Gordon James Kelly Sr
December 14, 1933 - August 30, 2017
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Gordon James Kelly Sr
December 14, 1933 - August 30, 2017
Obituary
Gordon was born to Robert and Emma Kelly on December 14, 1933. He started school in Alberni later graduating from Mt. Baker High in 1954. He spent six years in the US Marine Corp, from 1954 to 1960, where he worked as a helicopter mechanic. Upon returning home he worked with Z Brothers Logging until 1968. Gordon enrolled in a New Careers program where he did on the job training as classes. His first job was Food Stamp intake in Bellingham and Lummi, next move was to Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He was transferred to the Mount Vernon office after 25 years, and he retired from the Bellingham office. When NRC opened, his friend talked him into working as a Tribal Gaming Agent for 9 1/2 years. The Veteran job for the Nooksack Tribe became available.
As a Veterans liaison officer, he traveled with the Lummi Totem Poles to Shanksville, PA, and the Pentagon. He was the Commander for the American Legion Post #83 for a number of years. After retiring from the Nooksack Legion position, he and his wife Sadie moved to Lummi. As an elder he was able to attend classes at NWIC including NWIC Space Center. He took a computer class built robots and rockets. He began with bottle rockets and progressed to competitions with his class at NASA and Las Cruces, NM.
He married Sadie in 1963 and had two brats and a boy. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Arnold, Clifford and James Kelly; sister Juanita. He is survived by his wife Sadie of 54 years; daughters Sharon and Patti; son Gordon Jr.; granddaughter Kelli; brother Robert Kelly Sr. and numerous nieces and nephews .A Prayer service will be Fri., Sept. 1, at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be Sat., Sept. 2, at 9:00am. Both services at Wexliem Community Building.
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: No Date & Time
- Venue: Wexliem Community Building
- Location: 2100 Lummi View Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
Prayer Service
- Date & Time: No Date & Time
- Venue: Wexliem Community Building
- Location: 2100 Lummi View Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
9 responses to Gordon James Kelly Sr
Alice Thompson says:
August 30, 2017
Sending my love and prayers to the family… I unfortunately won’t be making it to the services. I have pneumonia and the medication is a little rough on me. Know that family is with you whether near or far.
Alice Thompson
Leq’a:mel First Nation
Paul d. Johnnie says:
August 30, 2017
From the Johnnie family we send our deepest. Condolences to the family. We sending prayer an hugs an Strength for the Family in their time of need.
John julius says:
August 30, 2017
Im a neighbor of his since we use to live on first street diagonal from eachother. I know who you are. You will be remembered. When I first met him was when I was five. I would walk with his kids to Mt baker school. Later on in years worked with him then attended school with him at nwic. Very neat how we made that challenge. I am happy to have met you my friend. Rest be with you.
Re-c Julius says:
August 30, 2017
I just want so say in sorry for ur loss love hugs n prayers to all take care n God bless.
Rene & Brad Paterson says:
August 30, 2017
Our very heartfelt condolences are sent to the entire family through the loss of your husband Auntie Sadie, and your dad Patty, Sharon, and Gordon Kelly Jr., our , Uncle Gordon, whom we loved dearly, and had the deepest respect for. BIG HUGS!! <3