Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Kenneth Raymond Kelly, 88, of Seaside, Ore., went to be with the Heavenly Father on Jan. 22, 2017.
He was born on Dec. 28, 1928, in The Dalles, Ore., to Raymond and Augusta Kelly. He had three older brothers; James, Wilbur and Vernon Kelly.
He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles and, following high school, owned a cherry orchard and was a partner in Booth & Kelly Insurance Agency. He married Patty Bennett in 1950 and in 1951 welcomed Kenneth Kelly Jr. They moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and later divorced.
Ken met Betty Porter of Coatesville, Penn., on Oahu in 1960 and they were married in 1963. They had two children, Lorraine and Dennis. Ken owned/operated a hotel in Waikiki, worked for Amfac Insurance for 10 years and invested in real estate. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Augustine’s congregation and later, Star of the Sea Church. He was also an active member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling the United States, gardening, home improvement, bike riding, marco polo in the pool with his kids and evening saunas.
After retirement, Ken and Betty split their year between Seaside, Ore., and Hawaii, until 2009, when they moved to Seaside permanently, to be closer to family.
Some of the highlights of his years on the Oregon coast were storm watching, sunsets on the Pacific Ocean and visiting the Warrenton Community Center for lunch on Mondays and Thursdays to catch up with friends.
He is survived by his wife Betty Kelly; children, Ken Kelly Jr. (Linda); Lorraine Harmon (Travis); Dennis Kelly (Philippa); and grandchildren Mary Kelly Fears (Eddie), Pulani Kelly, Steven Brooks and Ariana Brooks.
Contributions in memory of Ken can be made to the Warrenton Community Center or Our Lady of Victory Church in Seaside, Ore.
A remembrance celebration will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. at Warrenton Community Center 170 SW 3rd Street in Warrenton Ore. 97146
To plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Kelly as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
