Memorial for teacher Sam Kellett who was taken by a shark off Edithburgh
GLENUNGA International High School teacher, Sam Kellett, taken by a shark off Edithburgh this month, was honoured in a school memorial service.
GLENUNGA International High School teacher, Sam Kellett, who was taken by a shark on February 8 was honoured during a memorial service at the school on Friday.
Hundreds of family, friends, colleagues and students farewelled Mr Kellett, who was the victim of a fatal shark attack in waters off the Yorke Peninsula.
Sam’s brother Chris read out a statement about his beloved big brother ahead of the memorial, saying he was “so much to so many people”.
“Everyone’s best man at weddings, an older brother and protector to me and my sister, and raised the bar as a son to our beautiful parents,” he said.
“There are no words in all the languages on earth that can communicate what he meant to us and how he has improved all of our lives.
“This has been the most difficult two weeks of our lives.”
Chris thanked the school community for their support, along with Sam’s friends and colleagues for their tributes and gestures.
He also thanked the media for their understanding over the past two weeks.
Hundreds packed the gymnasium this afternoon to salute the service of man who was admired by the school community.
Sam’s mother Anne Kellett said the memorial focused on the special life he had led, inspiring those around him.
“We want Sam’s life to be defined, not by the way he died, but by the way he lived,” she said before the service.
“The memorial will focus on Sam’s energy, love for life, close bonds with family and friends, sense of humour and his love of teaching.”
Education Department Chief Executive Tony Harrison has previously said the entire teaching community was moved by Mr Kellett’s “untimely passing”.
“We have lost a fine young man and a dedicated teacher who had a most promising career of achievement ahead of him, not only for himself but those he taught,” Mr Harrison said.
Mr Kellett’s brother Chris recently posted a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page.
“Sam was one of the pillars of our family, loved by everyone he came into contact with and my absolute hero,” he wrote.
“More than that, he was my brother. I love him more than I’ve loved anything in this world before or am likely to again.”