1922 ~ 2016
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
and love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
The family announces the peaceful passing of their beloved father and grandfather Bill today Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Beausejour Hospital.
Bill was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on July 13th, 1922, and always claimed that the town was so small that he was the New Year’s baby; his joke not ours! Dad lived on a farm outside Portage before joining up with the Royal Canadian Artillery to fight in WWII, where he served Canada with Distinction in England, France and Holland. Bill met our Mom, Sadie, in Winnipeg and moved to Beausejour in 1962. He was a great father and devoted husband to Sadie and together they traveled the world. Dad and Mom were the best of friends and did absolutely everything together, and we are sure they are up there right now enjoying a good game of Scrabble, Mom winning as per usual.
Bill’s Mom and Dad predeceased him many years ago, and he graciously accepted Sadie’s parents, John and Margaret, as his own. Bill and Sadie lost their son Grant in 1956 and Bill lost Sadie in body, but never in mind, in 2011. All are sadly missed by his daughter Shelagh and her partner Deb Dunstan of Beausejour, his son Greg and partner Iskra Sarafov of Toronto, the Bug in his heart and mind, Alexandra Sarah Victoria – his granddaughter Sasha who always kept him, and us, smiling, and his furry companion, Quinny aka Puddin’ Head.
The Kelly family wishes to especially thank Bill’s extended family and friends, which were always there for him, and for the wonderful care he received from Veteran Affairs, I.E.R.H.A. Home Care Services, Dr. Van Rensburg and the staff of the Beausejour Hospital.
Memorial donations to the Canadian War Museum or the Winnipeg Humane Society would be greatly appreciated by the family. Respecting Bill’s wishes, there will be no formal service, but there will be “yet, one twice” another game of Scrabble, and although we may lose (we will), we will laugh and be as one. In closing, from a friend from afar, “I’m sorry to hear that another member of the Greatest Generation is now answering reveille with the rest of his Company in the vast beyond.” Nite, Nite, our Hero, “keep your nose to the grindstone.’
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Bill in the Spring/Summer of 2017.
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Brian & Jan Halowaty
Shelagh,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. RIP Bill. You guys were great neighbors over the years and the dogs were all buddies too! Lot’s of good memories for you & your family to cherish and to help you at this difficult time.
Brian, Jan, Boys & Dogs
Pat Hladki
Shelagh
With deep sympathy on your loss.
Dave Donahue
Shelagh, I am so sorry for your loss.
Andy and Pat Nevistiuk
Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. Prayers and hugs to you all.
Kathy Abenstein
Shelagh, I am so sorry for your loss. RIP MR. Kelly
Kathy, Keith, Ashley Abenstein
Barb and Harlon
Shelagh
After just having a discussion with you at the hospital about your dad you always spoke so highly about him that it was clear how much he meant to you. So sorry that he passed but you have many fond memories which will help to ease your sorrow. May you and your family embrace all the good that was your dad.
Barb and Harlon
Lou & Helene Savisky
Sorry to hear of your loss may God be with you and guide your way. Our most felt condolences are being sent to you.
Alvin and Alice Klapprat
Sincere condolences.
Sue Bonner
It was an honor to have Bill in my life. He was a special person and we shared many good times and some serious laughs.
As sad as I am at his passing I know he’s with Sadie and is whole again. I also believe Danny and Finnigan are with them too.
Sherlock might even come look in the door.
Hans Peper
Dear Shelagh and family:
Bill was a very faithful and respected member from the Masonic Lodge Ophir #112 in Beausejour, which he joined on June 25 1954. We remember him as a very peaceful, modest and friendly brother who was a steady force and always ready for a good conversation about anything, even in his later years. Respected as a brother, but also as a veteran of WWII. Particularly this last thing made him very special to me, as writer of this message, as he helped free Holland at a time where my parents and many others were suffering terribly there.
Shelagh, it has been very nice and kind of you to have taken care of your father so well. Bill was very lucky to have a daughter like you. All of us at Ophir Lodge want to give you and your family our sincerest condolences. We wish you strength during this and the coming period.
For Ophir Lodge – Hans Peper
Helen Longmuir
Thoughts and prayers to you and your families. I am sure Bill and Sadie are now together again. I will always remember their smiles.