On Thursday 17 April we bid a sad farewell to one of our founding members and previous Chair of the Trust, David Kernohan who passed away suddenly at his home in Carterton.
As a Trust we have shared many wonderful memories of David all of which have enabled us to deepen my appreciation for his devotion to the Chapel, a place we know he deeply cherished.
David played a pivotal role in the early formation of the Trust to save the Chapel and was a gentle, steady leader. As an architect himself, David was hugely involved in so many people’s lives both personally and professionally; being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to architecture in 2015 is testament to the incredible impact he had.
Critically, for the Chapel, David and his wife Christine provided the remaining funds needed to save it from demolition in 2001, ensuring others could continue to enjoy it.
Current trustee, Simon McLellan, wrote a very fitting tribute to David on his passing.
“David played a pivotal role in the early formation of the Trust to save Futuna Chapel. His gentle, steady leadership guided us with compassion and clear resolve through the challenges that lay ahead. As inaugural Chairperson in 2001, David helped lead negotiations to purchase the Chapel after it had fallen into disrepair. With quiet determination, he worked to bring together a workable platform among many interested parties, holding steadfast to the vision of preserving the building.
David ran open days, encouraged new trustees, identified funding opportunities, and most recently attended a hui at Haumoana – the home of John Scott and his family. Over more than 25 years, he remained a deeply committed presence in the life of the Chapel.
He and Christine also gave vital financial support during the purchase of the building at a critical time. Their generosity and belief in the Chapel’s future created a legacy we continue to feel today. We are humbly grateful for David’s lasting presence among us.
On behalf of the Futuna Trust, we extend our sincere condolences to Christine and the family.”
-Simon McLellan