Kevin Kelley

Kevin Kelley

Kevin Kelley was born on February 25th 1953 in Indianapolis Indiana. Kevin was the third oldest of six children born to Katherine and Merideth Wayne Kelley. Kevin’s childhood was difficult and turbulent.   He lost his parents and brother Gary at age eleven, twelve and thirteen. Following the death of his mother he lived in various foster homes before moving to Torrance California to live with Aunt Vivian, Uncle Paul and three cousin brothers.  Kevin was most grateful for his new family and their love and acceptance. Kevin lived with a continued ache and longing for siblings Don, Gary, Jane, Tim and Kathy.

In California Kevin found joy, solace and grounding with Boy Scouts, baseball and gymnastics. Kevin received the Order of the Arrow and was one badge short of receiving the Eagle Scout merit.  Kevin’s high school gymnastics team won the state championship in the years he attended. His favorite event was the long horse. Kevin was an amazing baseball player! He played top-level baseball in the Connie Mack baseball League. He continued to play in men’s softball leagues until the age of 45.  Kevin hung up his glove following a serious injury that followed a “Pete Rose” slide into home plate.  We’re quite sure he would have stayed in the game had he been called “safe”.

Kevin and Nancy both attended Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA.  They were casually acquainted until several years later when Kevin rescued Nancy on the side of the rode following a car breakdown. After the rescue Kevin invited Nancy to see the latest addition to his aquarium, “bubble eye” fish! The day extended into the evening with a walk on the Redondo Beach pier. Kevin’s quick wit, humor and gracious spirit quickly stole Nancy’s heart.  Kevin and Nancy were married on March 9, 1974.  Nancy is the 2nd oldest of eight children. Kevin quickly embraced the love of this large family, especially his position as Nicholas and Clair Moran’s 4th son. Kevin affectionately called Nick  “Number One” (there are currently 4 Nick’s in the family).  Within a few months the newlyweds packed up and headed north to Seattle Washington where Nancy’s family had recently relocated. Kevin and Nancy purchased their first home in Juanita, Kirkland two months later. Kevin was 21 years old and Nancy 19. Oh my, so young!

Kevin and Nancy have four beautiful grown children, Christopher, Katie, Colleen and Carolyn. Each is now married and raising their own family. Kevin’s grandchildren brought him so much joy!  Kevin’s eleventh grandchild is due to arrive on his birthday, February 25th.  Kevin could often be heard saying, “If I knew grandkids were this much fun I would have had them first”!

Kevin cherished the early years of child rearing. He was the biggest and proudest fan while cheering on his children in soccer, baseball, volleyball, piano, trumpet, ballet and wrestling.

Kevin was very social and wasn’t shy with a microphone.  He relished the opportunity to add color at Katie’s high school soccer games from the Pop Keeney press box.  Although it wasn’t apparent coach Casella appreciated Kevin’s humor rest assured the fans did! He also loved the role of emcee at the annual neighborhood 4th of July block party.

The majority of Kevin’s working career was in aerospace, predominately University Swaging/Primus International. He started his career as a machinist and was soon promoted to shop foreman. Early on it became apparent Kevin excelled in human relations and he eventually moved to a full time position in Human Resources. Kevin was a fan of slapstick comedy movies. At University Swaging he proclaimed himself as one of the “Three Amigos”, along with Conrad Scheffleur and Greg Davenport. He loved to quote lines from this movie along with excerpts from many others. Kevin took a brief hiatus from the aerospace industry and worked as an agent for Andy Mirkovich Productions. Andy Mirkovich is owned and operated by long time friend, John Perugini. Once again Kevin found opportunity to charm audiences behind the microphone as an emcee at a variety of different venues.

In 1979 Kevin was invited to attend a men’s retreat hosted by Crossroads Bible Church. Kevin was struggling with unresolved childhood trauma. This group of men loved and accepted Kevin unconditionally, right where he was. It was at this retreat Kevin surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. He came to realize that what he knew and believed of Jesus must also take root in his heart. Although the journey wasn’t easy Kevin never lost site of God’s holiness and the price Jesus paid to bring him home. Kevin met his death with dignity, grace and bravery.  Although it sorrowed him greatly to leave his earthly family he trusted the Lord to bring him safely home.  His hope was founded in God’s Word “therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) and “now we are confident and are pleased rather to be absent out of the body and to be at home with the Lord. ”  (2 Corinthians 5:8) Kevin has worked alongside Nancy in Children’s Ministries teaching Sunday school for 35+ years.

Kevin has been dealing with health challenges for many years. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 53. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with diabetes. As the disease progressed it led to congestive heart and renal failure.

We are very grateful for the outstanding and compassionate care Kevin received from Evergreen Medical Center, Evergreen Home Health, Life Care Center of Kirkland, Northwest Kidney Center and Evergreen Home Hospice.

I (Nancy) am so appreciative of the love lavished on Kevin by friends and family during Kevin’s darkest hour, especially the continued presence and adoration of our children.  We would also like to thank former neighbor (nurse) Nancy Krause. Nancy lives in Maryland but traveled to care for Kevin following his final dialysis treatment. Nancy’s medical skill, support and care for Kevin was exceptional and such a blessing!

If one could sum up Kevin’s life in a few words it would be this:

·       Kevin loved the simple things in life!

·       He loved belonging to a family

·       He loved the Lord Jesus, and worship music

·       He loved making people laugh

·       He loved singing to Andre Bocelli

·       Kevin was transparent and loved to compliment his wife, and children openly and unashamed

·       He loved playing air guitar to old rock n roll

·       He loved watering and overseeing the garden

·       He loved doing figure 8’s in his wheelchair, in the cul-de-sac alongside his grand-babes

·       He loved his mother-in-laws cooking and neighbor Freddy’s lumpia wraps

·       He loved Tim’s Cascade jalapeno potato chips and Welch’s fruit snacks

·       He loved you!

Rest in peace Kevin. You will reside in our hearts forever…….

A Celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, October 6th at 10:00 AM.

Canyon Hills Community Church
22027 17th Avenue SE
Bothell, WA 98021

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or World Vision.