David Kelley

1935 - 2023

David Kelley
March 5, 1935 - April 15, 2023
Redmond, Washington - DOCTOR DAVID BAKER KELLEY was born on March 5, 1935, at Massachusetts General Hospital to Hope Elizabeth Hanly (Batavia, New York) and Sylvester Baker Kelley (Boston, Massachusetts). He passed away peacefully April 15 at Aegis of Marymoor, Redmond, Washington.
David and his family lived in West Newton, Massachusetts. He was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy (1952), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1956) and Boston University School of Medicine (1960). He served two years in the United States Air Force as a general medical officer at Dover, Delaware (1962-1964). He practiced as an internal medicine physician, with a focus on endocrinology and diabetology in Plymouth, Massachusetts (1969-1978).
He moved to Olympia, Washington, established a practice, and was consulting staff at Providence Saint Peter Hospital. Dr. Kelley was Medical Director for Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice (1983-2007). In 1987 he founded and was Medical Director of, The Diabetes Wellness Center. Additionally, he served on the Ethics Committee at Providence Saint Peter Hospital. He was a founding member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Professional societies and associations include: The American Medical Association, The Washington State Medical Association, The Massachusetts Medical Society, The American College of Physicians - American Society of Internal Medicine, The American Diabetes Association and The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Dr. Kelley conducted clinical pharmaceutical research and was a member of the Western Institutional Review Board from 1987-1995. He joined Quorum Review in Seattle in its early days and was eventually appointed Chairman of Quorum Review. David adopted the Exeter motto, Non Sibi (not for oneself), as his own and did extensive volunteer service in the community speaking in private homes to small groups about all aspects of diabetes. Formal volunteer service included Editor-in-Chief, Book Acquisitions Board, American Diabetes Association (1996-2002), Past Chairman, Publications Review Panel, American Diabetes Association, Past member, Board of Trustees, Capital Medical Center, Olympia, Washington.
In 2001 The American Diabetes Association published his book, 101 Tips for Aging Well with Diabetes. It is written in a straightforward question-and-answer format, sharing the secrets of staying healthy with diabetes.
Not only was David a gifted diagnostician and dedicated physician, but he was also an accomplished woodworker. He enjoyed making small wooden boxes, chairs, stools, tables, beds, small wooden boats, and a pair of beautiful oars. He loved the water! Rowing, sailing, and snorkeling were essential to his life. As an adult, David started running for fitness. He participated in many community charity runs such as the Jingle Bells Run in Seattle, The Sound to Narrows Run in Tacoma, and the Issaquah Salmon Days Run. He always made a point of doing at least one run in the snow!
David is survived by his wife, Dolores Kelley (Clyde Hill, WA), children Dr. David M. Kelley (Spokane, WA), Jeffrey B. Kelley (Plympton, MA), Susan C. Kelley (Duxbury, MA), stepdaughter Dr. Maggie Robertson (Duvall, WA). He has three grandchildren, Kathryn Kelley Cardillo (Orlando, FL), Iain Kelley (Spokane, WA), Grace Greenwade (Duvall, WA), and two great-grandsons, Stephen and Noah Cardillo.
The family would like to thank Sharon Lightfoot-Jorgenson, R.N. and Amanda Hitchcock, our stellar patient care team at the Olympia practice. We thank the staff of Aegis of Marymoor for their outstanding care and commitment to David for ten years. Additionally, we thank Continuum Hospice and Paige Taylor for their compassionate and loving service at the end of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came." JFK