Passed away peacefully, at home on Friday, April 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 87 years old.
Bill was the devoted son of Ernie & Jean Kelly, whom he admired and adored. They were the foundation of his lifelong love of sports and family. Loving husband to Annette Kelly (nee Lariviere), they shared 57 years together, raising and enjoying their family, friends and home. Annette cared for and tended to Bill until the very end. Bill was a proud and dedicated father to his two girls, Marnie Kelly Pahmer (Franco) and Erin Kelly. He would have done anything for them and he talked about them to everyone. Bill also took great pride and joy in his four grandchildren, Jacqueline Novin, Aaliyah Kelly, Zayd Kelly and Noora Kelly. He was a very sweet Papa and they have many treasured memories for life. Bill was the big brother and best friend to Gary Kelly. They spent a lifetime playing sports and having fun together, with a very special bond. Uncle Bill was also proud of his niece and nephew, Natalie Pine (Todd) and Patrick Kelly (Talia). He always looked forward to updates about them and their families.
Bill will also be missed by the Lariviere family, who affectionately know him as The Northern Dancer. He enjoyed many Thanksgivings in the GTA, playing in the Lariviere Family Golf Classic. Bill was always up for a party and had countless memories of time spent with "the gang" at the Keenan cottage, making maple syrup, the summer corn fest and many gatherings at the Calam cottage with such great friends.
Mr. Kelly was a high-school teacher for the Algoma District School Board for 30 years. He spent his career teaching Business at both Korah Collegiate and Sir James Dunn.
A lifelong athlete, Bill pitched for Western Michigan University on a full scholarship and is known as one of the best baseball pitchers to ever come out of Sault Ste. Marie. Another one of his proudest accomplishments, was representing Ontario in a National Seniors Curling Championship. Billy was an avid golfer well into his seventies...and if he wasn't playing, he was watching.
The Kelly family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Chopra, Stephanie Wolf, NP and the Ottawa Regional Palliative Consultation Team, including visiting nurses from St. Elizabeth Health, for their care and compassion for Bill and the whole family, in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation (made payable by cheque or online) to an organization close to our hearts, Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa, Ontario: https://www.sghottawa.com/in-memoriam-tribute-gifts/ or to a charity of your choice.
Family and friends may visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522) from 10:00 am to 11:30 am on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Service to follow at 12:00 noon. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 12:00 noon and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select William's name. Rev. Helen Smith officiating. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com