James Edward ‘Ed’ Kelly
April 26, 2018
Peacefully and surrounded by his family, on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at University Hospital, London, at the age of 93. Beloved husband of Marian Elizabeth Kelly (née Stark) for 70 years. Cherished father of Doug Kelly (the late Marilyn), the late Stephen Kelly (Karen), James Kelly (Nancy), and Martha Disney (Scott). Adored grandfather of Jessica, Allison, Nathan, Michael, Emily, Christopher, Clayton, Rachel and Jaclyn, and great-grandfather of Boden, Mila and Campbell. A driven and successful businessman, Ed retired as CEO at Kayser-Roth Canada Ltd., in London, Ontario. Prior to that, he managed several operations for Courtaulds (Canada) Limited in Cornwall, Ontario. Ed had many interests and hobbies. He was heavily committed and involved with the Presbyterian Church and generously gave his time to support various community efforts. As a great story teller, an average guitar player, a reciter of poems, an amateur film maker and boater, Ed enjoyed socializing with friends and family. A memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. There will also be a memorial service held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield at a later date and the details of this service will follow. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ed are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program – Cancer Research Laboratory Program.
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How I cherish the memories of my visits with Ed and you Marian. So glad we had a visit last summer. I know Ed will be missed very much as he was such a vibrant sole. I will miss his smiling greeting the next time I visit Knox Bayfield. Blessings on you Marian and all your family.
Growing up in Cornwall and St. John's Presbyterian Church, and with a father who worked at Courtaulds, I knew who Ed Kelly was. However, our paths crossed one Sunday when it was announced that I planned to become a minister. Ed offered to help, and did so by getting me a summer job at Courtaulds, a job that helped pay my way through the University of Windsor and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. It was an act of kindness and generosity which even after 52 years I remember with gratitude.
Dear Marian and family: It is difficult to put into words how saddened your church family at Knox Bayfield were to hear of Ed's passing. He was such a huge presence in the life of our congregation since you joined in 1986. There were no committees, fundraisers or activities that he didn't participate in. He was past member of the Board of Managers, elected an Elder in 1987, served as Clerk of Session and Rep. Elder of Presbytery. A true leader in the church and we could always count on him to greet any visitors and make them feel welcome. I have been privileged to be mentored by some wonderful Elders and Ed was certainly one of them. I will miss his greeting when he entered on Sunday mornings saying, "and how are you Madam Clerk". Ed was the epitome of what every church hopes to have in a member. How blessed we were to have him at Knox Bayfield for the past 32 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marian and Ed's children and grandchildren as you mourn the loss of such a special man. With deepest sympathy, Brenda McLean, Knox Bayfield
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelly family at this time. Ed was a wonderful family man, and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grand-kids, and now great-grand-kids. We enjoyed seeing him at events with extended family, as he always had a twinkle in his eye and an amusing story to tell. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I think it has been fifty years since I last saw Ed or Marion. Despite that, many memories from the 50's and 60's flooded in when my sister called to let me know Ed had died. Thank you all for all the kindnesses that produced those memories.
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - Cancer Research Laboratory Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - Cancer Research Laboratory Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - Cancer Research Laboratory Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - Cancer Research Laboratory Program)
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Ed was a huge presence for me and a wonderful mentor. I enjoyed his stories and his philosophy that making the extra effort in whatever you do is not an option, it just is. I must admit I did on occasion ask for the edited version of an answer to a question, I never got it. I don't think anyone who knew him is surprised by that. He taught by example, I am forever grateful that our paths crossed and the he took me under his wing. He was a true gentleman, he is always and forever in my heart.
~ Deborah Penhale