Tribute

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Sphésh, Elwin Glen Kelly on March 11th 2023.
Elwin was surrounded by close family during his final hours at The Mayfair in Abbotsford BC.
Elwin was the last surviving sibling of the six children of Dora Maude Munroe and Andrew Kelly. Elwin
was born on April 12th 1940, in Abbotsford BC at the MSA hospital. Elwin spent the majority of his youth
at Semá:th, formally known as Kilgard, playing soccer and a proud member of the boxing club.
Elwin was very well known for his constant “shenanigans” and living a life of joy and fun. As a young man
he took a position as a powder monkey for a road building company followed by becoming a certified
mechanic. He was very good with his hands and enjoyed doing physical work.
When Elwin wasn’t working you could find him fishing, camping, hiking and anything else that involved
the outdoors and drinking a few cold ones on a hot day. He was also, an active community volunteer
with the Abbotsford Lions Club, the Abbotsford Volunteer Fire Department, Fraternal Order of Eagles
and the MSA Museum Society.
Elwin began his life as a father in his teenage years and had two daughters, Charlene, and Christine with
Olive Diane Mackenzie. Later in life he adopted Ronald, Donavan, and Audrey as he had more than
enough love to share.
In his later years, once his children started their own families, Elwin moved to Oliver BC where he met
Diane McClay. They worked on various farms and orchards together. After about 15 years he returned to
his roots in the Fraser Valley to be closer to his family.
Elwin took great joy in life and family. He spent time with his many grandchildren and even more great
grandchildren. Elwin’s friends were family to him too.
A celebration of Elwin’s life will be held on March 17th at 4:30pm at Straiton Community Hall, 4698
Sumas Mountain Road, Abbotsford BC. To follow it is Elwin’s wish for his friends and family to gather at
the hall and share good food and good memories.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia.