On Wednesday, May 23, 2018 our beloved Patrick Joseph Kelly passed away at the age of 90. Pat was born in Glendive, Montana in 1927. He lived with his parents, Leo and Mary, and his sister, Dorothy, until the family moved from Glendive to Auburn, Washington where his dad worked as a railroad foreman. Pat Graduated from Auburn High School. In 1945, Pat enlisted in the Merchant Marines. After military service, he attended Central Washington University and graduated with a degree in Psychology. He went on to earn advanced degrees from the University of Washington. He spent his career in education, as a school psychologist, teacher and went on to build Kent’s Special Education program and schools; where he ultimately retired as Assistant Superintendent after over 40 years of service. Pat was awarded the CASE Award for outstanding achievement in Education as part of his vision and innovation for students with special needs and gifts. His accomplishments in this field are and will continue to be a lasting legacy.
Pat’s greatest love was his family. In 1963 Pat married Lillian Luther, of Auburn, Washington. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, with love and adoration for each other and their two children Patty and Mike. Pat instilled his love of a good joke, passion for the outdoors, skiing, snorkeling, cards and cooking, golf and more golf, on his kids and later grandkids. He spent his retirement golfing, traveling and enjoying his grandkids, with whom he spent hours giving golf lessons, golf cart rides, searching for shapes in clouds, and teaching them yard work is fun.
Pat is survived by his wife Lillian Kelly, daughter Patricia (Kelly) Brebner, son Michael Kelly, and grandkids Jack Brebner, Maggie and Leo Kelly.
His Celebration of Life will be held at Meridian Valley Country Club on Saturday, June 2nd, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Remembrances can be made to: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America https://alzfdn.org/ or Caldera Arts http://calderaarts.org/caldera/.
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