Gerald Anthony Kelly (Gerry)

July 27, 1949 - December 4, 2024

In loving memory ~

Gerry Kelly, a resident of Nelson, passed away at home on Dec 4, 2024. Gerry was born in Toronto, Ontario, as the third child of James and Margaret Kelly. His parents planned a large family and deemed Toronto too big a city for families, and so moved north to Barrie, where Gerry's 7 younger siblings were born. Ger attended elementary school in Barrie, and then attended the Congregation of Passionist Priests in both Dunkirk, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, graduating from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1971.

A somewhat restless soul, he spent some time in Montreal, in Burk's Falls, Ontario, then feeling the call of the West he moved to Canmore, Alberta. He settled into the popular communal 'Purple House' where he met Barbara Canning. They decided to return to Ontario, settling in Bracebridge. Gerry became an active member of the community, and in the lives of their three daughters, Christine, Sandy, and Brooke. He especially loved a good "fist of bridge" at the local Bridge Club. Gerry was a contractor during his time in Muskoka.

Early this century he again felt the call of his beloved mountains, and having kept in touch with some of the boys from Canmore who had settled in the West Kootenay region, he headed for Nelson. He was quick to make friends with the building trade folks, and did small renos and odd jobs in the area over the past 20 years.

Gerry's two great passions were Bridge and cooking, along with making his popular jams and marmalades. Once in Nelson he sought out the Nelson Bridge Club. He became a fixture every Wednesday night, right up until his death. He also helped as a Director of the club.

Gerry loved his life in Nelson, and his many friends loved him back. He was a mentor, a good friend, a passionate thinker, full of wit and humour. His all encompassing warm heartedness, and willingness to help out where needed, his quiet strength and his presence are dearly missed. He was a Philosopher - Carpenter, always there with his lemon zester and his hammer and tools.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents, James and Margaret Kelly, and his sister Joan (Kelly) Gurga.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Christine Margaret (Tony Zakrajsek) of Bracebridge, Sandra Elizabeth of Toronto, and Brooke Jessica Logan of Canberra, Australia. He was a very proud grandfather of Xander and Anika Zakrajsek and Stirling and Remington Logan.

Also survived by brothers and sisters Michael (Joan), of Waterloo, ON, Mary (Don) of Manitoulin Island, ON, Zan of Victoria, BC, Kathy (Warren) of Horseshoe Valley, ON, Dan (Lynn) of Mane, England, Joe (Chris) of Dalston, ON, Jack of Ecuador, and Fr. Jim SJ of Pickering, ON

Family and friends are organizing a Celebration of Life on the May long weekend, Sunday May 18, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Taghum Community Hall, just minutes outside of Nelson on the beautiful Kootenay River. Please come celebrate with us!

For more information and to leave a message of condolence, please see the Thompson Funeral Service website at https://www.thompsonfs.ca