Pat Kelly died with his dance card still full and we, his family and friends, mourn his passing. Pat was predeceased in 2014 by his loving wife Betty and in 2006 by his son Bill. Left to remember him are his two sisters, Ellen Hill and Florence (Rick) Kerley; children Patricia Smith (Lee), Ann Smreciu (Nick – deceased), Joe (Karen Scott), Eileen Sled (Greg), Paul (Renee), Peter (Karen), Margaret Kelly (Mike Holt) and Shelagh Scholtens (Mike); grandchildren Tim (Natalie Percy) and Greg (Christine Matte) Smith, Olivia and Nathan Smreciu, Arli Kelly (Ryan), Kasey (Tyler) Field, Shannon Sled (Mike), Miranda (Liam) and Rachel Kelly, Jamie Kelly; great-grandchildren Huxley Percy, Noelle Smith, Sofia and Evelyn Field. Pat will be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.
Pat was born in St. Albert, AB in 1924, but at the age of ten, moved with his family to Cherry Point/Mill Bay, BC where he stayed until joining the Royal Canadian Navy as a wireless operator. After the war, Dad continued his work as a “sparks” on naval auxiliary vessels for the balance of his working life. Although often away for long absences, he still found time to be very involved in the lives of his children including PTA and Scouting. Together with Mom, they planted and grew a garden that sustained their large family with always lots left over to share with others. In later life, he joined the Victoria Genealogical Society and was a long-time volunteer at the Saanich Fairgrounds, where he hammered, sawed and painted as needed. His home workshop was a highly-raised bar for its organization and tidiness. He and Mom enjoyed some years of travel, often to places where reconnections with family could be made. His thirst for knowledge, especially history, was unparalleled and never diminished. He kept the library hopping for requests of books long since out of print. He wrote stories of telegraph pioneers and shared these with magazines and interested listeners.
The Peninsula in Sidney was his home for the last two years and he was always complimentary of the staff and the friends he made there. To them, we are sincerely thankful for the respect and care shown to Dad.
A funeral mass will be held on January 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Sidney, BC. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Times Colonist Christmas fund or to a charity of your choosing.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
To Shelagh and Mike and your extended family – Pat was indeed a very special man whose love of history extended to his family and his long time involvement and support of the Victoria Genealogical Society. We will miss and remember him too. Our sympathy and condolences to you.
To Shelagh and family
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. It’s been years since we have met at the Kanavagh and Kelly reunion. My dad Mil has many fond memories of Pat. It was our greatest pleasure getting to know him and you in such a brief time during the reunion. Our thoughts goes to you and the Kelly clan.
Alfret and Lorraine Marttinen from Ontario