Obituaries

KELLY, Paul Francis

We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Paul in his 77th year as dawn broke and the sun rose on Friday, April 26th, 2024, with his much loved partner Marilyn (Marney) Cliche by his side. Born April 13, 1947, in Charlottetown, and raised on beautiful Prince Edward Island then moving to Hamilton, Ontario to play hockey at the age of 17. The trucking industry would become his passion and life’s work until 2013. Never complaining or missing a day's work, he would get up in the early morning hours to get his day started. He was admired and respected by his peers and co-workers and was fortunate to have formed lifelong friendships along the way. A man of many words, he was gregarious with a big booming voice and you always knew where you stood. He had the Irish gift of telling a story and knew every joke imaginable. He was filled with laughter, unpretentious and made everyone feel welcome. His ability to talk hockey is legendary and if you couldn’t name 10 players and their positions from your own team, you were not up to talking hockey with Mr. Kelly. For many years he was proud to own and race standard bred horses and coach little league hockey. A lover of hockey, baseball, horse racing, checkers or horseshoes, he was game to try or watch most sports. His tee off shot is legendary and he was proud of his long “Daly” drives. The putting ability, not so much! Son of the late Frederick Louis Kelly and Kathleen Patronella (MacDonald), he is survived by his son, of whom he was so proud, Paul F. Kelly, Jr., (Eileen), granddaughters, Tarah and Maggie, and beloved brother of Parnell (Ann), Jeannette McDougall, Mary MacLean (Harris), Willard (Debbie), Raymond (Janice) and Gerald. Paul also is lovingly remembered by the nieces and nephews he loved, Kim and Chantelle, Joanne and Michael, Ryan and Nikki, Niki and Derek, Logan and Genna and Whitney. He was predeceased by his youngest sister Eileen Kelly and missed her every day. Paul is a Past President of the Lambton Shrine Club. He so enjoyed being a member of the Lambton Motor Corps., driving his little car in many parades and is also a Past Patron of O.E.S. #6. We would like to thank the PSWs who provided care over these few years and in particular, Cassandra, Jessica, Jennie, Craig, Derek, Brenda, Laurie, Michelle, Kelly and Coral. There are so many we just can’t name you all. But your compassionate care is sincerely appreciated. We wish to thank Paul’s friend Clive, a fellow east coaster, who visited Paul every single week and Earl who regularly dropped in to check on and chat with Paul. You gave him such joy. We thank Anna, Marlene, Sandy, Brian & Linda and the GMSB, LLP, family for the incredible support. Despite facing numerous health challenges these past years, Paul held on to his sense of humour, and while the news of Paul’s passing leaves us with a hole in our hearts, may that be filled with lasting memories of good times and his boisterous laugh. Remember, “The Big Fella” is smiling down to remind us all of the Bruins impending defeat, again, of the Toronto-Maple Leafs in round one! In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or service however, an East Coast gathering will occur at a later date.

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