1936 – 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Micheal Bertrum Kelly on January 13th, in Montreal, a few days short of his 88th birthday. Mike was surrounded by family in his last hours. Family meant everything to Mike and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Mike was born on January 21st 1936 to Catherine and Bertrum in Quebec City. He leaves to
mourn his loving wife Virginia Claire (née) Graham of 59 years. A wonderful father to Patrick
(Debra), Daniel (Laura), Erin (Sarollie) Inukpuk, and baby Kevin (deceased). Mike took great
pride and joy in his grandchildren, Gregory and Aidan, Jared, Nathan and Lucas, and Davidee,
Monika (Dylan), Joadamie, and Keira. He is survived by his dear sister Ann, cousin Joe, and
sisters-in-law, Claire and Rose Graham. He was predeceased by his siblings Brian, Tim, Patricia, Emmett, and Kevin.
In the early 40’s, his family relocated to Montreal West where he had the opportunity to attend
Loyola High School and College. After graduating with degrees in Science and Commerce from
Loyola College, Mike worked for his father’s company Kelly Construction on projects on the
Gaspé coast, then moved on to Ottawa working for Canada Cement. While in that role, Mike
pursued Civil Engineering Master-level courses part-time at Carleton University, enabling him to write challenge exams to achieve his P.Eng without an engineering degree. Following that, he had a lengthy career as a teacher and administrator at Algonquin College.
He was an avid skier and his favourite slope was Mont Tremblant. Mike loved skating on the
Rideau Canal, even using it as a way to get to work. He could be found at the library checking
out a stack of books, tending to his vegetable garden and working on a project in his workshop.
Mike gave much of his time, skills and expertise at both Holy Cross Parish and St. Mary’s Parish in Ottawa to improve accessibility to those with impaired mobility. Mike was an early participant in the Ottawa Cursillo Movement and met for over four decades with his small group. Through Cursillo, he spent several summers building cottages at Waupoos Farm, providing low income families a vacation.
In 2016 Mike and Virginia moved back to Montreal and in 2021 Erin, Sarollie and children
welcomed them into their home. Mike was always able to find enjoyment in life despite his many challenging health conditions in his last few years.
Visitation will be on Friday January 26th from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at J.J. Cardinal
Funeral Home 560 Lakeshore Road, Dorval. Funeral will be at St. Veronica’s Parish 1300 Carson Avenue, Dorval, at 10 a.m. on Saturday January 27th. Interment will follow at Jardin du Souvenir Cemetery, 400 boul. Saint-Jean, Pointe-Claire.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate in-memoriam to Chez Doris (a women’s shelter) 1430, rue
Chomedey, Montreal (www.chezdoris.org). God Bless.
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL FUNERAL HOME
560, Chemin Bord du Lac, Dorval (Québec) H9S 2B3
Tél. : 514-631-1511 | Téléc. : 514-631-1516 | Courriel : info@jjcardinal.ca