Kelly Kokott

KOKOTT _ Kelly John Thomas Kelly was born in Eastend, Saskatchewan on July 26, 1931 and passed away at his winter home in Yuma, Arizona on December 18, 2007. Kelly farmed with his father in his early years and later ventured out with his trade as a Journeyman Steam and Gas fitter, helping in building the infrastructure of the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan. When in McLellan, Alberta, he met his first love Betty Macdonald. Kelly and Betty were married in Villenueve, Alberta on December 29, 1955. They returned to Eastend, Saskatchewan to start their family and new business, Kelly's Enterprises Ltd. With the continued success of the business, Kelly and Betty and family moved to Swift Current in 1967, to continue to raise their seven children. Kelly was involved with his children's activities, and took the time to build the community by his involvement in various organizations, including being a Board member for the Western Credit Union and a life member of the Knights of Columbus, including sitting as Grand Knight. Kelly and Betty's love for family and friends ensured that their household was filled with laughter and fellowship. On October 11, 1993, Betty passed away and Kelly drew upon his friends and family to give him strength to continue living his life with passion. Kelly started to spend winters down in Yuma, Arizona, and he was blessed with meeting Nita Herndon. Kelly and Nita were married on July 25, 1998 in Rutland, Vermont. Kelly and Nita criss-crossed the continent visiting family and friends in all four corners of Canada and the United States. Kelly is greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Nita Kokott (Yuma, Arizona); Kelly and Betty's children Rachel Drozdowski, Jessica, Amy, Megan and Ashley (Calgary, Alberta), Bernard Kokott and Mary (Calgary), Marylou Balkwill (Darrell), Adam, Mark and Scott (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), Angela Kokott (Grant), Keldon and Marin (Calgary), Kenneth Kokott (Deb), Kya, Sophia, Hayley and Ezra (Saskatoon), Sara Bazin (Karl) Matthew and Eric (Swift Current, Saskatchewan). Kelly was predeceased by his wife Betty Kokott, his parents Paul and Elizabeth Kokott (Eastend), his sisters Dorothy Arendt (Eastend), and Margaret Kokott (Kelowna, B.C.). Kelly shared with all that knew him his love of life. Kelly never forgot a person he met, or a place he had been, and he was more than happy to tell you all about them. "Kelly had a nature you could not help loving, A heart that was purer than gold to those who knew him and loved him His memory will never grow cold." Rites of the Funeral Mass will be held at Christ The Redeemer Catholic Church (Sacred Heart), Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Saturday, January 5, 2008, 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to "Catholic Development and Peace Foundation", c\o Christ The Redeemer Catholic Church, Swift Current, Saskatchewan.