It is with a heavy heart, tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat that I share the news that Kerry-Jayne has died. She slipped away this morning, peacefully at Buller Hospital, after her cancer finally took over.
As Dr Euan Kennedy, one of her closest friends, told me, she slipped away just before dawn this morning, adding "How appropriate - that's when the shearwaters depart for the ocean."
Kerry-Jayne has been a wonderful inspiration, mentor, and friend to so many. We all know she has been at the forefront of seabird conservation for decades and our guide and leader at the West Coast Penguin Trust since we started out in 2006.
She leaves a gaping hole but a superb legacy and she will continue to inspire us to be and do better and to continue to strive for seabird conservation.
Rest in lasting peace Kerry-Jayne, soaring forever with your beloved albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters on the wild ocean winds.
Inger
A few of the beautiful comments I've been receiving:
"Kerry-Jayne was a true legend in so many ways and we all know how much her legacy will continue to live on."
"I can never forget Kerry-Jayne, and have the fondest memories of her as a most exceptional being."
"What a great loss to the seabird/penguin community."
"She was such an inspiration, mentor, friend and work-mate (my boss) to me. And I am forever grateful for the opportunities she has given me."
"Kerry-Jayne was a special person and a wonderful wildlife biologist."
"It is an honour to have known her and to be a part of the circle around her."