Obituary of Robert Joseph Kelly

KELLY, Robert J. (Bob) – Passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the age of 73.  He leaves behind his loving wife Karen Irene (nee Tufts) who will truly miss her best friend; much loved daughter Lori Patricia and her husband Kevin R. Crowder; and grandchildren Lauren Kathleen and Cameron Ray.  Bob was born in Saint John, NB on April 21, 1939 and was the son of the late John J. and Kathleen S. (Black) Kelly.  Survived by one brother and one sister, the Honourable John R. Kelly (Mary Jane) and Helen B. Patterson (Joseph W.).  He was predeceased by his brother H. Douglas Kelly.  Bob is also missed by Michael Tufts (Angela), Aileen Tufts, and Sandy Tufts (Koreen).  Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He graduated from St. Malachy’s Memorial and also attended St. Thomas University.  He was employed by Northern Electric Co. for 15 years, Foster Wheeler (G.B.) Ltd. for 5 years and retired as Senior Purchaser from Nova Chemicals (Canada) Ltd. at the Corunna Plant with 25 years of service.  He was the President of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada, Sarnia District and a past President of the Instrument Society of America, Sarnia Section. He was also a past Exalted Ruler of Saint John Lodge #79 of the B. P. O. Elks of Canada.  He also loved his Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leafs.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Raju Allumpurath at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church (1011 Oak St., Sarnia) on Saturday, January 12th at 10 a.m.  A Memorial Mass will also take place at a future date at Holy Trinity Church, Rockland Rd., Saint John, NB.  Arrangements entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 519-344-3131.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 774 London Rd., Sarnia, ON  N7T 4Y1 or Breast Cancer Society of Canada, 420 East St., Sarnia, ON  N7T 6Y5.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Bob Kelly in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area