Obituary of Hugh Kelly
Hugh Kelly, 87 years, had an abundant entrance into heaven on June 18, 2019. Born in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, he was the youngest of William and Agnes Kelly’s four children. Hugh was devoted husband of Diane with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage just 2 months before passing. Hugh was the adored father of Aubrey, Craig, Marie and Colin, and was a doting grandfather to his 14 grandchildren.
Hugh left home and Northern Ireland as a teenager to live in England, where he worked at a nuclear power plant before moving north to Scotland, where he worked in the construction of the Glascarnoch dam for 5 years. It was there, in 1956, that he accepted Christ as his Savior and soon after left Scotland for Canada. Eventually he settled in Nova Scotia, where for the next 40 years, he and Diane would raise their family and become empty-nesters. In 2008 they moved to Langley BC, where he lived until his death.
Hugh’s family meant everything to him. He was their absolute champion. They knew unmistakably that he was in their corner - no matter what - and that knowledge was the best gift he gave his ‘wee uns’ as they grew up and moved out. His ‘life-coaching’ carried on well after his kids left home and each of them still benefitted from his genuine interest in their lives combined with advice that was always welcome. Hugh was a man of unrivalled authenticity. He ‘was what he was’ unapologetically. He had no airs about him and would rather be shunned for who he was, than to be popular for who he was not.
Hugh was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016, and never being one to shy away from a fight, took on this new opponent with his characteristic grit and determination. He remained strong until the final week of his life. At his final chemo treatment 3 weeks ago, Diane dropped him off at the front door of the hospital and Hugh walked in unassisted to the oncology department at the far end of the hospital.
A funeral service for Hugh will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at New Minas Baptist Church, 9453 Commercial Street New Minas, Nova Scotia at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Isaac Foundation would be appreciated, www.theisaacfoundation.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).
Please click the links below to view part one and part two of Mr. Hugh Kelly's Funeral Service:
In Loving Memory
Hugh Kelly
1931 - 2019
