Dr. Michael J. Kelly M.D.

Dr. Michael J. Kelly, MD

Dr. Michael J. Kelly, MD, was born January, 1, 1932, in Hillsboro, N.D. and passed away Sunday, May 9, 2010, in Medford, Ore.

Dr. Kelly graduated from the University of North Dakota with a B.S. degree, and Northwestern University Medical School with and M.D. degree.

Dr. Kelly began his distinguished VA career as a staff physician at the VAMC in Fargo, N.D., where he became Chief of Staff. He was a professor of medicine at the University of Dakota, School of Medicine and a professor of pharmacy at North Dakota State University. In 1981, he transferred to the VAMC in Salisbury, N.C. where he served as chief of staff until 1987, when he was transferred to the VA facility in White City, Ore.

While chief of staff at the SORCC (VA Domiciliary), Dr. Kelly created an innovative culinary arts program. He secured funding for and greatly expanded the alcohol treatment program as well as the homeless program. Foreseeing the benefits of computer technology, he championed the development of electronic medical records at White City and throughout the VA system. His focus was to provide the most effective delivery of services to the veteran in need.

Dr. Kelly received many prestigious awards for his accomplishments, but what probably tickled him most was the "KELLY AVE." street sign he received after having a street named after him at the SORCC upon his retirement in June of 2000.

Michael or Mike, as he was affectionately known to his friends, began doing service work with Alcoholics Anonymous in the Rogue Valley upon his arrival here in 1987. Carrying the message to the still suffering alcoholics led him to be heavily involved with Jackson Count AA Central Office, Oregon AA District 16, the local AA Answering Service, several local AA groups and probably closest to his heart, the the extensive one on one support he gave to those in need, both face to face and at all hours on the telephone. Knowledgeable, kind, steadfast and unassuming, Mike's presence was and will continue to be an inspiration for this community to serve with love.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters; brother; and parents, Clarence D. and Estelle M. Kelly. He is survived by his three sons, Patrick, David, and Shaun Kelly; as well as his nephew, Michael Kelly.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, at the SORCC (VA Dom) Theatre in White City, Ore. Chaplan Wayne Bell will officiate and a private internment will follow at Eagle Point National Cemetery.