all that much stronger, and they will be remembered.The Bugle shares with many locals the feeling that we are witnessing the passing of a generation as we in Kiama lose the wisdom of the elders who guided our great local community spirit for so long.

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