GARY JOEL KELLY
Gary Joel Kelly, age 83, longtime resident of Coupeville, passed away at his home on Monday, March 26, 2018, following a lengthy illness.
Gary (who went by “Kelly” or Papa”) was born on January 12, 1935, in Seattle, Washington, to Joe and Marion Kelly. He was an adventuresome and innovative outdoorsman. In the 1960s he built a two-story A-frame cabin in Index, WA, with scrap lumber. This recently sold for $100,000. Gary was also a skydiver and instructor and was a stunt skydiving competitor and a stunt pilot. He was a restorer of antique cars and enjoyed jewelry making. He was also a gold miner and restaurateur in Liberty, WA.
He is survived by children Michael Kelly, Robyn Kelly and Sherry Ginevra, along with two granddaughters.
Gary taught the value of being in the mountains and not taking life too seriously, loving jokes and humor. He will rest with his step-father and mother, George and Marion Smith, overlooking the family farm on Ebey’s Landing at Sunnyside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 23, 1:00 PM at 301 NE 8th Street, Coupeville. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com