Kenneth KELLY

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KELLY: Peacefully, on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016, with family by his side, Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Kelly passed away at his residence, Fairview Home. Born December 28th, 1940 in Erickson, Manitoba, Ken was the 4th of nine children born to Howard and Doris Kelly. He grew up in Crawford Park, MB and attended school there until grade eight. His first employment was with Archer Stables and at that time he met Florence Stiles; they were married September 3rd, 1960. He worked for Commonwealth Construction as a Foreman from 1960 to 1964. In 1965, Ken moved to Brandon. He started Stiles and Kelly Transfer with his partner and brother-in-law, Dennis Stiles in 1969. Ken retired in 2001 and moved to the Shilo area in 2002 with his partner, Margaret Dyrkacz. Active in many sports, Ken coached as well as played hockey, baseball and curling but rodeo was his passion. He worked tirelessly to grow and promote the sport of rodeo. During his rodeo career Ken held many positions including president, board member and rodeo judge of the Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association, Manitoba Team Roping Association, and the Shilo Rodeo Club. Ken received many awards including Cowboy of the Year, two gold cards and a lifetime membership. He also received numerous championships for both himself and his horses. Some of Ken’s proudest moments in rodeo included roping with and competing against his sons and grandsons. The most important thing in Ken’s life was his family both immediate and extended. His love spilled over to children and animals. Regardless of who walked through the door to visit, there was never a dull moment with his humour and quick wit. Ken is survived by his partner Margaret Dyrkacz; his four children Howard, Susan (Mike), Dennis, Brenda (Darryl) and their mother Florence Kelly; his grandchildren Kelsey (Scott), Michelle, Miranda (Ben), Cody, Katie, Clinton and Ben; his great grandchildren Lyndsey and Sawyer; his brothers Harvey, Keith, Geordie, Barry, and his sister Margaret and their families. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Doris Kelly; brother Les and sisters Marlene and Bev. The Ceremony to Celebrate Ken’s Life took place at Central United Church on Friday, June 24, 2016. Mr. Mike Waddell officiated. Eulogy was written and read by Clinton Kelly and Howard Kelly was the Urn Bearer. Donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B, 457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 1K2. Cowboy PrayerHeavenly Father, we pause at this time, mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.We ask, Lord, that you will be with us and guide in the arena of life.We as cowboys do not ask for special favors.We don’t ask to draw around the chute fighting horse, the steer that won't lay, or to never break the barrier.We don't even ask for all daylight runs. We do ask Lord, that you will help us live our lives in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride,to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green, and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear, and deep, that you'll take us by the hand and say -“Welcome to Heaven cowboy, your entry fees are paid.”Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 02, 2016