David Bruce Kelley

It is with deeply saddened hearts that the family of David Bruce Kelley announces his passing at Bluewater Health on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the age of 87.

He was the beloved husband of Bronwen Kelley for 63 years, loving father of Pam Kelley, Pat Kelley, Heather May and Jennifer Robb (Bill) and the cherished grandfather of Kelly Mortensen, David Mills, Ashley Mills, Justin Vail (Krista), Rebecca May (Rob), Amanda May and 3 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter Mercedes Mills, parents Walter and Marjorie Kelley and his sister Sheila Kelley.

David worked for the City of Sarnia for 38 years retiring as Deputy City Clerk in 1993. He was the secretary of the Sarnia Police Services Board for many years and worked City and Federal elections. David was a member of the Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada (Chemical Valley Region), Bluewater British Car Club and past member of the Sarnia Horticultural Society. David and Bronwen were everyday regulars at Robin’s Donuts then Global Donuts where he enjoyed his morning coffee and toast, reading the morning paper and socializing with his coffee shop friends. David had many passions including making wine with Gus Schindel, going to the Detroit Auto Show with Owen Forsythe and Keith Thomson, taking several trips to France and going to numerous car shows with Philipe Devingt, car tours with Leo and Linda Astolfi and Lloyd and Dorothy Brown. He loved his red Triumph TR2, his green Citroen Traction Avant, his yellow Fiat X-19 and yellow Smart Car and was a faithful Toyota owner. David would go to the Barrie Flea Market every September and spent summers painting houses with Owen. David was an avid gardener growing his flowers and vegetables from seed for over 50 years. His tomatoes were his pride and joy. David enjoyed collecting pig figurines on his travels along with funky socks, ties and stamps, collecting and reading car magazines and making model cars. When David wasn’t in the kitchen making his famous Harvey Wallbanger cake, carrot cake, sweet & sour meatballs and chicken supreme he was playing tennis, badminton, curling or on the bowling lanes. For relaxation David made puzzles, some of then up to 8,000 pieces which he then framed.

Visitation will be held at the D.J. Robb Funeral Home and Cremation Centre Ltd (102 Victoria St N, Sarnia) on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel of the D.J. Robb Funeral Home on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of David can be made to The Breast Cancer Society of Canada (http://bcsc.ca ) or a charity of your choice (http://canadahelps.org/en ) would be appreciated by the family.

In keeping with COVID 19 protocols, those in attendance must wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Arrangements entrusted to the D.J. Robb Funeral home and Cremation Centre Ltd. Memories or messages of condolence may be shared through www.djrobb.on.ca

The family would like to thank Dr. Khan, Dr. Kim, nurses and PSW’s at Bluewater Health 4th and 5th floor Palliative Care Unit for their excellent care and compassion during dad’s brief stay.
David will truly be missed by the many lives that he has touched. “Forever in our Hearts”