Wilma Kelloe - Obituary

It is with great sadness that we advise of the death of Blue Badge tourist guide and former STGA National Chair, Wilma Kelloe, on Friday 4th May at the Marie Curie Hospice in Fairmilehead Edinburgh.

written by Ros Newlands

Very few people were aware that Wilma was ill, but when she was diagnosed with breast cancer - her reaction was to learn a new skill – become a tourist guide! She qualified as a Blue Badge guide in 1996 and later served STGA both as Edinburgh Chair and then on the STGA Board between 1999 and 2003. Wilma was the STGA Chair in 2003 when we welcomed our colleagues from all over the world to the WFTGA Convention in Dunblane and she was hugely involved in the organisation of what is remembered as the “best Convention ever” by WFTGA members.

Wilma was also a wonderful guide and an inspiring trainer who believed very strongly in STGA standards and the importance of CPD. She was heavily involved in both the Parliament Training and in our first Sharing Best Practice Courses.

Despite on and off treatment and setbacks over the years, Wilma always bounced back and remained a consummate professional, only confiding in very few friends. She was always ready to help and as those of us who took part in many CPD trips around the Scottish islands knew well to have fun and enjoy whatever was happening with a wonderful twinkle in her eye.

In the last week of her life she was out and about with her husband, Jeff, planning home and garden improvements and talking to Karen, Doreen and me about plans for the future – including getting back to her beloved guiding.  We will miss her hugely – her ready smile, calm voice and concern for everyone.  Karen and I are taking part in the Pink Ribbon Walk at Scone Palace on Saturday 12th May – Wilma was planning to come and cheer us on!

We extend our condolences and love to Jeff and to their children Jenny and Andrew. We have lost a wonderful friend but they have lost a beloved wife and mother.

Wilma’s funeral is at Mortonhall Crematorium on Friday 11th May at 1230 – all friends and colleagues are welcome.