Person:Robert Kelly (15)

Robert Kelly's Obituary:

January 29, 1911 – May 30, 2006

When I come to the end of the road And my life has gone from me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long And not with your heads bowed low Remember the love and laughter we all shared Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone It’s another part of the Master’s plan A step on our road to home. And when you’re lonely and sick at heart Go to the great folks you know Bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Remember and miss me, but let me go.

With profound mixed emotions, the family of Robert Kelly announces the peaceful early evening death of their loved one, in the presence of an incredibly devoted, compassionate, and supportive care-giving staff at Heritage Square Care Facility, Vernon, B.C.. Bert was born at Craigwarren in the District of Ballymena, County of Antrim, Northern Ireland, later moving with his family in 1918 to Larkhall, Scotland. Following the death of his father in 1926, he with his Mother, 1 older sister and brother and 5 younger brothers, immigrated to Canada in April 1929 settling in the area of Battle River/Wainwright, Alberta. The ensuing years were comprised of assisting his Mother while raising his younger brothers and laboring as a farmer. He met Jane and they were married October 29, 1934 and together continued farming until 1941 when they moved to Princeton, B.C. where he obtained employment in the mining operations at Copper Mountain Mines. He later moved to Vancouver, B.C. and became a moulder with the Alliance Foundry. In 1945, his desire to return to farming resulted in a move to the area of Bentley, Alberta where he farmed till his retirement in 1975. He returned to B.C. again in 1980, residing in Winfield and in 1984 in celebration of his 50 year marriage to Jane, they returned for a visit to Scotland and his birthplace for his first and only time since his immigration to Canada. In 1992, he moved to Vernon to live independently until 2002, then to a retirement living community until hospitalization and failing health resulted in his move to Heritage Square in January 2006 where he resided until his passing. Although he played a trombone for only a very short period in his lifetime, music was a very important part of his life. He loved to sing with his gifted and naturally talented family and friends. His eldest son, Hugh at 70 years of age, still very actively participates in many musical entertaining venues. In his deteriorating health, he still valiantly continued his life as well as he could and was predeceased by his Father, Mother, sister, 6 brothers and in October 2004 by a loving daughter-in-law. He is survived by and will be sorrowly missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted family: wife of 71 years, 7 months, Jane, also of Heritage Square; son; Hugh (Fran) of Lacombe, Alta., Daughters; Carol (Bill) Janssen of Red Deer, Alta., Florence (George) Raabis of Valemount, B.C., Joanne (Norman) Long of Oyama, B.C., and son; Ken (Lise) Kelly of Prince George, B.C.; Grand-daughters; Rhonda (Darcy) Boyce, Ponoka, Alta., Kathie (Ken) Chessor, Lacombe, Alta., Colleen (Cory Dumas) Kelly, Lacombe, Alta., Patti (Gordie) Johnson, Austin, Texas, Kelly Miller, Winfield, B.C., Juanita (Tor) Belsham, Oyama, B.C. and Jodi McCarthy, Williams Lake, B.C.; Grandsons; Bill (Cheryl) Janssen, Innisfail, Alta., Mike Gant, Langley, B.C., Robert (Danielle Reid) Raabis, Valemount, B.C., Rod (Sue) Long, Grande Prairie, Alta., Trevor (Elisca) Long, Kelowna, B.C. and Sean (Johanne Grenier) Kelly, Victoria, B.C.; 24 Great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends. In respect of Bert’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. With arrangements entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home, cremation has preceded a celebration of Bert’s life, which will be held for family, friends, and acquaintances from 1:00-5:00 P.M. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Vernon, B.C. on July 30, 2006