Collins Richard Kelly

     "Dig ya Later"     

With much grief and sadness, we share the sudden passing of Colin Kelly on May 9, 2023 at age 70. 

He fell ill with a bacterial blood infection, then Covid and the 2 caused complications, including damage to his spleen, paralysis stroke and eventually a coma in his final days. 

Colin was then kept comfortable, his Pastor, Lorne W prayed with him daily to the very end.

He passed peacefully with family by his side.

A much loved father, brother, uncle, step dad, deeply cherished friend and sponsor of many in recovery; ‘Irreplaceable’, ‘Inspirational’, ‘devoted’ ‘reliable’ and ‘literally a life saver’ has been said, and more. 

Colin touched many hearts.

Survived by his adult daughter Sharon Clarkson (the two were happily reunited in 2012), 

2 Stepchildren, Jaimie Dunbar, Shawn Dunbar.

2 sisters; Debbie Burgess(George), 

Judy Wall (Kevan),numerous nieces & nephews including ‘grand nieces and nephews’, he grew up in Nanaimo with a big crew…Brother Terry, Chrystal, Bob M & Danny M (rip) & many more from the ‘hood’. 

Conesy had so many close, lifelong friends, loves and ‘extended’ family, & of course life loves, along the way were Donna, Gail & Vi.

His mainstays were his buddies: pals & skipper’s Joe and Brian there is Ronnie V, Lola, Donny D, 

Mike L, Danny O, Brad, Flo, Cam & Reid, Geoffrey, Geri, the list goes on… His sponsees are another long list of the lives he reached out to.

Born in Haida Gwaii 1952, in Queen Charlotte city now known as ‘The Village of Daajing Giids’ , to Winnie and Morris, both passed, he is predeceased also by 4 siblings; Terry Kelly, Gloria Kehler, Lyn Boroski, Dean McLean and by his nephew Todd Kelly & step niece Sheri-Lyn Buttimer.

‘Conesy’ was such a fun loving quick wit, full of one liners, his laugh was infectious! Always giving of himself, caring and a joy to be around. His signature Bugaboo burger was amazing!

He was retired, still a bit of a car buff, had been a Fisherman, Chef, Auto body man, Car salesman, ‘inmate’, And was proudly Fully Pardoned! … (tho he still couldn’t spell it).

Colin leaves a great void at A/A & N/A locally, whose rooms were instrumental in his eventual 180 degree turnaround from life’s depths of despair, to reinvent himself and find his church, Qualicum Baptist, where he was custodian for the past 15 years and will be dearly missed by the entire congregation there as well. 

We Love you, will Miss you dearly and always keep a special place in our hearts, thank you for the great memories. RIP Conesy.

Celebration of Colin’s Life will be hosted by Qualicum Baptist Church

on Sat. May 27, 2023,  600 Beach Ave Qualicum Beach @ 2:00 pm. 

Live-stream to be announced here on facebook.