Jack was born at home in a tenement in Clydebank, Scotland, on July 3rd, 1928, far away in time and place from where his life came to a peaceful end, surrounded by family, on August 30, 2011 in Victoria B.C. Jack will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Anne; children: Brian (Jane), Gary, Brent (Dianne), Marie (Randy), John (Josie), Stephen (Susan); 15 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce and Anna, and many extended family members and friends in Canada and Scotland. Jack was proud of his long career as a boilermaker at Yarrows Shipyard, where he earned the respect of everyone with whom he worked. He spent his retirement enjoying his family, travelling, golfing, cooking and tending his garden.
“We’re no awa’ tae bide awa”
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, September 9, 2011 at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow in the McCall’s Family Centre. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
14 Responses
Dear Anne and family, as we are unable to be with you we would like to extend our thoughts and love to our dear friend Anne and all of the Kelly family.
Thank you Jack for being our friend.
Our friendship began 47 years ago on a public transit bus where Anne and I met, both of us were pregnant with our 5th child.
We look back with laughter on all of our experiences that we have shared together. One in particular comes to mind when we were in a little village in the U.K. where Anne and Jack came to visit us. One day we set out looking for Leeds Castle, and believe it or not we couldn’t find it. We can still hear Jack’s voice saying “Not to worry we have seen lots of castles in Scotland”;
We looked for a scenic spot for lunch but we were too hungry and couldn’t wait. We ended up having lunch in the car, under an overpass. After we finished we noticed that we were just a few feet away from a beautiful scenic spot. We had a right good laugh at ourselves!!
We started our Tuesday night card games about 10 years ago, from week one Jack was very competitive. We have shared many a New Years eve together. We will miss your Scottish accent Jack.
Here’s to you Jack, we love you and we will hold you close always.
Auld Lang Syne dear friend.
With love Shirley and George
xxo
Just returned home from the memorial service (Celebration of Life). I appreciated every word that was spoken, sung & shared. I will always remember Jack/John/Dad. I told Marie that I could hear his voice and laughter the day after he was taken Home. I will always remember what a special person he was to me. Thank you for sharing!!! Lots of love. Praying for continued strength for the days to come. Thanks for the memories.
Dear Brent and Family
Thinking of you and sending love as you honor and cherish the memories of your Dad. I see that Mr. Kelly worked at Yarrows Shipyards.. My Dad did, too. I wonder if they knew one another?
Heartfelt condolences,
Charlotte Holtan
Remembering the many good times we shared together, so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Deepest condolences to Anne and the Kelly family.