Gerald Kelly

Gerald Kelly Age 80, passed away at his home in San Francisco on August 18, 2008 from complications with Alzheimer's. Gerald was the youngest surviving son from a family of 10 siblings in Port Glasgow, Scotland. School was over for him at the age of 14 when he went to work in the Port Glasgow Shipyards. He was drafted into the British Army in 1946 and was in Palestine during the Israeli struggle for independence. Following his discharge, he immigrated to Australia, working his way around the continent at jobs ranging from uranium prospecting to working in the sugar cane fields to being camp cook. He left Australia during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics on the P&O liner, "Canberra" for Canada where he worked in Vancouver and Toronto. When he obtained his green card, Jerry moved to Chicago. He worked for Montgomery Ward. He left Chicago and many life-long friends in the late 1960s and moved to San Francisco. He worked at various positions for Macy's and the Emporium, became a US citizen in the 1980s before retiring. After retirement, he shared ownership and helped manage three apartment buildings, and traveled extensively. He was most happy while serving as voluntary Dance Host on various P&O and Holland American World Cruises. Survived by his sister Rita Lynch of Ireland; nieces Hazel Wiston of England and Helen Gladczuk of Connecticut, nephews Paul Kelly and Joe Beckett of England; and numerous grandnieces and nephews. A memorial honoring his life will be held in late September at the MacPhail Family home in Stinson Beach for family and friends. MONTE'S CHAPEL OF THE HILLS San Anselmo, CA (415) 453-8440