In Memory of

Paul

Gregory

Kelly

Obituary for Paul Gregory Kelly

Passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, on Friday, December 3, 2021 in his 72nd year. Loving and devoted husband of Donna (nee Brown) for 48 years. Beloved father of Liam and Stephen (Susie). Proud grandfather of Hannah and Spencer Day and Kai and Soba Kelly. Brother of the late Peter and beloved son of Alice and George Kelly. Beloved uncle of Ashleigh, Austin, Doug, Jody, Kelly, Kristen, Liz, Riley and Shannon. Beloved and cherished in-laws Gary, Sheila, Tony and LeeAnn.

Paul was first and foremost a husband, father and a teacher. An Educator whose career took him to many schools and communities in Toronto and York Region, he touched the lives of thousands of students and their families throughout the years. As a natural Grade 7 and 8 teacher, he engaged students through his approaches to experiential learning, including immersing students in the living history and culture of Ontario and a passion for social studies and teaching the students the practical skills they would need to be successful in life.

As avid travelers, Donna and Paul traveled to over 100 countries on 5 continents.They visited friends and family throughout Canada and the US, spending winters in Florida or Portugal, cruising the Caribbean and exploring far off locales in Europe, Asia and Africa. These were some of their travel accomplishments over almost 50 years together. On many trips, a pint or two was shared with a photo salute for his many family and friends.

Paul was a Boy Scout leader for many years. Baloo, as he was known to Jungle Book fans, led and fed his boys and their friends on many adventures in the wilds of Ontario as Scouts. One of these adventures led them to a Scout reenactment of the War of 1812. This first encounter led to Paul's passion, connected to his love of family, teaching, history and travel, as an historical reenactor of the War of 1812. A proud member of the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada (IMUC), Cpt. Kelly led the line for many years, at IMUC events across the province, as part of the executive team of the Military Re-enactment Society of Canada and as a fine purveyor of port nights, delicious camp meals and other forms of entertainment as part of camplife over the years. A leader in the broader reenactment community, he will be remembered fondly by his IMUC friends and many, many others. Huzzah!

After 40 years living and raising their family in Newmarket, Paul and Donna moved to a lovely lakeside community on Courting House Place in Jackson's Point, Ontario. Paul's passion was outfitting and beautifying their new home. He also took pride in his community, walking and collecting refuse at the side of the road every day. Paul was also involved in every fact of life on the street, from bringing neighbours together for celebrations, events and happy hours to organizing and designing calendars of local wildlife and botanical pictures taken by the residents of the street. Whatever needed to be done, Paul was the first to volunteer. He will be sadly missed by his neighbours and friends and will remain in their hearts for many years to come.

Special thanks to Georgina Fire and Rescue Services, York Regional Police and the staff at Southlake.

Friends may call at Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main St. S, Newmarket on Wednesday, December 15 from 6-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. John's Chrysostom at 432 Ontario Street, Newmarket on Thursday, December 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Please note that everyone will require COVID-19 vaccinations and needs to wear a mask. Visitation and Service are by appointment only. If you wish to attend the visitation or service, please email our RSVP@roadhouseandrose.com or call 905-895-6631. You will not receive a confirmation call or email.

Visitation: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 6-9 pm

Visitation Period: From 6:00 - 6:30 pm - Full
Visitation Period: From 6:30 – 7:00 pm - Full
Visitation Period: From 7:00 - 7:30 pm - Full
Visitation Period: From 7:30 – 8:00 pm
Visitation Period: From 8:00 - 8:30 pm
Visitation Period: From 8:30 – 9:00 pm

The Funeral Service has reached capacity. For those unable to attend, below is a link to watch live.

click here

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. On-line condolences at www.roadhouseandrose.com