Obituary of William Francis Kelly

We celebrate the life of Bill who passed away on October 6, 2021.  Bill was born in Kenora, Ontario August 17, 1931.  He was predeceased by his wife, Shelagh in 2019 after 61 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents, Frank and Jean. Bill is dearly missed by his children Bette (Calvin), Coleen (Kent), Pat (Rocio) and his much-loved grandchildren Aidan, Lauren and Kyle.  He is also survived by his brother Don, sister-in-law Faith, several cousins, his niece and nephew and their families.

Bill’s family lived in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Saskatoon, and finally settled in Regina where he completed Grade 12 at Central Collegiate. He attended McGill University on a full scholarship to study architecture, graduating in 1954. The next few years saw him working in Goose Bay, Labrador, Montreal, and Timmins, Ontario. In 1956 he took a solo European tour on his Vespa which he shared many tales of over the years.   

He returned to Regina to work and became a partner in a local architectural firm before beginning his own practice in 1973. Bill’s dedication to the architectural profession was significant, having served two separate terms as President of the Saskatchewan Association of Architects (SAA), recognized with an SAA Award of Merit in 1997 and honorary life membership to the SAA in 2011. He was also recognized nationally with appointment to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s College of Fellows in 1998.

Bill valued his relationships with others. He was interested in the passions of others and trying to enrich them. He was very involved in his community volunteering in many capacities in several organizations over the years.  Some of these included involvement in various Masonic groups, the Wa Wa Shriners Pipes and Drums, Kiwanis Club of Regina-Wascana, United Way of Regina, Regina Chamber of Commerce, Hospitals of Regina Foundation, University of Regina Senate, Regina and South Saskatchewan Community Foundations, and First Presbyterian Church.

Bill was a lifelong learner spending time daily on his computer studying Spanish and keeping up on world events. It was also his primary connection with family and friends.   He enjoyed spending time with his family, travelling, woodworking, and various projects around the house. He was a dedicated Rider fan and a season ticket holder for 62 years.

A special thank you to Dr. McMillan for his dedicated care over the years. We would also like to thank the health professionals in hospital, homecare and College Park 2.  Although Bill faced many health issues in the past year, he was focused on celebrating his 90th birthday and we are grateful to his family, friends and church members who made this possible.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations in memoriam to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.