Patricia VELTKAMP SMITH Obituary

So sad to hear of Pat's passing. Mum has already commented, but just wanted to say how lovely Pat and Ben were to me when i was at their house playing with Joseph back in the late 70's, or sitting under the tables in the secondhand book store just browsing through them all like i had a clue what i was reading at age six! The last time i saw Pat was about 16 years ago when i shyly visited her, and she was still welcoming then and we had a great chat. Best wishes to you Joseph and my deepest sympathies, Megan (nee Williams).

Deepest sympathy from Nora Mulligan (Flannery) and family in Ireland. Pat was a lovely lady and will be sadly missed. Our privilege to have met her and spent time with her when in NZ.

Pat's legacy was her ability to see the good in everybody. Coupled with her sharp wit, humor and ability to provide comfort even in the darkest times - she truly was a beautiful lady. I will always value the time I spent at the Southland Times as a fellow journalist with her. The world is poorer by her passing,

Peter Mason, Christchurch.

Hi to Pats family and especially Joseph,
I knew Pat when Joseph was about four. He regularly came to my place when she was working and spent the day with my youngest daughter Megan. They were a very lively pair but I loved having him. My memories of Pat are of a learned and lively woman. Great to chat too and a loving mother. My family also helped when the second hand book store was built. So many books to sort! Loved her writing too but had lost touch since leaving Invercargill in the 80s. My condolences to all Pats family. Janet MacDougall (was Williams when living in Invercargill)

Deepest sympathy on the loss of a very dear friend and neighbour. She will be sadly missed by all.

The world will be a worse place without Pat in it, a great lady gone to be with God.

So sorry to here of pats passing our thoughts are with you Ivan and family Brent & Dawn Capon

I know my late husband, Neil Caudwell, would want me to comment on such a beautiful person. He thought the world of her xxx RIP Pat

So very sad. The Lady Editor of the Southland Times. Always keen to hear your news, always had time to talk, always lots of fun and you always knew she cared. Aroha to Ivan and the family and Vanya and Mark. xx

First met Pat when she was a student teacher at Tweedsmuir and I was a student....then had the privilege of working with her at the NZBC(then)...always there when you needed to know things....last met with her at our friend Nora's funeral...just the same Pat. Irreplacable.

Though it's more than 50 years since we saw you we still remember the warm bread you would bring to these teenage sweethearts as we said goodnight opposite your house, in Don Street I think it was. Sounds like you never lost your warmth and generosity. You will be remembered fondly by us and many others who experienced your kindness.

Dear Veltkamp and Smith Families,

On behalf of the Spencer family (Anne, Leigh, Kim and Patrice), I extend our deepest condolences at the passing of Pat.

I was truly saddened to hear that she had gone. However, it wasn't long before the sadness lifted - you could never spend long thinking about Pat and stay sad at the same time. And we trust that during these next few days, as you celebrate her life, that the burden of grief is lightened for you too.

During the past couple of days I've reflected on the amazing woman she was and the truly magnificent life she led - and that was the public stuff - I can only begin to imagine what it would have been like to have her as a close family member. It would have been an absolute privilege. How incredibly lucky you have been to have closely shared your life with her.

I truly loved Pat. Seeing her, talking with her, reading her stories. Everything about her was real, fun, grounded and inspiring. When Pat was in the room people gathered near to enjoy her ability to openly share her humanity.

Pat's ability to make everyone feel included, understood and valued was second to none. And she rounded it all off beautifully with the most reverent mischief and a wonderfully rich sense of humour. There was something that she could do with both her eyes and mouth, simultaneously cheeky yet angelic, walking off leaving you with more than you'd arrived with. She really did enrich lives.

A beautiful soul who will be sadly missed here, but welcomed with open arms in the next stage of her journey.
Our sincere thoughts and best wishes are with you as you now navigate your journey without her physically present.

Much Love
Leigh Spencer
(ex-reporter Southland Times)

I first met Pat as a 17-year-old cadet journo in 1988 and the obvious respect with which she was regarded in the newsroom made an impression on me. She was there when I marked milestones in my life, including with words of support during my cancer battle in recent years. I can't imagine the world without her in it. Hugs from afar to Ivan and Joseph.

Dear Pat--a beautiful person whose warmth touched so many people. A good friend for 55 years, now reunited with Ben. Deepest sympathy to Ivan, Joseph, Brian and other family members. Cecily Fisher xx

My Sympathy to all Pat's family.

So sorry to hear of the loss of a Southland legend who gave of her time and talents so freely. Pat will be sorely missed.

So sorry to hear of pats passing our thoughts are with you Ivan. Neil and shirlee Barclay

A sad day for humanity and journalism, Somewhere there's a good newsroom that's been made a whole lot better by Pat's arrival. RIP dear friend.

Pat and Ivan have given so much love and support to me and my family. Pat was the dearest, kindest, and most compassionate friend. I will miss her very much. I feel blessed to have known her. RIP, Pat ❤

Words are inadequate to express the sorrow of Pat's passing - fly with the angels beautiful lady

Dear Pat I have known you for 60yrs with teaching mannual at Riverton and certainly within my years of nursing at Kew. I enjoyed your column. So thoughtful and caring RIP friend.

I know if Neil was still with us he would be sobbing. So sorry to hear Shonagh Caudwell

wow, i remember as a young fella of 18ish hanging out at joes parents place, and pat was always welcoming, even after we lead her boy astray. But seriously she was a welcoming person and always such a positive influence, even the odd mum son type chat with me was given and the occasional "what are you up too look" Pat you will be missed by many.

To Ivan Joseph Brian Vanya and families it's with great sadness reading of pahtys passing. Great memorys of holidays gin and tonic sessions and hours and hours of phone chats . She was a best friend to many people . I'm sure her dear heart (Ben) will be waiting with a gin ready for her. Much love from our family x

I am so sorry to read of the passing of Pat. I was part of the Southland Times crew back in the late 60's and early 70's and knew her well. Just after moving back to Invercargill 4 years ago I bumped into her in the street. We had a great catch up. She was a gorgeous lady. My deepest condolences to the family and Vanya, her lovely friend.
Kay Williams (McMillan)

A very lovely lady who will be sadly missed by all who had the privileged to get to know her.
I will miss our afternoon chats.

Dear Ivan, Vanya and friends,
So sorry to read of Pat's death. I well remember her positive attitude to life and her devotion to all she cared for.
Lots of love from Jim and Heather Kennedy.