Obituary for Richard Kelley | David Lee Funeral Home & Cremation Services
- Date Of Birth: December 13, 1920
- Date Of Death: June 15, 2014
- State: Michigan
Kelley, Richard Gray, age 93, of Wayzata was born on December 13, 1920 in Minneapolis and passed away peacefully on June 15, 2014. Dick was a beloved and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. Preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Mary Moore Kelley; parents, Margaret and Wesley Kelley; and brother, John Kelley. Dick is survived by daughter, Kate Donaldson (Douglas) of Minneapolis; Rick Kelley (Katie) of Manchester Center, Vermont; and Charlie Kelley (Em) of Orono. He is survived by his grandchildren: Kerry Donaldson Hunt (Lang) and Julia Donaldson (Mark Stuart); Ryan Kelley, Tyler Kelley (Ashly), and Clare Kelley; and Chris Kelley (Courtney) and Sam Kelley. He is survived by great-grandchildren: Grayson Kelley and Mackenzie Stuart; his sister, Caroline MacWherter (John); sisters-in law, Marjorie Kelley and Madel Moore Abbott; and many nieces and nephews.
Dick attended West High School, Dartmouth College, and the University of Minnesota. A highly gifted athlete, Dick played on the Gopher football, hockey, and track teams where he ran and placed in the National Track Championships. He was elected co-captain of the Gopher hockey team but left the University his senior year to join the United States Marine Corps. He attended the V12 program at the University of Notre Dame and the Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He was a Captain in the Marine Corps and fought in the South Pacific at the battle of Iwo Jima.
Upon returning from the war, Dick married and joined his father and brother in the insurance business. They built a very successful business serving both corporate and private clients, and sold the Wesley J. Kelley Company to Johnson & Higgins in 1980.
Dick combined his love of hockey and children by developing the Deephaven Bantam Hockey Association, a team which he coached for many years. He enjoyed many sports and passed on his love of athletic endeavors to his children and grandchildren especially hockey, golf, tennis, skiing, and duck hunting. He was an avid student of history and geography, and enjoyed bridge and the camaraderie at the bridge table.
Dick served on the boards of Northrop Collegiate School, the YMCA, Pillsbury-Waite, and the Minnesota Viking Council. He was a member of The Woodhill Country Club.
Dick was a loving and devoted father and grandfather who demonstrated his love and interest in family, friends, and people wherever he went. He was genuine and warm; humble and optimistic; fun and supportive. Dick had a wide circle of friends and his smile lit up a room, put people at ease, and made them feel terrific.
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