Jack William Kelly

Obituary Jack William Kelly, 86, of Fort Collins passed away at Medical Center of the Rockies on May 14, 2012. Jack was born January 8, 1926 to John and Ottylie Kelly in Owatonna, Minnesota. While a student in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Colorado in Boulder, he met the love of his life, Charlene Beranek, a co-ed from Illinois. They were married in Boulder on September 23, 1950. Char says that her life changed the day she met Jack. While at CU he was a mountain climber, charter member of the Buff Ski Club, member of the National Ski Patrol at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and also was instrumental in the founding of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Team. The family came to Fort Collins in 1962 from Wheat Ridge, Colorado and Jack expanded his life insurance business as a District Agent for American National Life Insurance Company. He then became a licensed Real Estate Broker and worked in the commercial field until his retirement. Jack never really retired or slowed down. He lived for excitement and adventure and was an avid sailor and was one of the founders of the Northern Colorado Yacht Club. He spent many hours relaxing with his family on Long Pond and Terry Lake in one of his many boats and skiing from the family condo in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He even helped his teenage children build a sailboat in the family garage. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #804 in Fort Collins and the Good Times Dance Club with his wife. Jack was a teacher, teaching all of his children and many neighbor children how to sail boats, teaching boy scouts First Aid, and teaching his children the value of ethics and moral values. Jack and Char loved to travel and have seen all parts of the world. He was a funny, sharp, wonderful man and friends say he lived an interesting life and never stopped adventuring. Jack is survived by his companion, partner and wife, Charlene, son Dr. Terry C. Kelly and his wife Dr.Christine Cheyne of Hastings, New Zealand, Randy Kelly and his wife Suzanne of Broomfield, Colorado, Todd Kelly and his wife Mary Roley of Oak Creek, Colorado and daughter Dr. Kathy Graves and her husband Mike Graves of Fort Collins, grandchildren Nathan Kelly, Lisa Kelly, Bryan Kelly, David Kelly, Kimberly Graves and Sara Graves. He was preceded in death by his parents. A gathering to celebrate Jack's life will be held in mid July. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado for the Kelly Family Charitable Fund, 4745 Wheaton Drive, Suite 100, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Jack William Kelly