James William Kelly

January 9, 1926 - March 3, 2012

Jim (Granddad) Kelly passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday March 3, 2012 at 86 years of age. James was predeceased by his loving wife Helen; his parents Bill and Agnes; siblings Bob and Rita; and twin granddaughters Melissa and Melinda Spring. He is survived by his daughters Debbie Kelly (Kim) and Kathleen (Clarence) Spring; grandchildren Shannon (Colin) Johnston, Blair (Marianne) Spring and Catherine Mackie; great-granddaughters Grace and Ella Johnston; many nieces and nephews; cousin Phyllis (Cecil) MacKenzie; and long-time companion Patricia Laine. He will be missed by numerous friends and “The Boy’s” at MacDonald’s. Jim led a very full life; born in Calgary and raised in the community of Ramsay, he was a well-known hockey player. His hockey career led him to a tryout with the Cleveland Barons in 1943. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Navy for the World War II effort. Stationed out of Halifax on the HMCS Huntsville, Dad continued playing hockey for the Royal Canadian Navy where he had the opportunity to play against his hockey heroes the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins. Jim returned to Calgary after the war where he began a forty-two year career at the Calgary Brewery and Malting Company (later Carling O’Keefe). Dad married Helen (Maisey) in 1949, and together they raised two girls Deba and Kathleen. His love of hockey continued through coaching midget and peewee leagues in the Ogden community. Dad was passionate about golf, and upon retirement he had the first tee time every morning at Maple Ridge for the next 20 years. A highlight was achieving a hole in one in 1996. Everyone who knew Dad liked him; he had a one of a kind personality that was warm and kind and drew in everyone around him, even complete strangers. Unimpressed by outward appearances, he concentrated on the simple pleasures of life. He loved to garden, build models, and spend time with his family - especially his great-granddaughters. Jim trusted in everyone and was generous to those he loved. He never worried about the small things; Dad taught us all to stop rushing and enjoy all that life has to offer. Relatives and friends were invited to a Prayer Service held at St. Bernadette’s Parish, 7103 – 20A Street S.E., Calgary on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Bernadette’s Parish on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Dad directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Cleft Palate Clinic. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial