BRIAN THOMAS ALBERT KELLS

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• Brian had a warm and outgoing personality. He made us new teachers in the 70’s feel warmly welcomed into the profession. - Posted by: Barry Esselmont (Fellow REC teacher) on: Jul 26, 2022

• The only teacher I ever liked and enjoyed at Silver Heights Collegiate. A great man and very patient. I remember him fondly. And I am sorry for your loss. C. - Posted by: Cheryl Look (nee Jardine) (Former Silver Heights Student for English.) on: Jul 15, 2022

• It was a sad day to read of Brian's passing. As former students at SHCI, he was one of our favourite teachers. He was funny, articulate, inspiring and a true joy to be around. We were fortunate to have met him on several occasions over the years and he was still the same "Mr. Kells". He was one of many students' favourites and we are sure that his gift for teaching and for encouraging and inspiring us to be better has had a positive ripple effect on the lives of many. We are sorry for the family's loss but he is well remembered and he truly had a life "well lived". - Posted by: David and JAnice Wharrie (former students) on: Jul 05, 2022

• So sorry to hear of the passing of my 'favourite teacher ever'. He was my teacher back in the early 60's and I think of him often. I remember being really sad when my family moved to the West Coast and I knew he would not be my teacher for the rest of my school years. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Maureen Reid (nee Campbell) (Former student) on: Jul 05, 2022

• Dear Madeline & Elaine! I am ever so sorry for your loss; your father was a thoughtful and insightful man whose opinions I respected and whose time I valued. He was always there with a smile and encouragement and when my creative writing wasn't so creative he nudged me in the right direction. I regret falling out of touch and wish that it had not been so with any of you. You and your dad are in my thoughts. It would be great to get back in touch when you have the time. - Posted by: Frank Winkler (Neighbor, student and friend) on: Jun 22, 2022

• Brian was a truly impressive 1960s Silver Heights Collegiate Legend. He was a well-liked, popular, fun, funny, entertaining, empathetic, benevolent teacher with a passionate love of The Arts. There are members of the Art Club who will remember meeting him at the Legislature on a Sunday to do sketching! Memorably, he also used his artist skills to illustrate Robert Frost's "Birches" and "The Road Not Taken" on the classroom chalkboard. In first year u, I returned to see him for a first response to my early poetry. He always took a kindly interest in the lives of his former students. Brian was the major influence in my career choice; I became an Edmonton English teacher and, like him, a lover of The Arts. Fortunately, we reconnected in Edmonton at the symphony (he loved classical) in the early 2000s and at the 2007 SHCI reunion, where he was surrounded by many of former students. We kept in touch by phone after that until this year and I was very lucky to get to know and appreciate him even more! As always, he was a funny storyteller, a talented performer, a consummate entertainer, a great guy, and a wonderful wit. Brian was still quite sociable in his 80s, taking an interest in others and their life-stories. He really liked to get out for walks and movies, and--as a lover of Drama, he acted enthusiastically with the Shoestring Players. I especially enjoyed chatting with him and engaging with his similar artsy sensibility; I loved it whenever he broke into a 40s or 50s tune! Brian brightened many people's lives and gave much pleasure to those who knew him well. He shall be long remembered with deep fondness and affection. A Legend, indeed. My sincere condolences to his family. (ps/ Thank you for sharing Brian with the rest of us.) - Posted by: Richard Davies (former SHCI student, 1965-66) on: Jun 22, 2022

• Mr. Kells was a very kind man and amazing teacher. I fondly remember how he made me feel so proud about my creative writing (Way back in the 80s) It goes to show how simple, encouraging words can make an impact on someone’s life. Rest peacefully Sir. - Posted by: Laura Platt (Shupenia) (Student ) on: Jun 21, 2022

• Mr. Kells was my art teacher at SHCI back in the mid-60s. I'd forgotten about his bursting into song. Often at an awkward time too, like when he was trying to settle us down. I didn't think I had any artistic talent but he encouraged me and I ended up teaching at the WAG. Way to go Mr. Kells! Always a kind-hearted and gentle man he'll be missed. Condolences to his family. Know that many, many students have good memories of him. - Posted by: M. Wilson (former student) on: Jun 21, 2022

• Sorry for your loss Madeline. I remember your Dad from school and he always had a smile when we were walking in the halls. Hugs to you. - Posted by: Scarlette Ulrich (Friends ) on: Jun 21, 2022

• Although I did not have the good fortune to have Mr. Kells for a teacher, being active in drama at REC meant I could benefit from his enthusiasm for the performing arts and share in the joy this brought so many students. He was a remarkable man. - Posted by: Katherine Krueger (Student) on: Jun 21, 2022

• He was a great teacher, I really enjoyed his classes. RIP Mr. Kells - Posted by: Grant Szpak (Student) on: Jun 21, 2022

• Brian was a wonderful friend and neighbour who was a gentle soul. You have my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Maureen Colgan (Friend, neighbour and choir mate) on: Jun 21, 2022

• Mr. Kells was my home room and English teacher back in 1980/81 when I was in Grade 12 at REC. I remember him being a very pleasant teacher who always had a smile on his face. Very sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Randy Spielvogel (Former student) on: Jun 21, 2022