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BORN
1945
DIED
2024
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William Kelly Obituary
February 17, 1945 – September 2, 2024
Bakersfield – It is with great sorrow that the family of William Wilson Kelly announces the passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. He passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024.
William (Bill) was born February 17, 1945 in Bakersfield, California to Edward and Verna Kelly, and with the exception of a brief stint to attend college, remained there his entire life. He grew up with his beloved dog Sandy and his horse Golden Boy, and grew up spending as many hours as possible at the stable where he discovered his great love of animals and the outdoor life.
He attended Fresno State University. Here he completed his BS and MS degrees in Agriculture. During this time he completed his student teaching and was a teaching assistant to the Head of the Agriculture Department. This is where he found out he wanted to be a teacher. Upon completion of his Masters Degree, he returned to Bakersfield and was fortunate enough to be hired as a teacher at South High School in 1970 where he remained for nearly 12 years. As luck would have it an opening became available for an Agriculture Professor at Bakersfield College and he was hired into his dream job in 1982. He was loved by his students and loved them all in return. After 52 years of teaching, he partially retired but never gave up the desire to help any student who came his way.
Bill was a kind, generous and gentle spirit with a bright smile. He loved traveling, especially to Pismo and Yosemite, and spending time with his family and animals.
He is survived by his wife Ardys (Palmquist), his daughters Christy and Jim Wynbeek of Santa Rosa, Kathryn Kelly and Elizabeth and Tree Hobson of Bakersfield, and his grandchildren Riley and Keagan, as well as his many animals. He will be missed dearly.
A viewing will be held September 26, 2024 from 4-8 pm with a rosary at 6 pm at Greenlawn SW Cemetery. Services with be held on September 27, 2024 at 10 am at St. Francis Catholic Church.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for William Kelly
Sponsored by Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest.
Kristie Nelson Coons
September 27, 2024
Dear Family and Friends of Bill Kelly-
I attended school with Bill from Kindergarten through 5th grade at Franklin Elementary. And then again at Bakersfield High School. He was a sweet, kind boy who I remember almost daily brought a flower- maybe a Magnolia blossom for our teacher. I attended his birthday parties and played in the Franklin School Orchestra with him. I played the flute and he played the violin (rather badly as I remember but with enthusiam.) He was an extraordinarily gentle person. My daughter would have liked to have been at the funeral for Bill this morning because during her three years at BC (she was not a dedicated student) she came under the kind influence of Bill as she took some courses in the Ag Department. Eventually Bill helped her obtain a very significant scholarship to San Luis Obispo University for the Ornamental Agriculture Department there, with a concentration in Floral Design. After SLO eliminated that concentration she was forced to take courses such as Organic Chemistry, and she eventually lost her scholarship. We remember talking to Bill at one of the BHS reunions and how sad he was that she lost that scholarship. She was extremely fond of Bill, and we know his influence and instruction was one of the reasons she succeeded at BC and later on at SLO. We are so very sorry for your loss, and hope you, as we, are comforted by the memory of his gentle soul and his shepherding of so many students over his long teaching career. Kristie Coons
Cindi Swoboda
September 26, 2024
Bill will truly be missed. He was a wonderful person and instructor. Wish there were more people like him. The world would be a better place.
Maria Herrera
September 17, 2024
My deepest sympathies to Mr Kelly´s family.
I took his Agricultural class at South High in 1972 or 73. He was such a kind man, wonderful teacher!
Too good for that group of students!
I´m so happy to know that he was able to teach at Bakersfield College, where his knowledge would´ve been much appreciated & he very respected.
Again, comfort & prayers to The Kelly family. Sincerely, María Alderette-Herrera.
Robert Flores
September 17, 2024
Bill Kelly always set the example for others. He was the role model for so many. He was kind, caring, and made sure to highlight everyone´s special talents. He was among the first teachers in the state to include special needs students in agriculture courses and FFA activities.
He helped me to realize my calling to be a teacher. His example lives on in all of the individuals who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher and mentor. I owe a great debt of gratitude to this gentleman.
I offer my condolences and prayers to his family.
B
September 17, 2024
Mr. Kelly was my favorite teacher of all time! I took 3 classes. Almost 15 years later he recognized me when we saw each other at the airport. His way of teaching, his infectious smile, and kind heart will never be forgotten. My prayers to him and his family.
Mary E Halberg
September 15, 2024
I worked at Bakersfield College for many years and would see him often on campus and at Bakersfield events. Bill always had a smile, was well respected in the Ag field, excellent teacher and an all around great guy. Bill will be missed! Condolences to Bill´s family.
Linda Haggerty
September 14, 2024
Sending my Sincerest condolences to Ardys, Kathryn, & Lizzy! My children, now adults, often talk about their first horseback rides, the ducks in the swimming pool, the chicken "Crook Bill" and being able to visit the "country". Bill's kindness that day was immeasurable ! Thank You so much!
Becky Shipley
September 13, 2024
I worked with Bill over a span of many years through the partnership between high school's and BakersfieldCollege. He was a vital part of the 2+2 ag program which provided a smooth transition from 2 yrs of ag classes in high school and then Bakersfield College. Bill was always upbeat no matter the day or time, and was a pleasure to work with. Sincere condolences to his family. Bill's legacy in agriculture was amazing!
Vicki Durrett Morris
September 13, 2024
Sending sincere sympathies, love and blessings to my friend from the past, Ardys...
Vicki Durrett Morris
Newport Beach, CA
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