Obituary of Honourable John R. Kelly

KELLY, MR. JUSTICE JOHN R. - The death of the Honourable John R. "Jack" Kelly, age 85, occurred on August 5, 2016 in Saint John, NB, following a year long illness. Mr. Justice Kelly was a retired member of the Court of Queen’s Bench and had also served as a Judge of the Provincial Court of New Brunswick for a number of years. With the institution of the system of Provincial Crown Prosecutors, he ended his private practice of law at Dalhousie, NB and moved to the Miramichi area where he was responsible for prosecutions throughout Northumberland County. Born in the City of Saint John on August 31, 1930 he was the son of the late John J. and Kathleen (Black) Kelly. He attended local schools and was a member of the 1947 graduating class of St. Vincent’s High School. He received his B.A. degree from St. Thomas University and graduated in law from the University of New Brunswick. During his studies he also attended Laval University and the University of Ottawa. While serving on the Court of Queen’s Bench, he was honoured by St. Thomas University in 1983, which conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws. Following his retirement, he attended St. Paul’s University where he earned a Licentiate in Canon Law and Ottawa University where he earned a Master of Canon Law degree. He later served on the Matrimonial Tribunal of the Diocese of Saint John. In 1953, John married his best friend and love of his life, the late Mary Jane (Slocum) Kelly. Married for 62 years, together they raised 7 children; four daughters, Catherine A. Knox (Thomas) of St. Stephen, NB, Maureen P. Casey of Hampton, NB, Moira J. Murphy (Michael) of Moncton, NB and M. Colleen Seaman (Gavin) of Hampton, NB; three sons, Sean J. Kelly (Nancy) of St. Stephen, NB, Brian T. Kelly (Michele) of Ottawa, ON, Kevin M. Kelly (Sheila) of Ottawa, ON. John was an avid outdoorsman who spent innumerable hours with his wife and three boys hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing on the North West branch of the "Mighty Miramichi". He had a life long love affair with the English language. Words and grammar were his passion and rarely was he seen without his "trusty" pocket dictionary which was permanently housed in his front shirt. When called upon for assistance with spelling, his constant refrain was "look it up". The Kelly children had the original "Siri" in their dad. Affectionately known as "Poppy" by his grandchildren, John was "hands down" the funniest man in any room. He loved to be regaled by a good story but could never be outdone by the enthusiasm and wit he brought to the telling of his own. In addition to his children, he is survived by his sister Helen Patterson, 25 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two brothers and one grandchild, John C. Kelly. The family’s deep grief is assuaged only by the certain knowledge that he and Mary Jane are now reunited in Heaven for eternity. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424), with visiting hours on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 12:00 pm at Holy Trinity Church, 348 Rockland Road, Saint John, NB. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Bobby’s Hospice, Saint John NB. Please place on-line condolences and remembrances at www.BrenansFH.com.