Kevin Michael Kelly

Published 12:37 am Saturday, June 28, 2014

August 24, 1964 – June 2, 2014

We mourn the loss of our beloved Kevin Kelly, born August 24, 1964, and deceased June 2, 2014. Kevin is survived by his father and mother, Tom and Sharon Kelly; brother, Sean Kelly; sister-in-law, Michelle Kelly; his two nieces, Brooke and Morgan Kelly; and also his 99 year old grandfather, Tom Kelly Sr.

Kevin broke a lot of barriers growing up in Los Angeles as he was born with Spina Bifida, and had to challenge life in a way that only he could know. His early doctors who didn’t see a long life ahead for him would be amazed that he lived to almost 50. He was one of the first handicapped children allowed to attend public school in Los Angeles, thanks to his mother for always pushing the limits for Kevin in everything. All who knew Kevin got to see a wonderful man with a big heart who loved people, animals and the outdoors. His passions in life were fishing, sports, sports, did we say Sports? Growing up in L.A., Kevin became a big fan of the LA Kings, Lakers, Raiders and Dodgers. He was an assistant coach to his father for his brother’s soccer teams. He was a talented artist all his life. At age 10 he crafted a Pine Wood Derby race car which took the first place trophy. He had an almost encyclopedic mind for sports trivia. He was one of the first disabled skiers at Mammoth Mountain and Mt. Bachelor, skiing with baskets attached to his crutches. After moving to Sherwood, OR, he took up weight lifting and excelled in the bench press, winning many titles and trophies and the high school state championship in 1984. Kevin really enjoyed high school and all the friends he made. He was a member of FFA, and won a Grand Champion ribbon at the county fair. Life wasn’t easy for him but he always pushed forward and made lots of friends.

He moved to Bend and loved living in Central Oregon. It brought him closer to great fishing spots, camping and the outdoors. Recently he graduated from COCC with a degree in computer science. He was a fan of northwest teams as well, Seahawks, Blazers, and Ducks, and a huge Olympics fan and Para-Olympics fan, especially the Sled Hockey team. Kevin always had a way with children, who at first would stare at his crutches, but his smile and his way with kids would always win them over. He was an amazing uncle to Brooke 6 and Morgan 5; they had a special relationship that only an uncle and his nieces could have. We will all miss Kevin very much and he’ll forever remain in our hearts.

A Celebration of Kevin’s Life will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at the Mary McCallum Park in Sunriver OR. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either SpinaBifidaAssociation.org or DisabledSportsUSA.org. Please sign our online guestbook www.deschutesmemorialchapel.com