Obituary of Edward David Kelly

In Memory of Edward "Buddy" David Kelly

We joyfully celebrate the life of our beloved father and stepfather, Edward “Buddy” David Kelly, who passed away on March 28, 2024.

He is survived by his immediate family members consisting of the Kelly clan, which includes his sons, Michael, Darren, and Jeffrey. He is also survived by his brother Ken (Huguette) Kelly.

Dad is also survived by his loving wife Jean (Quinlan).  They married in 1980, and he became stepfather to her six children, Margaret (Norbert) Kennedy, Russ (Dale) Quinlan, Rob (Lori) Quinlan, Mary Bryant, Ron (Sue)
Quinlan, and Maureen Cooper. He was predeceased by his first wife, our mother, Roberta Lynn Kelly (Brunt).  His legacy lives on through his adoring twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, each of whom will remember his playful spirit and boundless love.

Born in Halifax on April 4, 1935, to Edward and Rita (Keeler) Kelly, Dad grew up at 14 Agricola Street. He and Uncle Ken spent their childhood near Halifax Common where Dad’s athletic talents shone. He was Number 14 throughout his youth as he excelled in baseball and hockey. He credited his grandfather for his love of sports as he was the one, who for years, took him to countless hockey and baseball games. His mom was the original team mom as she rode along with them on the bus to away games or invited the whole opposing team to come for lunch during tournaments on the Common.

Later, golf became his passion and he was a member of the Ashburn Golf Club for more than 50 years. With a single-digit handicap, he was the winner one year of  the Ashburn Fall Classic. Some of his best buddies on the golf course included Paul Fitzgerald, Dave Martin and Hunter Stentaford.  One of his favorite memories was meeting Joe DiMaggio in a coffee shop, and yes, there’s photographic proof!

Dad’s career in real estate made him one of Nova Scotia's top Realtors, alongside Jean.  Their commitment to integrity and ethics earned them a loyal client base and countless friendships, with everyone agreeing: Dad was a genuinely great guy who treated everyone with respect.

He was a crossword enthusiast, particularly proud of tackling the New York Times crossword; toughest of them all. Rumor has it he actually completed it once or twice!  He even coined two words which had no meaning, but he felt should have been words: Phenuberant and Abgorious.

Humour was a large part of his life. He loved to laugh and was always ready with a joke. (If a centipede a pint, how much could a precipice? ....I’ll never forget what’s-his-name...we’ll never forget those ones) He was a huge fan of Seinfeld and Everybody Loves Raymond.  He faced every health challenge with humor, always cracking jokes with hospital staff.

Join us in celebrating Dad’s remarkable life at Walker’s Funeral Home,149 Herring Cove Rd, Spryfield, with a Memorial Service at 1:30 pm. on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

A visitation will follow until 4 p.m.

Your phenuberant jokes, your abgorious wisdom, and your warmth will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest easy, Dad.  You deserve it.

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