Obituary of Andrew John Kelly

June 3, 1982 – Calgary, Alberta
October 1, 2021 – Edmonton, Alberta

With great sadness we announce that Captain Andrew Kelly, beloved son of Dr. Brian and Wendy Kelly of Calgary, passed away suddenly on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the age of 39 years.

On June 3rd, 1982, Brian and Wendy welcomed their first child, a high-spirited little boy into their life. Andrew was a child who loved life and was a friend and brother to all who met him.  His intelligence and sensitivity made him a most kind and loving person who made a difference in the lives of everyone he met. His family nickname was ‘Foghorn Kelly’ and his booming boisterous laugh reached into the hearts of those who heard it.

Andrew graduated from Western Canada High School and the University of Lethbridge, leaving with a degree in addition to a vast social network. His love of debate and interest in conversation led him into Political Sciences. He was interested in geopolitics and his undergraduate career was highlighted by an opportunity to interview Romeo Dallaire for a university publication. Throughout his life, he tried on many hats including digger driver (fulfilling his two-year-old dream), Zamboni driver, sales and business. He ultimately found his calling when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an armoured officer, initially with the King’s Own Calgary Regiment and then the Lord Strathcona’s Horse. He was proud to deploy to Latvia in 2019 as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Central and Eastern Europe. 

He loved to travel the world and had a passion for motorcycling, backcountry skiing, golf and hockey. He was at home in the mountains and thrived amongst his family and friends who were his priority in life. He loved his dog, Luna, and playing the guitar; two of the many passions that brought him joy and meaning. He found fulfilment in writing poetry. He was a frequent sofa Jeopardy champion and drew upon a deep well of knowledge and wit with a profound sense of humour.

Along with his parents, Dr. Brian and Wendy Kelly, Andrew is survived by his siblings Stuart (Lauren Kelly), Katrina (Mike Murphy), and Fiona (Travis Corcoran), all of whom reside in Calgary. Andrew will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews, Carmen, Clark, Beckham, Adeline and Teagan. Andrew is survived by many other relatives and friends throughout Canada, Scotland, England, Isle of Man, and Norway.

Andrew was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Jack Kelly, OBE, and Jean Kelly, and maternal grandparents, Captain Graham and Brenda Harrison.

Andrew was full of life and love and will be dearly missed by those who had the good fortune to know him. 

Due to Andrew’s love of nature an outdoor Funeral Service will be held at the Southern Alberta Pioneers Memorial Building (3625 - 4 Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Please dress weather appropriately. Those attending will be asked to confirm proof of full COVID vaccination. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Andrew’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Andrew Kelly, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Calgary & Southern Alberta Chapter, 1130F – 44 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 4W6 Telephone: (403) 266-5295, www.cfcalgary.ca.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event 
(the event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)
Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service.  
Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.
We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.
 

Andrew's memorial card can be viewed by clicking this link