KELLY, Cecil

Born October 27, 1953
It is with broken hearts that we say farewell to Cecil Alexander Nicholas Kelly who left this world suddenly at age 69 on March 14th, 2022 while at the Guelph General Hospital, with his children close by. He struggled to make a comeback but his human body just couldn’t fight anymore.

He was the proud father of Lisa Asselstine (Darren) and Robert Kelly (Lesley) with Brenda Kelly; then Dawn Marie Kelly (Chris) and Nicholas Kelly (Johanna) with Patti-Jo Kelly-Dares; special Papa Cec to Devan (Ashlyn), Breanna (Karl), Oliver (deceased) Cameron (Jill), Alexander (Katy), Alisha, Julie, Elizabeth, and Kate. His great-grandchildren were Lacey, Noah, Winter, Ariana, Carson, and Casper.

Cec grew up with a large family of nine kids in Fergus, Ontario, with parents Marie Kelly [nee Fitzpatrick] and Cecil Kelly Sr (deceased). Cec was predeceased by older “Brother Brian” as he fondly referred to him; twin-sister “Anni” Hodge; younger “Brother Joe”; sister Kathy (predeceased); “Brother Frank” (predeceased); sisters Marilyn and Mary, and “Youngest Brother Terry”. There were also many spouses and partners of his siblings, Linda, Jim, Corky, Earla, Bruce, Jackie, Debbie, Ian, and Corrie. Of course, many nieces and nephews followed, all of whom will also miss their Uncle Cec. There were many cousins in Cec’s family who also have fond memories of Cousin Cecil.

Cec had a wonderful wit and memory for sharing jokes, stories, one-liners, and bits of wisdom to anyone caught within earshot. He often loved to be the center of attention and could easily command the room with his booming voice! He never did learn how to whisper. But most people appreciated what he had to say and have been passing on the stories.

He enjoyed playing euchre or cribbage with family and friends and had a strong competitive side. He often tried to intimidate his opponents but he didn't fool anybody when they saw the sparkle in his eye. Chess and pool (billiards) were also great skills of his. If you ever had a chance to play with him or against him you had better be paying attention.

Science-fiction movies were another great source of pleasure for him, often shared with his kids. Of course, they didn't have much choice when he held the remote or paid their way into the theater. And when he got started talking about his ideas and theories regarding space and our universe you could count on him talking for the next hour!

Cec's last thirty years or so were spent as an owner-operator of Car 51 at Canadian Cab. He was a very hard worker who loved this job as it gave him the opportunity of a new audience many times a day! He always had a funny story or words of wisdom for his passengers. He told his kids…” If you find a job that you love to do, then you’ll never have to work again for the rest of your life”. His previous job was many years as a truck driver, first in Alberta, then in Guelph, and he loved driving for a living, so his retirement hobby was over 35 years in the making. Many of his passengers enjoyed his humor and sarcasm and they will miss him as well. Cec's son Rob will continue his legacy as the new owner of Car 51, to honor his dad.

Another huge part of Cec's life was living in sobriety with the help of his AA family for the past 30+ years. He was a strong believer in the Good, Orderly Direction of the fellowship and was a supportive sponsor to many. Honesty, Openmindedness, and Willingness (steps 1, 2, and 3) were his guiding principles, along with the serenity prayer. Again, he helped so many in that program over the years. Cec's twin-sister Anni shared much of the AA life with him and she will help his AA family and friends to have a special time of remembering and honoring him. (See details below.)

As was Cec’s wish, cremation has already taken place. Visitation will be on Friday, March 25th at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home (Hart Chapel), 1099 Gordon St, Guelph ON from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 7 pm, followed by a short service at 7 pm. Please note this is the newer funeral home on Gordon St.; not the older one on Dublin St. The service will be livestreamed via ZOOM and the link will be accessible on Friday by visiting gilbertmacintyreandson.com.

There will also be an Open AA meeting at 'The New Life' group arranged by Anne H. on Friday, April 8th from 7:30 – 8:30 pm. The address is 210 Silvercreek Pkwy N, Guelph; it is the Lutheran church beside Value village for anyone who would like to attend.

Thank you to the nurses and doctors at Guelph General Hospital for their compassionate and professional care during Cec’s final days there. Also many thanks to all of Cec’s friends, family, co-workers, etc. who have sent words of condolences and shared special memories of their time with him.

Expressions of sympathy or condolences can be made online or mailed to the funeral home to be picked up by his children. Shared memories posted through the funeral home’s website or on Facebook will be cherished also by the family. If you wish to make a donation, please use the links provided, or do so at the funeral home, to one of the following: a mental health organization (i.e. Westover Treatment Centre; Teen Challenge; Stonehenge); or Heart & Stroke Foundation; Canadian Diabetes Association; Lung Association; or Guelph General Hospital.