West Brooklyn, NS
November 29, 2024
Samuel Edward Kelley, 86, of West Brooklyn, Kings County, was born on July 4, 1938 and peacefully passed on November 29, 2024. He was one of 13 children of the late Ralph and Ora (Wood) Kelley of West Brooklyn Mountain.
Dad, at a very young age, began working in the woods with his father cutting wood with a two-person crosscut saw. He left school at a young age to work alongside his father to help support the family. Dad was always a hard worker and was still cutting trees just two weeks before his passing. At the age of 14, he sold his horse and bought his first car, one of many over the years to follow. He bought only Chev trucks stating that they were the best and he often declared he was the best driver in the West.
He was a member of the Annapolis Valley Gun Club for many years. He competed in numerous skeet and trap competitions, earning dozens of trophies and awards, and was known as one of the best in Nova Scotia, earning the nickname "Top Gun".
He worked long and hard and established his own auto body repair business that he ran from the family home since the early 1960s, often leaving a meal to go look at someone's vehicle. Everyone was always welcome, regardless of the time or the day. He passed his knowledge onto his son and for many years they worked side-by-side. He continued doing repairs long after his retirement and continued well into his 80s.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Sheila (Brown) in April of 1962. Together they raised three children, Michael, Marlene and Cheryll. They had four grandchildren, Jessica, Kelly, Bailey and Haven; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zoey, Avery and soon to arrive, Quentin Samuel.
Dad was a great father, always there when we needed him and always offering to help his friends and family. He shared his passions of hunting "Stanley", fishing, four wheeling, snowmobiling and the automotive trade with all of us. Dad will be remembered for his sense of humour and how he loved to tease, especially poor Mom.
He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Alice, Pat, Gladys, Nancy; a brother in infancy, as well as brothers, Paul and James, his only son, Michael. Left to mourn him is his wife of 62 years, Sheila; daughters, Marlene and Cheryll; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, with a soon to be fourth; sisters, Margret "Marg", Sara "Sadie", Orabelle "Belle" and Rita and brother, Frank.
In keeping with Dad's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service, but a celebration of his life will be held in the West Brooklyn Community Hall on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Donations in memory may be made to the West Brooklyn Cemetery.
Rest easy Dad - your hard work on earth is done. We will look after Mom and Max for you.
You just enjoy your eternal deer season, and give Mike a hug from us.
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