Lorne Raymond "Ray" Kelly

May 1, 1935 - Jun 1, 2018
Gone is the face we loved so dear, silent is the voice we loved to hear. It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband/father/papa. With his wife of 55 years and daughter by his side, Lorne Raymond Kelly better known as Ray, passed away peaceful at the Comox Valley Hospice at the Views in Comox BC, after a brief but valiant fight with adenocarcinoma (cancer) of the lungs and lymph nodes.

Ray is predeceased by his mother and father, William and Lorna, and step mom Lou, all his brothers Bill (Peggy), Jack (Vi), Bill (Marvel), Jackie (Shirley), Art (Angie) and sister Doris (Stan).

Survived and affectionately remembered by his forever-loving wife, Mabel and children Barbie, Lorna, Marlene (Pete), Darlene (John), Sheila (Randy) and Michael (Bernice), his grandchildren, Keri-Anne, Royce (Kelly), Shawn, Brianne, Galen "Lily", Damien (Riley), Tyler, Lexxi, Evelyn, Kimberley (Sheldon), Michelle (Todd), and Mitchell (Crystal), and his great grandchildren Riley, Lena, Dean, Zach, Hailee, Michael, Zac, Arianna, Tristan, Melissa, Ryder, Brielle, Sawyer and Nova as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ray lived a full and very active life. Born on May 1, 1935, the youngest of 7 children, he grew up with his brothers and sister in Nanaimo BC, playing pranks on each other, attending school and getting into mischief from time to time.

Ray joined the Air Force at 18 and spent 26 years dedicated to the peaceful service of his country. While stationed in Edmonton AB, he met his wife Mabel. In 1973, Ray was posted home to Vancouver Island where he made his home in Courtenay, enjoying all that the Comox Valley had to offer.

Ray always enjoyed sports, the outdoors and cars. He worked on old cars from his teenage to golden years and was an avid member of the Canadian Forces Base Edmonton Antique Car Club. His most recent project, the royal blue 1936 5-window businessman's coupe, still sits in the garage. During his time in the service Ray played baseball, hockey and golf, earning a few trophies along the way. He shared his love of the outdoors with family and friends, going on annual hunting and fishing trips and could be found camping at Cumberland Campground at Comox Lake in the summer.

After his "retirement" from the Air Force, Ray, known for his kind and compassionate heart, dedicated himself to the service of others, becoming an adult day care driver for the Cumberland Diagnostic Center and later joining the Masonic Lodge, no. 26, Cumberland. He was a proud member and volunteer driver of the masonic Cancer Van.

The family is deeply grateful for the "angels" at Comox Valley Hospice for their compassion, end of life care and loving support during a most difficult time. A special thank you to Dr. Nap, Dr. Livergant and Dr. McLeod for your care during Ray's battle with cancer.

Relatives, friends and comrades are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life and Poppy Service being held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 160 Comox, 1825 Comox Ave, Comox, BC on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 1300 hrs to 1600 hrs.

In lieu of flowers, condolences can by made by donation to Comox Valley Hospice Society, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Comox, or to the Masonic Lodge, no. 26, Cumberland.

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