Arnold Kelso

1951 - 2020

Arnold Kelso obituary, 1951-2020, Novato, CA

BORN

1951

DIED

2020

Arnold Kelso Obituary

Arnold Kelso
June 5, 1951 -September 7, 2020
Captain Arnold Kelso, 69, of Novato, California crossed the final bar on September 7, 2020 after a three month battle with cancer.

He was born Werner Arnold Kehrli, Jr. on June 5, 1951 to Vera Garvin and Werner Kehrli in Portland, Oregon.

After graduating Scappoose High School in Scappoose, Oregon in 1969, he attended California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California and graduated in 1972.
His early maritime career took him all around the world with time spent in the North Sea, the Persian Gulf, Egypt, Singapore, Mexico and many others.

He met the love of his life, Teresa Misterman, in San Francisco in 1974 and they married at the Marylebone Road Registry Office in June 1975 in London, England. Throughout their 45-year marriage they enjoyed many travels, and many laughs.

In 1979 they moved to Novato, California where they had and raised their children, Kimberlee and Conrad. "The Captain" was a favorite among his children's friends, known for his dry humor and quick wit. Always willing to both provide and share a laugh, he was also the first to point out and provide a swift and appropriate punishment when they made poor choices or mistakes.

In July 1987 he started the training program and in 1989 he became an elite member of the San Francisco Bar Pilots. Unit 18 spent 28 years navigating the San Francisco Bay until his retirement in 2017. As a pilot he was known for his dedication and his quiet contributions to the SFBP organization. He spent eight years as a member of the Pilot Evaluation Committee, working on framework for future Pilots. To those who worked with him, it was well known that he took his job very seriously and had very little tolerance for bad piloting.

He is survived by his wife Teresa ("Terry") Kelso, daughter Kimberlee Kelso McKinsey (Montana McKinsey), son Conrad Kelso (Rochelle Kelso), grandchildren Hudson McKinsey, Beckett McKinsey, Twyla Kelso, and baby boy Kelso due in December, sister Valerie Arnall of Scappoose Oregon, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and a whole heard of Cocker Spaniels. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Alan Kelso.

Due to current COVID restrictions, a celebration of life will take place at a later date. That date is tentatively scheduled for June 5, 2021, which would have been Arnie's 70th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Arnie's memory to the California Maritime Academy Foundation, for the Cal Maritime Simulation Center. Donations can be made online by visiting https://foundation.csum.edu/Donate and designating "other." Please type Simulation Center, and in memory of Arnold Kelso on the following page. Or if you prefer, checks may be made out to CMAF and sent to: Cal Maritime, 200 Maritime Academy Drive, Vallejo, CA 94590.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 19 to Sep. 27, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Kelso

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Arnie, you have always been a light in my life. I was ten when you were born. Your mom would bring you to our house. (grandpas and grandmas). I could hardly wait for you to get there. And then you were never out of my sight. When you came home from the hospital, our dog Tippy was so excited to meet you. Grandpa told told your mom to let Tippy "check you out", she did and you a very very tail wagging greeting. When you were sleeping Tippy slept right by your bed. You were loved by everyone. It was so much fun having you around and watching you grow. Fast forward to 1965 when Bill and I adopted Doug. He was 5 days old when we brought him home. Right away he added his name to the "I love Arnie" list. Your list just kept growing. Your little brother and sister, and Doug's sister put there name on "the list". Uncle Bill loved you so very much. Now you are with him. I am sure he met you when you arrived. In fact, a lot of people from your " I love you" list were waiting for you.. knowing you were welcomed home, just does not make those of us who are still here miss you any less. You had such a beautiful family. And they were blessed with such a wonderful husband and Daddy. Until we meet again, I (we) will forever rest in the super wonderful memories you shared with us. You are loved so much by so many.
Thank you for being you. FAC

FAC. Aunt Carolyn

September 4, 2023

Captain Arnie was a friend and mentor to many pilots. While we met only a few times, I felt I knew him from many stories recounted by Capt. Blake Coney, who treasured his friendship. They are together now telling sea stories on Fiddler’s Green.

Mike Butterworth

December 13, 2020

Neighbor, friend and noble member of our Novato Community, Captain Arnie Kelso will always be remembered by his quick wit and dedication to home and work life in a manner that had the highest measure of devotion. A man's man who induced a spirit of camaraderie to all who would be embraced by his simple kindness and spirit.
They are not gone,
Those who live in lives they leave behind.
In those whom they have blessed,
They lead a life once more. (unknown)

Gene McCandless

Friend

October 1, 2020

Hello! ❤
We knew some Kelso’s in Euclid, Ohio back in the mid 50s early 60s.
Any relation?

Richard Speel

Friend

September 27, 2020

I always enjoyed bringing my cocker "Gracie" over to the Kelso home and chatting with Arnie. He had such a great sense of humor. My sincere condolences to The Kelso Family.

Marni Taylor

Marni Taylor

Friend

September 24, 2020

RIP, Arnie. Thanks for adding to the fun and travels we had.

Bob Birdwell

Friend

September 24, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Stephanie & Kevin Herrmann

Friend

September 24, 2020

He was well super interesting with his stories and I loved watching him prepare meals for his Cocker’s when I stayed at their house he was a terrific giy

Astrid Lawrence

Friend

September 23, 2020

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