KELLY, Michael (Mike)

October 16, 1939 — April 7, 2019

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Kelly. Mike Passed away peacefully on April 7, 2019 after a lengthy, courageous battle. His daughter, Shannon, was by his side. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Julia, his daughters Veronica and Shannon and his granddaughter Kazzidy. He was predeceased by his son Bradley.
Mike was born in Nelson, B.C. on October 16, 1939. He spent much of his youth, as well as a young adult, living in the lower mainland. He spent summers travelling by train back and forth to the Kootenay’s to visit his grandparents and uncle in Salmo, B.C. He also made his way on bicycle from Surrey to Vancouver to visit his aunts, uncles and cousins. After marrying Julia on April 22, 1961 and starting a family, Mike returned to his roots, moving his family to Nelson in 1968.
Dad was a devoted, hardworking man who put the needs of his family first. He truly enjoyed his profession as a millwright and was highly respected for his expertise in his field. He worked at the Kootenay Forest Products in Nelson until it closed in 1983, then returned to the lower mainland, where he worked at the International Forest Products in Surrey, B.C. Upon retirement, he and Julia moved to Kelowna.
He was an avid golfer. He tried to teach his daughter and most recently, his granddaughter, to golf. Kazzidy will always treasure the time she spent at the driving range and in Grampi’s back yard, where he shared with her one of his passions. We don’t know who was more excited about her new clubs, Kazzidy or Grampi.
Dad always loved to read. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and loved to share that knowledge. His girls and friends would always go to him for information and guidance. He was known as an encyclopedia, but he joked that his mind was full of useless information.
Dad loved to cook and share with his family and friends. He was happiest when he had his girls at home for family dinners, spending hours with Veronica in the kitchen preparing meals. Every meal we spent with Dad was a celebration, never needing a special occasion to gather, share stories, music and time laughing.
His body may be gone, but his spirit lives on in our hearts and memories. Dad will always be with us, keeping us strong through our future journeys.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Schriemer for his extraordinary compassion and dedication, the staff at Central Okanagan Hospice Society, as well as the Kelowna General Hospital for their immeasurable commitment to caring for all of our loved ones and their families, and our family and friends for your invaluable emotional support.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to, please make a donation in Michael’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca or the Central Okanagan Hospice Society www.interiorhealth.ca .
Rest in Peace Michael, Mike, Dad, Grampi and friend to all.
A celebration of life will follow this summer in Kelowna, B.C. If you would like to join us to honor Michael and share personal stories, please contact either Veronica or Shannon for further information. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences.”