February 19,1943 – January 11, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a true “Gentle Man”. On Sunday, January 11, 2015, Kelly made his sacred journey to the arms of his Lord and Saviour. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Claudia PARISH and his two daughters, Marina Rosta (Manville Alta.) and Kellianne Stiller (Phil) of Nanaimo BC. Kelly was surrounded by his wife, daughters, 
son-in-law (Phil) and his sister-in-law, Maureen Parish. His passing was gentle in a way that reflected the way he lived his life. Leaving to mourn in Medicine Hat, Alta. are Kelly’s sister, Shirley Hart (Dave) and his brother, Garry Folk, (Marion). Kelly was a loving grandad to Geza, Killian, Liam and Saoirse Rosta, Andrew and Jessie Stiller and Taylor-Lee Stiller-O’Brien. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces and his loving goddaughter/niece, Claudia Danyluk.
Kelly was born in Leader, Saskatchewan and spent his early years on the family farm near Richmound before his family moved to Medicine Hat where he completed high school. He joined the RCMP in 1962 and retired at the rank of Superintendent after 34 years of service in the Force. During his career, Kelly received a BA (Economics) degree from UVic and held a variety of administrative and Criminal Investigation positions across Canada. Those positions included Officer in Charge of Administration, Personnel, Finance and Informatics for the NWT. He was also the Officer in Charge of the Inuvik Subdivision before he returned to BC. Once back in BC, Kelly, served as the Officer in command of the ERT section and prior to retiring, he was the Officer in Charge of the RCMP’s Internal Audit. Kelly and Claudia also enjoyed many memorable occasions at BC’s Government House during Kelly’s position as Aide de Camp to Lieutenant-Governor, David Lam. He also served a term as president for the Greater Victoria United Way. In 1994, Kelly led the Police Security Operations for the Commonwealth Games. After his retirement, Kelly was a Special Investigator for Elections Canada for 8 years, and was also president of the Greater Victoria Police Chorus and the Greater Victoria RCMP Retired Officers’ Mess. He also was one of the first Officers to head up the Integrated Road Safety Unit for Vancouver Island. At the time of Kelly’s passing, he was an active member on the Board of Directors (Finance Committee), of the Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications (CREST). Kelly was skillfully treated by Drs. Herb Domke, Stephen Lundy, Paul Blood and Gary Dewar, during his illness and the family is grateful. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the Nursing staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, with a special mention to Dr Andrea Lewis.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2015. Flowers gratefully declined. Please donate to a charity of choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
41 Responses
Kelly (Dad), I’ll always remember our chats around the kitchen table, your wisdom, kind words and loving heart will stay with me always. Thank you for being a part of my life. Rest in peace…
Dear Claudia,
How sad to see Kelly’s obituary in the newspaper. I am very sorry for your loss and please also pass on my condolences to Marina and Kellianne. The notice made me recall the times surrounding my parents’ illnesses and deaths and how you were present at both. I am still grateful for your support and I know that you were instrumental in easing Margot’s mind during her final days. I hope that you are surrounded by the love and strength of good friends and family members who will comfort you during this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you, Yolande
I was fortunate to look after Kelly while he was in the Jubilee hospital and he has been on my mind ever since. I get the feeling from reading the other tributes that he was the kind of person you don’t forget. When I think of Kelly I remember a man who was gentle, kind and will be missed.
karol
Dear Claudia & family,
My condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved Kelly who was one of the kindest, gentlest men ever. He will be missed by so many people and organizations that he was such an important part of. I knew Kelly from many years of attending with my parents the concerts of the Victoria Police Chorus. After my dad’s passing, Kelly always took time to speak so warmly to my mom. Heaven is certainly blessed now by another beautiful gentle voice. I pray that your beautiful memories of his life and love will give you strength.
Our sincerest best wishes and condolences to Kelly’s family. We’ve not been in touch for many years, but he was a true gentleman and an admired friend.
Dear Claudia and family,
We just heard of Kelly’s passing. We are currently out of the country but wanted to send our deepest condolences. What great memories we have of Kelly and what a wonderful man he was. Claudia, our thoughts are with you through this difficult time. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Sincerely, Bob and Mavis
Dear Claudia and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband and father. I know I have not seen you for ages and I
remember you talking a lot about your girls and Kelly.
Please accept my condolences and I hope that in time your grief lessens.
Thinking of you
Love Annie.
Dear Claudia. You probably don’t even remember us but we were stationed in Prince Rupert and will always remember you and Kelly as this beautiful young couple. We lived in the other apartment and had 2 little boys. You left Rupert before we did and I still have a picture of you from your going away party, Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Ron & Marie Budd
Heartfelt condolences to Claudia and the family…Kelly, you will be greatly missed at the Friary and at coffee party – your insights and views during our many debates were appreciated by all. I send a traditional blessing:
“Where there is faith there is love,
Where there is love there is peace,
Where there is peace there is blessing,
Where there is blessing there is God,
Where there is God it’s all we need”
God speed Kelly
The archangel
A real gentleman who will be missed by the police chorus.
Ride on forever Kelly. Dennis & Orleen