KELLY, Kenneth ‘Ken’
It is with great sadness that we announce that Ken Kelly went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior, and is reunited with his first-born son Dane, on Saturday October 22 nd , with his family by his side, in his 90th year. Ken was born in Toronto in 1933 and moved to Beeton thereafter where he met Ruth Kelly(McKelvey) and was her devoted husband for 66 years. They welcomed 3 boys into their family, Dane 1961 (predeceased 1963), Brock(Tracey) 1963, Aaron(Ada) 1966. A cherished Papa to Dane(Calley), McKelvey, Avery(Jeff), Cole(Carissa), Taryn, and Great “BIG” Papa to Lincoln and Aria. Ken was a much loved brother to Olive ‘Kel'(Jim) Edgar, Bert(Lola) Kelly, John(Betty) Kelly, Gord(Vera) Kelly, Dave(Joan) Kelly, Sam(Shirley), Barb(Earl) Collins, Roy(Aase) Kelly, Gary(Betty) Kelly, Bill(Sheila) Kelly, and brother in law and sister in law Bert & Jean(McKelvey) Platt and their children Kelly(Jim) and Tanya(Ian) and many more nieces and nephews.
Ken was a talented athlete and played baseball and hockey in Beeton & Bradford. He had an illustrious career in hockey. He played defense for Brad’s Ford’s in Bradford and his defensive skills were legendary. He played for the Men’s league in Beeton and continued playing in his senior years for the Oldtimers and enjoyed longtime friendships with many. They even travelled the world to compete and have fun. His hockey career continued as a coach in Beeton where he influenced and encouraged many young people in the community. If you ever shook Ken’s hand you knew he was a hard worker. He began his working career after being in grade nine for one week. He started cutting wood to support his family. He later got into construction and worked at many sites between Toronto and Beeton. He then worked at Beder Turf and a Saw Mill for many years. He retired from his final vocation as the Arena Manager at the Beeton Arena. His passion for trees never ceased. Whether he was climbing trees, chopping trees, carving from trees or building houses in trees, Ken knew trees! In his retirement Ken & Ruth made Haliburton home. His love of the woods and nature kept him busy. As a grandfather, Papa Ken was very active and involved, especially with summer activities at the lake. He taught his grandchildren how to water ski and inspired each of them to face their fear of heights by building a 10’ tall water slide off the end of the dock. Socially, Ken was always the life of the party. He enjoyed “clowning” around and used every opportunity
to get a laugh. He made time for everyone, always stopping in to check on friends whenever the opportunity arose, usually around dinnertime. Every interaction Ken had with people around him, he created lasting impressions. With the business of life Ken recognized the importance of family, and the Kelly and McKelvey reunions were always a priority. His love for his family was strong. He was a dedicated husband, father, papa and great “BIG” papa. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. As a family we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff at Simcoe Manor for their tireless care and compassion for Dad during his time there.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Saturday October 29, 2022 starting at 2:00pm, with a Reception to follow in Cliffside Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to Simcoe Manor would be greatly appreciated by the family. We would like to invite you to share your memories of Ken at [email protected]. To leave the family expressions of sympathy, please visit www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
***** To view a recording of the Memorial Service, please click here to be taken to the Funeral Home’s Facebook page *****
Service
Celebration of Life
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Saturday October 29, 2022
2:00pm
Reception
Cliffside Hall - Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Saturday October 29, 2022Following Celebration of Life
Thomas Lapp says
Hi Ruth. I just now heard about Ken’s passing back in October. I am so sorry to hear of his death and offer my sincere condolences. I have great memory of you and Ken and our Base Borden family. I hope you are well and strongly supported by friends and family. Tom
Dorothy McKelvey & The Girls says
Ruth and family so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. Sending you our love and condolences. The girls and I have many fond memories of Ken from the Mckelvey reunions. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Dorothy and The Girls
Gwyneth McKelvey says
Leann and I send our love and condolences to Ruth, Brock, Tracey, Aaron, Ada & their families on the passing of Ken. When we think back on the McKelvey reunions, Ken is an essential part of all memories. Whether it was his hearty handshake, booming laugh or cajoling us to participate in races (in which we were always last) his encouragement is a life long memory that we share. For the respect and love that he gave our grandma, the support he gave our parents and the enthusiasm he brought to every McKelvey event, he will always be an important member of our family.
Ray Lisk says
When my father passed away Ken would regularly drop in to see my mother Helen at the farm. To cheer her up he would open with “Would you have a cup of tea and a bun?”.
He was a sympathetic, kind man!
Ray
Phil Allison says
Ruth my sincerest condolences to you and the whole Family. Ken was a very nice and kind man. I respected him greatly.
Sincerely
Phil Allison
Chats Driver
Susie Robinson says
To the Kelly family.Sorry to hear of Kens’s passing..I remember him always being at the Beeton Arena …My Sincere Condolences To you and your family…Rest In Peace
Ken & Rosa Bryan says
Ruth and family, we are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. We have many fond memories of Ken from our time on Lake Kashiwigamog; his love for everything wood, endless energy, great sense of humour and always ready to lend a hand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathies. Ken & Rosa Bryan
Ruth Dermott says
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a great friend. “Entertainer of the year”, you can ask anyone who knew him.
Ken you will be missed by family and so many friends.
Brock and Aaron, you have been so fortunate to have had such a loving father and mother. Lock your memories away so you can bring them forth when needed. We are thinking of you Ruth at this difficult time. RIP Ken.
Randy, David, Rhonda and Alayne says
R.I.P. Mr. Kelly (Ken) your presence at Beeton Arena and love for hockey phenomenal. Our condolences the Coburn’s to Mrs. Kelly (Ruth) all family and friends.
John Hacking says
To Ruth, Brock Aaron & Familes:
I was saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He was, as so many have said, a true ‘Beeton Icon!’ Certainly his was a ‘life well lived.’ My sincerest condolences to you all
Larry & Theresa Keogh says
My brother , George and I had great respect for Ken not only as a superb hockey player but as a real asset to the community. On defence I did not have to be too accurate with my pass to Ken as with his reach he would scoop it up and head to the net, This resulted in many goals and wins for Beeton.
Ken always had time to speak with people . At a social he generally had a story to tell that often resulted in hearty laughter– he was a delight to be with. Yes he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and close friends.
Ruth says
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your memories of Ken.
Greg McKelvey says
My sincere condolences. Sorry to here about Ken loved his roar and laugh it was so big
Ruth says
Thank you for your message.
Jason Dow says
I am very sorry for your loss, I have lots of great memories from working for Ken at the Beeton Arena for many years. He was very fair and great to work for. RIP Ken
Ruth says
Thank you for your kind words.
Bob & Pat Jackson says
Ruth & Family
Please accept our sincere condolences on Ken’s passing, He was a character & could always be counted on to amuse. RIP Ken
Ruth says
Thank you for you message.
John Lucarelli says
To all Kens Family…our deepest Sympathies and Condolence ! RIP Ken, so many laughs shared being neighbours at the Lake. He was larger than life with so many stories…
Never a job or chore too big to take on in the woods or building something
He loved all the Family time and water sports. Great Man !
Aaron, Ada Ruth says
Thank you for you message. It warms our hearts to hear how he touched all those he interacted with. He was bigger than life, and will be missed.
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Ruth, Brock, Tracey, Aaron, Ada and all the Kelly family
Please accept our sincere condolences. Ken was a wonderful man and a huge asset to the Beeton community. Ken and Ruth were great supporters of the BAA for many, many years. It is an honour to have known and been a friend and coworker of Ken’s. May he Rest In Peace.
Ruth says
Thank you for your message. He loved all things hockey, but especially love the people!
W. Boyd Collins says
My sympathy to the Kelly family. Ken was a Beeton icon. Boyd
Ruth says
Thank you!
MaryDel & Don Rosie says
We are very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing . Ken was the first person I coached with when we first moved to the area , and you could not help but become friends with him.
He always had a smile and/or a joke and will be really missed around Beeton.
Ruth says
Thank you for you message, he always loved to make people laugh.
Jean Andrews says
Sincerest Condolences Ruth, Brock ,Aaron & families our friendship has been for many years of memories happy & sad times we came through it together God bless you all as you grieve your Husband ,Dad, Father-in-law & Papa Jean Andrews
Ruth says
Thank you Jean, you have always been a special friend.
Debbie Ellison says
Ruth, Brock and Aaron, I’m so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing.
I have many fond memories of our trip to Kenora together. Ken had a wonderful way with us children. He happily led us in songs around the campfire and fun activities. He was so good with us kids.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Debbie Dermott Ellison
Ruth says
Thank you for your message, children were so important to him.
Jim Dermott says
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. While we didn’t spend much time with Ken, the time we experienced with him was memorable.
Jim and Paula Dermott
Ruth says
Thank you for you message.
Terry McDermott says
To the Kelly Family
I am so sorry for the passing of Mr. Kelly.
He taught myself and many others how to skate when we were young and when he became the Arena manager it was always great catching up with him.
Mr. Kelly will be missed.
All the best during this tough time.
Terry McDermott
Ruth says
Thank you for your kind words.
John H Archibald says
Ruth and the entire Kelly family:
Please accept our sincere condolences at this sad time in the passing of your patriarch. Ken was well known and well loved around Beeton. Treasure your memories and all your good times.
John & Anne Archibald
Ruth says
Thank you, he will be missed.
Bob and Margaret Milligan says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you at this time.
Ruth says
Thank You!
Warren Holmes says
Ruth and Family,
My sincere condolences on Ken’s passing. God bless and God speed Ken. Always a Beeton icon. May he rest in peace.
Ruth says
Thank You!
Louise Longhurst says
Ruth and family: Our condolences on Ken’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Louise and Lyle
Ruth says
Thank You!
Bob & Lisa Creasor says
With deepest sympathy for your loss, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Aaron says
Thank you!
Aaron & Ada
Joanne (ANN) Proper-Thorley says
To the Kelly Family
Ruth, Brock, Aaron and family, please accept our sincere condolences with the passing of Ken, Husband, Father, Brother and Papa.
You were all a big part of our family, we have so many wonderful memories.
May all your fond memories of Ken help you through this time of sorrow.
May He Rest In Peace
The Proper Family
Ruth says
Thank you for your kind words.
He will be missed.
Wendy & Bill vermeersch says
RIP Ken you gave us tons of laughs over the years!! Love and Hugs to Ruth and family ❤️❤️
Ruth says
Wendy and Bill
Thank you!
Penny-Jane Beck says
Ruth we are sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Penny and Jim Beck
Ruth says
Penny and Jim
Thank you for your message.
Ruth