Died Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 at age 91 at Sault Area Hospital with family by his side.
Loving husband of Louise Kelly for nearly 64 years. Proud father and “Dear Old Dad” of Mark (Carol Wei), Philip (Bonnie) and Brian. Caring grandfather of Daniel, Matthew, Marlene, Claire and Michaela. Roger was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest (Ernie) and Hilda, his brother Dick (late Hazel, late Marion), and sister Matille (late Doug Howard, late Al Gerhart). Roger is survived by his best friend, Dr. Nino Campana (late Mary). Roger was born in Montreal.
His family moved to Sault Ste. Marie shortly before the Second World War. Roger’s favorite sport was baseball. He was a pitcher in his youth, known as Lefty Kelly. He followed the Toronto Blue Jays for many seasons. Roger made sure to buy programs at SkyDome and Rogers Centre so he could score the games. He made his last trip to see the Jays with his three sons in 2019. Roger graduated from Sault Collegiate Institute and earned a degree in chemical engineering from Michigan College of Mining and Technology.
Roger worked at Abitibi-Price and St. Marys Paper. He ended his career teaching pulp and paper technology at Sault College. Always on the move, Roger kept busy in his workshop and den at his beloved home on Moluch Street. He loved to cook and most recently developed a craving for lemon pie. Gardening was another passion. When his energy started to ebb, he kept a small garden along a side wall of his brick bungalow. Roger and Louise enjoyed travelling with the Sunshine Travel Club and other tour companies. Germany, Alaska and the British Isles were among their favourite trips.
Roger’s advice for a good life – don’t carry a balance on your credit card, maximize your RRSP contributions, keep meticulous records, jerry-rig when necessary and have lots of interests. Roger loved life. He succeeded in reaching two of his goals - maintain his health and only live in his home. The family appreciates everyone who helped Roger at Sault Area Hospital. Paramedics, nurses, doctors and other staff were kind and respectful to our much-loved husband and father. Thank you.
Visitation is at Arthur Funeral Home – Barton and Kiteley Chapel on Monday, Feb.3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral mass celebrated by Rev. Paul Conway at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church on Tues, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations to Sault Area Hospital Foundation Critical Care Fund and Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District Recreation Therapy program would be appreciated by the family. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.