PETER FRANCIS KEARNS

15/11/1950 - 21/6/2025

Son 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.