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James Callahan
September 12, 2024
As a military attaché I worked with John in Paris in the 1970´s where he was serving as the political-military officer in the embassy´s Political Section. I later crossed his path at State Main in the 1980´s. He was a first class diplomat. Perhaps more importantly John was straight forward, sincere, extremely knowledgeable but still always searching and acceptable of new or divergent views. As a military man you could not do better for a diplomatic service colleague than John.
James Callahan
October 18, 2022
Just picked up on this notice. Years after John´s passing. My bad. John and I worked together in Paris circa1970´s. He was Pol-Mil and I was in the French liaison game. There could be conflicts so we routinely checked each other´s messages before transmission to Washington. Such a relationship is only ever possible if your counterpart is open, intelligent and above all without an overriding ego. No problem with John. As any number of respondents have already noted John was a class act. The phrase sums him up. Would be happy to meet him on the other side.
Sedef Demirel
September 12, 2020
You are never forgotten Rest in Peace Dear John
Sedef Demirel
September 12, 2019
Dear John
You are always in my memories as a boss and friend thanks for everything
Rest in Peace
Dan Simpson
June 12, 2012
I hadn't known that John had passed away. I was his deputy in Beirut during some hard times there during the war. I had the greatest of respect for him. I ask Maritsa to accept my deepest condolences.
May 19, 2012
Beirut, mid- 1986 to mid -1987: I was a member of Amb Kelly's Marine detachment of 12 at the embassy, serving with Hud Bales and John Singleton. We enjoyed having a small close knit embassy staff that had a real sense of purpose in the wake of the bombings of our embassy in west Beirut and the Marine Barracks, not to mention the bombing of our east embassy location. We were limited where/when we could travel off embassy compound. I remember our Regional Security officers Frank Baker and Pete Ford leaning out of the windows with their weapons drawn as they road in the ambassador's lead car motorcade. I remember communicator Alan Yeck installing mobile communications in the ambassador's cars and traveling with Amb Kelly to provide satellite communications. I remember Ambassador Kelly used to host social events at his Yarze residence and the Marines were always invited and felt welcomed. Back at the embassy I remember Amb Kelly working long hours, reading extensively and holding meetings in his office --always peering over those half lens spectacles. Soft spoken and ready with a smile, he was loved by all the staff. Karen Ogle at the front office secretary desk was central to the success of the entire mission and it was always a pleasure to see her. Those were exciting times where the Arch Bishop of Canterbury was released to the U.S. embassy after being held as a prisoner. I stood guard at the door when Amb Kelly received him. Additionally, Oliver North probably came through for a visit during hazier circumstances. I'm still in touch with many of the Beirut Crew. I will always remember that Amb Kelly cared for others. He wrote me a letter of recommendation to get into college after my Beirut days, which helped me succeed.
RIP, Sir, and Semper Fi. Brian Lepak
Steven Heine
May 18, 2012
I also served as one of Ambassador Kelly's Marines at the Embassy in Beirut. He always made sure that we were well taken care of, treated with respect, and always had a moment to chat when saw one of us. A true Gentleman in every sense of the word.
I had the privilege of seeing Ambassador Kelly on more than one occasion in Helsinki when I was assigned to the Embassy there. To my surprise, he remembered me by name. Again, a class act.
My condolences to Maritza and the rest of Ambassador Kelly's family. Rest in peace, Sir.
4th of July Ceremony Ambassadors residence Beirut Lebanon, 1988
Michael Anderson
May 14, 2012
I served was one of Ambassador Kelly's Marine Security Guards in Beirut, Lebanon. He made sure his Marines were well taken cared of and had the respect and admiration of the entire detachment. May you rest in peace.
Michael Anderson
Alan
May 14, 2012
I served with John in Beirut and he was the real deal. Rest in Peace Mr. Ambassador.
Mike & Leslie Robbins
December 31, 2011
Lived in Ankara, Turkey for six years while working for Bell Helicopter. John was Bell's consultant and visited us several times a year. Couldn't have asked for a more effective or professional individual. He was loved and respected by all. He will be missed.
December 28, 2011
i serve with him in lebanon 1986-87 he was a great man who care for everyone no matter there rank rip
Jukka Lisma
October 19, 2011
Rest In Peace John. It was an honor to know you. We will miss you.
Lepää Rauhassa John. Oli kunnia tuntea sinut. Tulemme kaipaamaan sinua.
Jukka, Terhi, Emmi & Heta from Nokia, Finland
Faye Johnson
October 6, 2011
John felt life deeply, chose sides from personal conviction, held to the faith he was born into and valued friendship above all else. God bless and God speed.
Bill Murray
October 6, 2011
John Kelly exemplified the word service in the term foreign service. A truly fine public servant and good friend.
Rami & Anne
September 27, 2011
This is a sad loss. We will miss you, John.
September 26, 2011
John, "ambassador Kelly," was generous with his time and ideas. We worked together on many programs and classes at Georgia Tech, and he was a source of wisdom and inspiration for our students. We will miss him.
John Garver
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
sedef demirel
September 25, 2011
John we will miss yuou very much rest in peace
sedef erdal demirel
Ilona Lisma
September 25, 2011
John,we miss you very much!
Rest in peace! Kerttu and Ilona
Bob Kennedy
September 24, 2011
A great loss to us all. But John will be remember for the great person he was and for the great things he did for this nation. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
Nancy Hollister
September 24, 2011
Ambassador Kelly was truly an inspiration to us all. We will miss him. With sympathy,
Robert Wildau
September 24, 2011
Although I never came to know Ambassador Kelly personally, I heard him speak many times at Georgia Tech meetings about foreign affairs. Unusual for a diplomat, his manner was straightforward and strong on the facts yet always politically discreet.
Kati ja Pera Uurainen
September 23, 2011
Aurinko laskee,jo pitenee varjot,aika on eron ja jäähyväisten.Poissa on ystävä kallehin.
Kiitos kaikesta,John!
Lämmin osanottomme läheisille!
John Saunders
September 22, 2011
The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast based in Atlanta has included the following tribute to John Kelly on its website (http://facc-southeast.org/). Note: The speech referenced in the following tribute can be retrieved on such website and is not attached hereto.
TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR JOHN H. KELLY
It is with much sadness that we report to the friends of Finland and members of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast the recent loss of Ambassador John H. Kelly, who passed away on September 15, 2011.
Ambassador Kelly was a native of Atlanta who entered the U.S. foreign service in 1965. He had a highly distinguished diplomatic career including serving as Ambassador to Lebanon from 1986 to 1988, and Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern and South Asian Affairs from 1989 to 1991, which included the period of the Gulf War. He concluded his diplomatic career after service as the United States Ambassador to Finland from 1991 to 1994, an interesting and challenging time in Finland with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the changing political climate not only in Finland, but in all of Europe. After his retirement from diplomatic service and return to Atlanta in 1995, he joined the Finnish American Chamber as a member of its Board of Directors. His relationship with the senior political, business and other leaders of Finland proved to be an invaluable asset to the Chamber. He was able to arrange for high ranking members of the Finnish military and prominent political figures in Finland to travel to Atlanta to speak at the annual Finnish Independence Day Celebration held December 6 each year. Whenever the Ambassadors of Finland to the United States visited Atlanta, they always made a point of arranging a meeting with Ambassador Kelly. He was the speaker at the 1996 Independence Day Celebration of the Chamber and a copy of his speech is attached. That speech remains a treasured archive of the Chamber. His great depth of knowledge, vast experiences, and genuine warmth and admiration of Finland were readily evident. While he served as Ambassador in Residence at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech he was a vital and vigorous member of the Board of Directors of the FACC and very actively promoted Finland and provided invaluable guidance to the Board. He continued to serve on the Board of the Chamber until November of 2010 when he resigned due to his failing health.
It was a unique experience to spend time with John Kelly and discuss matters on a personal level with someone who had flown on Air Force One with seven U.S. Presidents, and was counsel to many foreign dignitaries throughout his long career. He had that rare and great gift – he could walk with kings but never lost the common touch.
We at the Finnish American Chamber will always remember his character, his love of Finland and the contributions he made to Finnish-American relations and the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast.
John D. Saunders,
Secretary and Past President
Finnish American Chamber of Commerce of
the Southeast, Inc.
Honorary Consul of Finland
Atlanta, Georgia
Randy Daniel
September 21, 2011
Conyers and Rockdale County have lost a most distinguished citizen, a man who was a sizable asset to the community.
I will miss sitting at Heritage High football games with him.
September 21, 2011
I’m so sorry to hear John Kelly’s loss. I had the chance and honor with John on Turkey Attack Helicopter Program for several years. John well respected all Turkish Authorities with his knowledge and friend ship. Please accept my sincere condolences Erdal Ozden Col. (Ret. Turkish Army).
September 20, 2011
I will miss my uncle so deeply and am proud to have known him and been part of his life. My love to Maritza, Maria, David, Kathryn, Jim, Dad and all the cousins. Love, Jeanne
Jared Estes
September 20, 2011
It is a rare privilege to meet a man of Ambassador Kelly's stature. My family and I are extremely blessed to have been afforded such a privilege. He was a honorable and respected man who exemplified a true love for his country. Maritza, Maria, and David...we will continue to pray for you all in the days, weeks, and months to come.
May you rest in peace Ambassador. I look forward to seeing you again one day.
September 20, 2011
I had the honor to work with John over several years on programs in Turkey. He was well respected as an honest man by all who knew him. His political knowledge, international friendships, and solid advice were welcomed by all parties in very complex transactions. His insight and wisdom will be missed. Most of all he was a good friend. The world is better for the gift of his life and lessened by his passing.
John Murphey, Fort Worth, Texas
Pekka Ignatius
September 20, 2011
John was a great Friend of Finland. He was the most gracious person and we thoroughly enjoyed his company at the many Finnish Independence Days we celebrated together with him in Atlanta. John will be greatly missed.
Pekka, Lorrie, Jessica, Linnea and Nora Ignatius.
Ron Clegg
September 19, 2011
John, Maritza and my wife and I spent a week walking the El Camino in Spain a couple of years ago. They were a delight and couldn't have done it without them.
John has always had my total respect and admiration. He was a class act and I am happy to have been a friend. We will all miss him so much.
September 19, 2011
Kathryn and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sylvia Siso, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Phil Kimble
September 19, 2011
I'm glad I had the chance to rub shoulders with John Kelly.
Barbara Gray
September 18, 2011
John bravely fought this terrible disease. He led a fascinating life and I am proud to have known him.
September 18, 2011
Met John in Virginia in 1970, stayed with him in Paris, played on his softball team, and remained friends for forty-six years. John was fun, honorable, and was not afraid to speak his mind if the situation demanded it. Good bye, John, Al
Karen Ogle
September 18, 2011
I worked for John for five years, he was a man of integrity and great character. We will miss him. Karen and Hugh
Art Borde
September 18, 2011
John, You made one hell of a run and damn near won this fight. It was an honor to be your friend. Make sure you keep a place reserved for the Beirut crew and say hi to Gerry for us. Love ya
thomas darcy
September 18, 2011
An American hero. It was an honor to serve with Amb. Kelly
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
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