April 13, 1943 - April 27, 2021
Passed suddenly at home with his loving wife by his side. Soul mate to Carol for 51 years, loving father to son Shay and daughter Erin, kitty grandpa to Oonstie. Son of the late Russell and Helen Sweeney, son in law of the late George and Toni Martinow. Brother of the late Pat Sweeney, Teddy Sweeney (Vicki), Karen Hurson, brother in law of Greg and Georgette Pauker. Special Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Hailing from Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Kelly’s family moved to Ontario in his youth. As a young man Kelly left small-town Smiths Falls and headed for the big city of Toronto to begin his life’s adventure. He held a variety of jobs and met a myriad of people, many of whom became lifelong friends. Kelly served in the Company of Young Canadians, worked in a school for troubled youth in Connecticut, and was arrested during the March on Washington. He walked many a line, peacefully protesting the Vietnam war and assisted draft dodgers entering Canada by giving them a safe place to stay and a leg up in beginning their new life. Kelly had a hard moral line and spent his life trying to better his community and the world around him through love and education.
In 1972 Kelly joined the staff of Sault College until he retired in 2000. He held various department head positions including in the library, counselling, teaching, MRC and OBS programs. Kelly also developed the first Foreign Student program at the college bringing students from Nigeria, Botswana, St. Vincent, China, Lebanon, Grenada and Iran. His tenacity was infectious and he was forever encouraging new experiences. He was a friend and mentor to anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path, always fighting for the underdog. Kelly never turned down someone asking for help, no matter how unlikely or undeserving.
Kelly possessed a quick, irreverent, and often ribald sense of humour. His wit, chatter, and banter will be missed by his friends and family alike. An inquisitive soul who loved to hear about other people's lives, Kelly rarely left the house without making a new friend or brightening someone's day.
The friendship, genuine concern, and advice (solicited or not) will remain with all who knew him. We love you Kelly; there will never be another.
Due to the Covid regulations there will be no service at this time. We hope to have a celebration of Kelly’s life in the future. If you are so inclined a donation (payable by cheque or online) to the Group Health Centre Trust Fund, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Please visit the Arthur Funeral Home website to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.
“May you be in heaven a half an hour before the devil knows you're dead”