Obituary of Ed Alphonso Kelly

Written by Edward himself, daughters: Linda, Joy and Kathy Edward Alphonso Kelly was born on April 13, 1935 in Dawson Creek, BC to Arthur Joseph Kelly and Eunice May Kelly, fourth child of eight children. The following excerpt was written by Ed himself for the expressed purpose of being part of his Eulogy as you read his words, do so carefully because whit is in the words. "I was born in Dawson Creek Hospital weighing 12lbs, I will never forget the day I was born, it was a cold and frosty winter's morning, the nurse bathed me all over and after powdering me you see, she put me in a cradle near the window, in that little shirt my mother made for me. As I remember at a young age of five, my dad went to work for the American Army, so he was not around too much, except when he came home on leave. When dad would come home on leave, we would take the team of horses and go places or go around up the cattle on horseback. My favourite past time was playing hooky from school and hunting chickens and rabbits. I learned how to handle guns at a very young age. My dad has a big strong horse that he named Ned; so when the horse died, he called me NED, and that nick name stuck for years! I quit school when I was 13, I was big and strong and loved to work, so started working for farmers. I started working hard at 14 years of age, which is when I learned how to run Cats and other heavy equipment. I worked on many a thrashing crew. Come mornings I has a big appetite, and at breakfast time, I took everything that was cooked, leaving nothing for the others and the cook would have to start all over again. It was not work all the time, there was time for having fun, time for playing tricks on others, and I went to a lot of dances. I got married when I was 20, and now I had big responsibility and started raising my family". Edward married Phyllis (Dennis) in 1956, and moved his family to Chetwynd BC in 1959, when he began logging. They had five children: Laurie, Linda, Joy, Mike and Kathy. Ed was a long time member of the Chetwynd Fire Department and the Elks Lodge. Many dances are recalled by his family. Ed was involved with all areas of heavy equipment operating, from running D-8 cats and skidders, to owning his own logging trucks. He also worked for the Forestry and for Canfor in the Chetwynd area. Ed and his family moved to a 10 acre hobby farm five miles west of Chetwynd in 1972 when his dream of being a farmer started to happen. Ed and Phyllis decided to part, but remained friends for life, spending all holidays and special occasions together with family. In 1981, Ed started the second chapter of his life when he met Germaine Pinard. Ed moved to Dawson Creek in 1982, and he and Germaine joined their families in 1986 when they married. Ed's family now increased to having three more children; Michel, Doreen, and Gerald. Ed's life time dream was to be a farmer; he did this when he and Germaine bought their farm and moved to East Doe River, AB in 1989. Just like he had in Chetwynd, Ed became part of the community and was an active member of the Rolla Seniors, with Floor Curling, and cooking a suppers, both in Rolla and Doe River. Ed and Germaine were seen dancing the night away on many occasions, where ever there was a dance they went! Ed was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. Over the years, Ed and Germaine hosted countless BBQ's and dinners for family and friends. Ed's hobbies were hunting, fishing, travelling and enjoying himself with family and friends...and of course, dancing! His family was always very important to Ed; some of his children's earliest memories are of him helping them to do things, from tying their shoes, to riding their bikes. His children wish to add the following thoughts: "Dad was always there, encouraging us to keep trying. He gave us strength and faith in ourselves and in God. We will all remember the teasing, the jokes, and the laughter, as well as the love we all knew growing up. Throughout our adult lives, there were many times that we needed help with things, anything. Dad was always the first to offer, it did not matter what it was. We all knew we were important. Dad was very good at carpentry, doing electrical, water & sewer, welding, mechanics, and generally helping us to set up our homes. We are very proud to be able to say that Dad was the best father anyone could ever ask for. We will miss his laughter, his grin, his jokes, teasing, nicknames for all, and the stories he would make up...forever and always dad, we love you"! Ed also became a surrogate father to many of his nieces and nephews after they lost their own parents. The last surviving member of his siblings is his half brother, Earnest Herzberg in Saskatchewan. Ed is lovingly remembered by his wife Germaine, his children; Linda, Joy (Garry), Mike, Kathy (Tim); his step-children Michel (Pat), Doreen and Gerald; twenty one grandchildren, and thirteen great grand children. Sadly, Ed was predeceased by his daughter Laurie Markling, and his son-in-law Ken Brummund. In Ed's own words "My wish was to become a farmer and to make a fortune. I had my farm, but the fortune never happened". Later Ed said to his daughters, "I am a rich man, I am rich because of the love I share with my family, and all the friends I have had in my life time. My goal was to work hard, and I always worked hard to accomplish the most that I could, and have taught my children the same. Ed wanted to be remembered as being 'a hard working man', which he most certainly was, and he will also be remembered as a man who loved his family and was always available to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 at the Notre Dame Catholic Church. Fr. Michael Anyasoro officiated. Interment was held in the Rolla Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ed to the Laurie Markling Endowment Fund - Northern Lights College. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.