"He's 89 years old and still rides his tractor around the place. He has four cows and is just a brilliant man."
Mr Inns, who has been an electrician in Papakura for more than 40 years, told the Herald his friend was a devoted and loving husband.
"Elizabeth hadn't been well for quite a few months, she'd had a few bouts in hospital. But he was totally dedicated to her. Even after all those years, you could see the passion in his eyes when he'd come over and have a cup of tea with us. He never lost that love for her."
Mr Inns said the couple migrated to New Zealand when Mr Kemp landed a job with New Zealand Glass.
"He was a very clued-up man, and really up there in the company.
"After he retired he still kept very busy. He's got his four cows - the girls, we call them - grazing up on the paddocks."
Last night, the Fire Service said there was no reason to believe the fire was anything other than accidental.