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BORN
1932
DIED
2022
William Kelly Obituary
With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our dear husband, father, stepfather, grampa and great grampa, at RIH the evening of Aug. 28 - surrounded by and engulfed in the love of his wife Mary and family members.
Bill was born to William and Emily Kelly, who resided in Avola B.C. (due to William senior's posting as CN section foreman). He was baby brother to Beth (deceased 2001) (Armand Cordonier) and Jean (deceased 1997) (Ken McDonald - deceased 2012). The family moved from there to Little Fort and finally to Kamloops. Life was good at 619 Pine Street. It was at this time that the lifelong friendship with Doug Drummond and Martin Dohm began, (with the threesome still reliving memories at Bill's 90th birthday gathering) of boys paddling the river in their home-made kayaks, bicycling and roaming the hills and riding their Harleys in their young rebel era.
Bill's first job after cutting his schooling short in 1948 was as CN Crew Caller, often riding his bicycle many miles to give the 'call'. He also worked as a masonry assistant. From there he worked as a much sought-after sawyer in numerous sawmills around the interior until finally obtaining a permanent position at CN as Conductor/Brakeman until his retirement in 1990 with the phasing out of the caboose.
In December 1955, Bill married Elizabeth (Bessie) McGillivray and whisked her away to a little sawmill shack in the Cariboo where he was then employed. After settling back in Kamloops they started their family of four girls - Cathy Marr (Kim), Aaron Marr; Tina Marr - Pat Ives (Mike - deceased), Jessica Ives (Ted Lawrence) and Jane; Libby Ives (Joe); Ali Ives (Kate) - Colleen Lepik (Kerry), Lea Lafontaine (Will) and Benoit; Scott Lepik (Shawna) and Henri, Brooklyn - Maureen Kelly (Tom Perry).
Bill, Bessie and family moved to a 50 acre hobby hay farm along the river at Vinsulla where he worked tirelessly, as well as working full-time for CN. The girls have many wonderful memories of skiing, camping, boating, waterskiing, hiking, riding and 4H. In 1988 Bessie passed away much too early, after a lengthy illness.
In 1992 Bill began (what he referred to as) Chapter 2, when after retirement, he left the hobby farm and married Mary Spencer, also adding to the mix Mary's three grown sons - Duane Spencer (Annie) - Steve Spencer (Cheryl) Jenna, Bailie, Erika - Kelly Spencer (Jesse) Liam, Ethan - as well as Mary's large extended family.
Bill and Mary spent great times together camping, riding, cycling, hiking, ocean kayaking and skiing, as well as many large family get-togethers with much singing, dancing and homegrown music. They travelled to many places including Bill's parents' birthplace in Ireland. During this time his building projects were many, transforming their home property, as well as building a get-away cabin at Mad River.
Upon suffering a major stroke in 2006, Bill remained resilient and accepting and turned to his passion of reading of BC History and amassed a large library of such. He managed to stay cheerful and often said "I've had a great life - all the way through".
Being ever curious, Bill was a life-long learner. He was confident and capable with many abilities - though always humble. He is described by his daughters and stepsons as a man of integrity and a wonderful role model to them as well as his grandchildren. He was well loved and his large presence will be terribly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Montgomery, Rebecca and Pearl for their compassionate care, and also Bill and Mary's supportive neighborhood.
A celebration of life will be held at Sandman Centre (300 Lorne Street) on Saturday, October 29 at 1 pm. Lunch to follow.
Condolences may be sent to DrakeCremation.com
Bill was born to William and Emily Kelly, who resided in Avola B.C. (due to William senior's posting as CN section foreman). He was baby brother to Beth (deceased 2001) (Armand Cordonier) and Jean (deceased 1997) (Ken McDonald - deceased 2012). The family moved from there to Little Fort and finally to Kamloops. Life was good at 619 Pine Street. It was at this time that the lifelong friendship with Doug Drummond and Martin Dohm began, (with the threesome still reliving memories at Bill's 90th birthday gathering) of boys paddling the river in their home-made kayaks, bicycling and roaming the hills and riding their Harleys in their young rebel era.
Bill's first job after cutting his schooling short in 1948 was as CN Crew Caller, often riding his bicycle many miles to give the 'call'. He also worked as a masonry assistant. From there he worked as a much sought-after sawyer in numerous sawmills around the interior until finally obtaining a permanent position at CN as Conductor/Brakeman until his retirement in 1990 with the phasing out of the caboose.
In December 1955, Bill married Elizabeth (Bessie) McGillivray and whisked her away to a little sawmill shack in the Cariboo where he was then employed. After settling back in Kamloops they started their family of four girls - Cathy Marr (Kim), Aaron Marr; Tina Marr - Pat Ives (Mike - deceased), Jessica Ives (Ted Lawrence) and Jane; Libby Ives (Joe); Ali Ives (Kate) - Colleen Lepik (Kerry), Lea Lafontaine (Will) and Benoit; Scott Lepik (Shawna) and Henri, Brooklyn - Maureen Kelly (Tom Perry).
Bill, Bessie and family moved to a 50 acre hobby hay farm along the river at Vinsulla where he worked tirelessly, as well as working full-time for CN. The girls have many wonderful memories of skiing, camping, boating, waterskiing, hiking, riding and 4H. In 1988 Bessie passed away much too early, after a lengthy illness.
In 1992 Bill began (what he referred to as) Chapter 2, when after retirement, he left the hobby farm and married Mary Spencer, also adding to the mix Mary's three grown sons - Duane Spencer (Annie) - Steve Spencer (Cheryl) Jenna, Bailie, Erika - Kelly Spencer (Jesse) Liam, Ethan - as well as Mary's large extended family.
Bill and Mary spent great times together camping, riding, cycling, hiking, ocean kayaking and skiing, as well as many large family get-togethers with much singing, dancing and homegrown music. They travelled to many places including Bill's parents' birthplace in Ireland. During this time his building projects were many, transforming their home property, as well as building a get-away cabin at Mad River.
Upon suffering a major stroke in 2006, Bill remained resilient and accepting and turned to his passion of reading of BC History and amassed a large library of such. He managed to stay cheerful and often said "I've had a great life - all the way through".
Being ever curious, Bill was a life-long learner. He was confident and capable with many abilities - though always humble. He is described by his daughters and stepsons as a man of integrity and a wonderful role model to them as well as his grandchildren. He was well loved and his large presence will be terribly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Montgomery, Rebecca and Pearl for their compassionate care, and also Bill and Mary's supportive neighborhood.
A celebration of life will be held at Sandman Centre (300 Lorne Street) on Saturday, October 29 at 1 pm. Lunch to follow.
Condolences may be sent to DrakeCremation.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Kamloops This Week on Sep. 20, 2022.
Memories and Condolences
for William Kelly
2 Entries
Theresa Gilbert
September 21, 2022
To the wonderful family of Bill Kelly, please accept our deepest condolences. I met Bill through my dear friend Colleen and had the pleasure of being in his presence a number of times. My lasting memory will be that big smile and big laugh! What a guy and what a sense of humour. I know how much he will be missed but I also know that his spirit will live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He, indeed, lived a great life! Rest In Peace, Bill.
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Blaine
September 20, 2022
RIP Bill. Thanks for the wonderfull memories.
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