John L. Kelso

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday in Aptos for John Kelso who passed away unexpectedly in Santa Cruz on July 27, 2013. A native of Alexandria, Virginia, he was 50 years old. John attended St. Louis University and majored in math and physics. It was there that he met his soul mate and college sweetheart, Laura Garvin. They were married in Santa Cruz, 17 years ago. John was a very talented general contractor and at the time of his death, owned and operated Kelso Construction Inc. His career in the construction industry spanned over 30 years. He was a red belt and instructor in the martial art of Taekwondo, and competed in numerous tournaments in his youth where he was the recipient of high rankings and awards. He loved the outdoors: going on hikes, snorkeling in tropical waters and climbing on the rocks along the coastline. And, also had a love for the game of scrabble and would always beat anyone he played. He loved his son tremendously and never missed one of his son's little league baseball games. His devotion to his family will forever be cherished and remembered. He was a supporter of Good Shepherd School in Santa Cruz, where he made a network of close friends. He is survived by his wife Dr. Laura Garvin, and their 11 year old son, Dominic, both of Santa Cruz, his mother, Ruth Kelso of Springfield, VA, sisters: Regina (Steve) Bennett of Ruskin, Florida, Anne Kelso of Alexandria VA; Eileen (Mike) Sadik of West Chester, PA; and Laura (Carl) Schwertz of Richmond, VA. He also leaves his brothers, Gerry Kelso of Falls Church, VA; Greg Kelso of Richmond, VA; Vincent Kelso of Alexandria, VA; and Michael (Candice) Kelso of Chantilly, VA; along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. John was preceded in death by his father, Edward Kelso, and his sister Brenda. The mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 3, at Resurrection Catholic Church (7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. 95003) beginning at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following. Burial will be private. To light a candle for John and share your thoughts and prayers, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com. Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to Good Shepherd School, 2727 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 or Dominican Hospital Foundation, 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065