Thomas Duncan "Tom" Kelsey

Thomas Duncan Kelsey

In Loving Memory

Thomas Duncan Kelsey, 65, a lifelong resident of Valdez, Alaska, passed away January 31, 2026, in Edmonds, Washington, from complications of pneumonia.

Tom was born July 26, 1960, in Seattle, Washington, and returned immediately to Valdez, where he spent virtually his entire life. Deeply connected to his hometown, he worked as a longshoreman, as a Teamster, and later in the Maintenance Department for the City of Valdez.

Tom loved Alaska's outdoors and found particular peace at his cabin in Chitina. He enjoyed long walks – especially with his dogs – following a family tradition shared by his father, Robert D. Kelsey, Jr., and his uncle, John T. Kelsey, who also valued time spent on foot in Alaska's wide spaces.

In his last years, Tom faced significant health challenges, including dementia, and resided in a Washington care facility, where he received compassionate care from Sam and Anna Gan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and other close family members. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Conny S. (Montgomery) Kelsey in 2005, and his second wife, Debra L. Liljedahl in 2024.

Tom is survived by his cousins, Bonnette L. Cooper and Martha Kelsey Rutherford, who served as his guardian in his later years. He is also survived by Debra Liljedahl's son, Michael, daughter-in-law, Nia, and grandson, Brody Liljedahl, all of whom he loved dearly and who took great care of Tom and Debbie.

A graveside service will be held in mid-May 2026 at the Valdez, Alaska Cemetery.