Kip Gordon Kelso

KIP GORDON KELSO, M.D. Kip Gordon Kelso, M.D., 87, of Sebastian, died unexpectedly November 10, 2005 at his residence. Dr. Kelso was born September 28, 1918 in Atlanta, Georgia, and was a long time resident of Sebastian/Indian River County in which he was the last descendant of four generations of physicians; a specialist of internal medicine (with an additional specialty in Pulmonary), having earned his degree at the University of Oklahoma and residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, TX as well as interning at Tampa General Hospital. As a veteran, he served in the U.S. Army. Having arrived in Vero Beach from Texas in 1950, his first position included the title of being the Indian River County Health Official overseeing four counties and was instrumental in cleaning up the Vero Beach Water Plant after which he resigned his position in 1952 in order to go into private practice. He then opened his practice in Sebastian at the Colonial Building (The old Pottinger & Sons Funeral Home) in 1956. He was also one of the original members of the Real Eight Co. and was able to interpret Spanish fluently which helped in reading numerous maps from Spain listing the "1715 Spanish Plate Fleet". There were seven other members of the organization and they relied on his knowledge for accuracy in depicting the wreck sites as well as artifacts that were x-rayed for identification (which was unprecedented) being listed in the National Geographic's 1965 edition. This is how the area became known as "The Treasure Coast". Also, a first in the area was the acquisition of The Atomedic Hospital from The New York's World Fair in 1965. Due to numerous obstacles, it was not opened and burned down in 1971 although it paved the way for the founding of the Sebastian River Medical Center in the north end of the county which was built in 1974 on land donated by him. He was then Chief of Staff from 1976 to 1981. His retirement commenced in 1993. Involvement in the medical society led to being president and he was recognized for his many years of service to the Sebastian/Roseland communities. Surviving are his children, Karen Bright of Cross Hill, SC, Ann Eaddy of Pike Road, AL; Kip Kelso, Jr. of Roseland, FL; Emily Ely-Kelso of Athens, GA; McGready Kelso of Atlantic Beach, FL, Ian Kelso of Jacksonville, FL; his brother, Dr. Jack Bergstresser of Murfreesboro, TN; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Fredonia Kelso, and his daughter, Nancy Holloway Kelso Hays. A Celebration of Dr. Kelso's Life will be held 11 a.m., November 17, 2005 at the Sebastian United Methodist Church, Sebastian, FL with Dr. Ronald Thomas, Sr., officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials may be made to the Florida Thoracic Society, 5526 Arlington Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211 or the Sebastian River Medical Center, Dr. Kelso Building Fund, P.O. Box 780838, Sebastian, FL 32978. Dr. Kelso will be buried with his beloved wife, Fredonia, at a later date in Sebastian Cemetery. Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL. Paid Obituary