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
I was deeply sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I too will miss and remember him. He was a lovely man and a true gentleman.
Condolences. Pat will be missed, he was such a gentleman.
Shelagh, what a great man Pat was, full of life and spirit. The world needs more like him! His stories were so full of life, enthusiasm, and laughter. I could only wish that I would have the fantastic memory and recall he was blessed with. I know his friends and family will miss him, but he has a new audience now in God’s kingdom and I am sure he hasn’t missed a beat since he got there.
Condolences to the entire Kelly Clan. It was such a pleasure to be neighbors to Pat and Betty and share in their stories and the bounty from their Blenkinsop garden. They both will be remembered for their kindness to Bob and me. Doreen Paulsen and Brishkai Lund
Shelegh and family my condolences, may the memories you have give you peace at this time. A life that is full is never forgotten.
Many cherished memories of this warm gentle soul. My world has been enriched by his presence. My sympathy and thoughts are with the Kelly family and their friends. “Thank you Pat” love Sherron
Diana Gaiger
Dec, 24, 2017
To Shelagh, Mike & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was always an inspiration to keep on learning. He always had a welcome greeting for everyone.
Diana
So sorry for your loss. Pat was one in a million.
We send our love to the entire Kelly family. Another great legacy has ended with first, Betty, and now Pat. Ann and Zola Auld xoxox
He is dancing in heaven with your Mom, Betty, next to my parents Monica and Arch. Will be sadly missed by many. Love and condolences to the entire Kelly clan. Let’s the memories live on in all of us. Love Cathy Storey Pilotte and family xxoo