Richard Kelly

1931 ~ 2018

Mr. Richard Kelly, beloved husband of Mrs. Grace McPike-Kelly, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the age of 86 years.

Richard was born on April 17, 1931 to his late parents, Amelia Lucinda (Biggs) and Evan Harold Kelly in Elnora AB.

Always a passionate card player, Richard started playing cards at a young age with his 4 siblings: Elden Kelly, Marion (Gordon) Watson and his late brothers Evan and Kaye (Francis) Kelly. He loved to boast that he taught all of his children how to count by playing “Cribbage”. He thoroughly enjoyed his online game of “Hearts”. He relaxed by having coffee with friends and discussing news or sports. Richard loved driving long distances and never found a road trip he didn’t enjoy.

Early in his career, he worked at the Imperial Bank of Commerce as a bank teller, then later throughout Western Canada as salesman. At age 36, he returned to school to earn his BEd at U of A and started teaching Business Education classes in Calgary. He always stressed the importance of education to his family and students.

A long-time teacher (and snappy dresser) Richard believed in demonstrating the importance of coordinated business attire for his students — even matching his belts, shoes and choice of pen.

Richard will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, partner and best friend, Grace McPike-Kelly. After retiring, they moved to sunny Lethbridge and thoroughly enjoyed their busy days. When faced with any challenge, they always resolved it together, smiling and enjoying a good laugh.

Richard was a loving (and very proud) father to his children: Laurie, Janet (Clint) Cameron, Michael (Natasha) and Katherine. He adored his 3 grandsons: Jonathan (Elaine) in Toronto, Brandon and Nathan Cameron in Calgary. Richard was amazed by his 3 granddaughters: Alexandra, Keira, and Mikayla in Calgary. And, equally delighted by his 3 great-grandsons: Harrison, Owen and Bennett in Toronto. His large extended family plus many dear friends are mourning their loss of a dear, kind man.

Please join his family for a Celebration of Life at 2:00pm on Saturday May 12, 2018 at, MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St. S, Lethbridge, AB.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Richard’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Ab., T1J 4K7 or their website at http://www.heartandstroke.ca/get-involved/donate or a charity of your choice supporting youth education.