In Memoriam

October 2, 1956 - July 1, 2016

Bob Kelley of Wasilla, Alaska, 59, died July 1, 2016, in Bellingham, Washington. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving wife & children.Bob’s life would seem too short to many, but for those who were touched by him understood that the quality of one’s life far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His larger than life personality, kind smile, heartfelt generosity, and wonderful one-liners brought so much joy to his family.
Dad, Pops, Honey, Grandpa, Uncle, Captain, Friend, just a few of the many hats that he wore so proudly. Bob was cut from a rare cloth, one of the last of a dying breed of a true “man’s man.” He was able to pass on all of his values and life lessons to his sons (in addition to his plethora of jokes). On that same note, he taught his daughters the way a woman should be treated by always leading by example with the way he treated and adored his wife, Colleen.
Bob taught us so much, life was truly an adventure with him. Our adventures took us from musicals in the city to cat-a-raft fishing trips for salmon, amazing 4-wheeler trips and epic snowmaching trips in Alaska. It’s so hard to imagine life without our beloved Bob; but thanks to all of the lessons and love he shared with us we know that he has prepared us to continue on with life.
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife Colleen (Haber Rose), children; Sarah (Ty) Kellems, Forrest (Aschleigh) Kelley, Sean Rose, Caitlin Kelley Rose, Chase Kelley & Rachel Kelley; sister, Bonnie (Gary) Strehl, brother, Roy (Debbie) Kelley; also by 8 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, Mary Ann (Deegan) & Forrest Kelley.
Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard. He worked for Flying Tigers and FedEx Express. He was recipient of numerous awards and accommodations that he didn’t really speak of, but we’ve seen them stored in boxes.
Bob would say, “I plan to skid into the pearly gates worn down in every way saying, wow, that was one heck of a ride!”
Services were held at McGann Hay Funeral Homes, Forest G. Hay Chapel, 435 S. Ironwood Dr. at Jefferson South Bend, IN at 3pm EST Sunday afternoon, Rev. Terry Fisher, Pastor at The Cathedral of St. Matthew, officiating.. Friends may call from 2-6pm EST TODAY Saturday and 2-3pm EST Sunday before the service all at the funeral home. Burial and full military honors followed at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials about Bob is encouraged to contact us at email@flyingtigerline.org