February 19,1943 – January 11, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a true “Gentle Man”. On Sunday, January 11, 2015, Kelly made his sacred journey to the arms of his Lord and Saviour. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Claudia PARISH and his two daughters, Marina Rosta (Manville Alta.) and Kellianne Stiller (Phil) of Nanaimo BC. Kelly was surrounded by his wife, daughters, 
son-in-law (Phil) and his sister-in-law, Maureen Parish. His passing was gentle in a way that reflected the way he lived his life. Leaving to mourn in Medicine Hat, Alta. are Kelly’s sister, Shirley Hart (Dave) and his brother, Garry Folk, (Marion). Kelly was a loving grandad to Geza, Killian, Liam and Saoirse Rosta, Andrew and Jessie Stiller and Taylor-Lee Stiller-O’Brien. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces and his loving goddaughter/niece, Claudia Danyluk.
Kelly was born in Leader, Saskatchewan and spent his early years on the family farm near Richmound before his family moved to Medicine Hat where he completed high school. He joined the RCMP in 1962 and retired at the rank of Superintendent after 34 years of service in the Force. During his career, Kelly received a BA (Economics) degree from UVic and held a variety of administrative and Criminal Investigation positions across Canada. Those positions included Officer in Charge of Administration, Personnel, Finance and Informatics for the NWT. He was also the Officer in Charge of the Inuvik Subdivision before he returned to BC. Once back in BC, Kelly, served as the Officer in command of the ERT section and prior to retiring, he was the Officer in Charge of the RCMP’s Internal Audit. Kelly and Claudia also enjoyed many memorable occasions at BC’s Government House during Kelly’s position as Aide de Camp to Lieutenant-Governor, David Lam. He also served a term as president for the Greater Victoria United Way. In 1994, Kelly led the Police Security Operations for the Commonwealth Games. After his retirement, Kelly was a Special Investigator for Elections Canada for 8 years, and was also president of the Greater Victoria Police Chorus and the Greater Victoria RCMP Retired Officers’ Mess. He also was one of the first Officers to head up the Integrated Road Safety Unit for Vancouver Island. At the time of Kelly’s passing, he was an active member on the Board of Directors (Finance Committee), of the Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications (CREST). Kelly was skillfully treated by Drs. Herb Domke, Stephen Lundy, Paul Blood and Gary Dewar, during his illness and the family is grateful. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the Nursing staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, with a special mention to Dr Andrea Lewis.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2015. Flowers gratefully declined. Please donate to a charity of choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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J.R.Walker
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Lynette Parish You are amazing, Uncle Kelly. We have been very fortunate to learn from you. Surround yourself with good people, always be kind, and do unto others… you brought much peace to this world. Love you bunches.
Auntie Claudia, Kellianne, and Marina, we are so sorry for your loss. Love you all so much.
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The Herman Family Our condolences to Kelly’s family and his sister and brother, Shirley and Garry. We pray the loving arms of God will comfort Kelly’s family during this time of their grief. It is always hard to say goodbye to a loved one so instead we will
say “see you later Kelly”.
Your cousins,
Konrad, Dina, Dorothy, Rose, Shirley and Marlene
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David & Leila Baxter sending deepest condolences to Claudia and family from David and Leila Baxter
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Allan & Pat de St Remy Both Pat & I who were very privileged to have known Kelly since Regina in 1962 and again in Prince Rupert in the mid sixties, wanted you to know how deeply saddened we are on your loss.. We were proud to call him a friend and we will miss him very much. We have lost one of the kindest and gentlest people we have ever had the privilege to know. Please know how much we share your grief. You have our heartfelt sympathy, Allan & Pat de St Remy
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Barry & Barb McCombe We were saddened to learn of Kelly’s passing & wish to express our sincere sympathy to you, Claudia & your family. We go back a long time, all the way to Rupert when we were first introduced. He contributed so much & will be dearly missed.
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Phil and Iris Stiller Rest in peace Kelly.
Claudia, Marina, Kellianne xo and family
Wishing you peace to bring comfort –
Courage to face the days ahead –
Loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
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Barb Alexander Claudia and family. I just learned of Kelly’s passing and had no idea he had been ill. I am so sorry for the great void this will leave in all your lives.
I read the word “gentleman” so many times in the condolences left by others and it so aptly describes this man! He was my late husband, Don’s, supervisor during the Commonwealth Games security planning prior to the games in 1994 and Don had the utmost respect and caring for Kelly. As a member of the RCMP myself at West Shore Detachment I recall Kelly’s quiet yet professional demeanour – always – and how well respected he was by everyone I worked with.
What a dear man has left us. I hope you – his family – will find strength in knowing he will always be at their side. I truly believe this.
Barb Alexander
(retired RCMP)
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Julie Moffatt I didn’t know Him. He seems like he was a great person , Father and Husband. He raised a wonderful girl Marina, who I was fortunate to meet on a trip to Mexico.I can tell she loves and cared for you deeply.
To your family, Hold all the great Memory’s close to your heart. Those you will have for ever. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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Peter Roberts I am saddened to hear of your loss, time will heal. Think of beautiful things like the boat ride you had on Babine with
Daniel and I.
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Ruth Marshall I am saddened at hearing of your great loss, Claudia. It has been several years since I saw you in our days nursing at JBL but I do remember the supper time discussions about your life with Kelly. The written notice is a great tribute to the man you love. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Ruth Marshall
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Phil Stiller Kelly (Dad), I’ll always remember our chats around the kitchen table, your wisdom, kind words and loving heart will stay with me always. Thank you for being a part of my life. Rest in peace…
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Yolande du Gardein-Matson Dear Claudia,
How sad to see Kelly’s obituary in the newspaper. I am very sorry for your loss and please also pass on my condolences to Marina and Kellianne. The notice made me recall the times surrounding my parents’ illnesses and deaths and how you were present at both. I am still grateful for your support and I know that you were instrumental in easing Margot’s mind during her final days. I hope that you are surrounded by the love and strength of good friends and family members who will comfort you during this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you, Yolande
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Karol McAlpine I was fortunate to look after Kelly while he was in the Jubilee hospital and he has been on my mind ever since. I get the feeling from reading the other tributes that he was the kind of person you don’t forget. When I think of Kelly I remember a man who was gentle, kind and will be missed.
karol
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Robin Evans Dear Claudia & family,
My condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved Kelly who was one of the kindest, gentlest men ever. He will be missed by so many people and organizations that he was such an important part of. I knew Kelly from many years of attending with my parents the concerts of the Victoria Police Chorus. After my dad’s passing, Kelly always took time to speak so warmly to my mom. Heaven is certainly blessed now by another beautiful gentle voice. I pray that your beautiful memories of his life and love will give you strength.
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Roy and Carol Pickell, Canoe, BC Our sincerest best wishes and condolences to Kelly’s family. We’ve not been in touch for many years, but he was a true gentleman and an admired friend.
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Bob and Mavis Swann Dear Claudia and family,
We just heard of Kelly’s passing. We are currently out of the country but wanted to send our deepest condolences. What great memories we have of Kelly and what a wonderful man he was. Claudia, our thoughts are with you through this difficult time. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Sincerely, Bob and Mavis
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Anne Northeast Dear Claudia and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband and father. I know I have not seen you for ages and I
remember you talking a lot about your girls and Kelly.
Please accept my condolences and I hope that in time your grief lessens.
Thinking of you
Love Annie.
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Ron & Marie Budd Dear Claudia. You probably don’t even remember us but we were stationed in Prince Rupert and will always remember you and Kelly as this beautiful young couple. We lived in the other apartment and had 2 little boys. You left Rupert before we did and I still have a picture of you from your going away party, Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Ron & Marie Budd
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m ike siska Heartfelt condolences to Claudia and the family…Kelly, you will be greatly missed at the Friary and at coffee party – your insights and views during our many debates were appreciated by all. I send a traditional blessing:
“Where there is faith there is love,
Where there is love there is peace,
Where there is peace there is blessing,
Where there is blessing there is God,
Where there is God it’s all we need”God speed Kelly
The archangel
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Dennis Robinson A real gentleman who will be missed by the police chorus.
Ride on forever Kelly. Dennis & Orleen
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Bob Cockrell To Claidia and Family
Our condolences.
Kelly you will be sadly missed by those of us who had the good fortune to know you, and, work with you. You always took the time and effort to assist, encourage and to guide me in my work within the RCMP. You always were fascinated by the cases, and, successes that our Unit resolved. No better boss could we have, and we give thanks for that. Kelly, you were a real gentleman. God Bless.
Bob Cockrell, Sgt.ret.
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Garry and Marion Folk Kelly will always be in our hearts. I treasure the moments we had together during our visits, whether here on the prairies or there on the island. Like our parents, he was taken too soon but it is not for us to question God’s plan. I take comfort in knowing he is at peace and life continues. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Claudia, Marina, Kellianne, and family. He was a good brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
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marie Trew Kelly came into my life as a newborn and spent his first days at our house. Although we were not in touch for a long time, I did have some time to get to know him better. My heart breaks for you in your sorrow.
Kelly was the kindest, gentle, man who cared for his fellow man and country –and mostly his loving family.
The world is a better place because of Kelly.
My love and prayers are for you, Claudia and family.
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Cousin Marie
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Michael Remarchuk I was very saddened to hear of Kelly’s passing. I only met him a few times but I was struck by his friendliness and the fact he was a “true gentleman”. He will be greatly missed by so many.
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Rick Hey gang so sorry to hear about Kelly. Thinking of you all. Have lots of good memories of the times we had together up here in Courtenay and down in Victoria. I remember one spring I took him fishing out front here in the 12 ft. aluminum, so now imagine Kelly in a 12 ft aluminum, poor guy was kissing his knees for 3 hours. We did get some blue backs that day. I know my life has certainly been made richer having known him, even though we had to listen to his jokes and guitar playing with vocals. Will always remember him and when I do it brings a smile to my face……Cheers Rick
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Jim & Jeanette Missinne it is with heavy hearts, that we are writing this to the Folk family. We had the honor of meeting Kelly through our son & daughter in- law Claudia. Kelly was a very pleasant and humble man, we enjoyed our talks with Kelly and enjoyed our time with him. To his beautiful wife Claudia and daughters, extended family our heart felt sympathies go out to you of the the passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Rest In Peace Kelly and watch over your loving family from above.
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Ewa and Cezary Kolsut It must be unimaginable loss. This Gentle Man always had a lovely smile for me, my husband and our kids. We were neighbors for 19 years and we will miss you Kelly dearly. It was way to soon! We will try take a good care of your lovely wife Claudia. We will always remember you, the candle is burning for you right mow in our home.
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joy serdar Dearest Claudia and family, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. it is such a hard time in our lives when we loose some one we love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may Jehovah comfort you all.
much love joy
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Shirley Moncur Our family would like to send our Blessing to Kelly, he was a dear Cousin.
It was wonderful to get reunited with him and end up on this Island together, where we have had so many lovely Dinners and family gatherings together.
We thank Claudia for all of the support that she give him through his difficult times, and know that he is in a better place with no more suffering.
I will always cherish our times together.
Our love and prays go to Claudia and the family.
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Daniel Parish Going to miss my Brother in “Law”.
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Claudia Peters Sending you my sincere condolences in these difficult times.
I didn’t know Kelly personally, but just reading all the stories and this tribute, he sure seemed to be a
very kind and true family man, with a passion for life. A lot of great memories and stories of his life to be celebrated.
We are sending you a lot of strength and love.
Claudia, Owen, Patrick and Maile Peters
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Sandra Belchambers Claudia, what a wonderful tribute to a remarkable man. Sending deepest condolences and good thoughts to you and your family. Love Sandra x
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Raymond J. ADRIAN Our heartfelt condolences from Barb & Ray. I am a senior member of the Police Chorus and have known Kelly for many years. Kelly has always presented himself as a true gentleman; caring, compassionate. professional and always down to earth. As a former Mountie myself, I would have been PROUD to have served under his command. RIP Kelly; you are in a much better place; the Good Lord has another angel beside Him. (Barb & Ray).
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mary williams So very sorry to hear of your loss. He seems to have been a “once in a century” kind of man. People die, but love does not die.
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Will Robinson Although I never met Mr. Folk, he reached us in a big way down here in the States through Claudia. I admire his extraordinary accomplishments in service to his country and family and offer my sincere condolences to all of you during this difficult farewell.
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Roxie and Perry Winslow Sending our love, sharing your sorrow.
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R.H.. (Dick) Waller, RCMP, Supt. Retired To Claudia and Family
I was so sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. Even knowing that his health was deteriorating, Kelly maintained his dignity and never complained. He WAS a true gentleman and a good friend. We knew each other for most of our Service in the Force and worked together, in Victoria Sub/Division for the last few years that I served in the Force. I cherish the time we spent after retirement when we would go to lunch or attend official functions together. He was loyal to the Force right to the end. Kelly will be truly missed .
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Bill Eckersley Great daily coffee Buddy for almost 10 years ! . Heard many interesting and funny stories of his past experiences, including very early farm & RCMP life. Rare to find a guy like that, straight as an arrow.. Many thanks, Killian, and BIG condolences to Claudia and the whole family. He is greatly missed !
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Rex Coombe My heart breaks for you..
I won’t bother with platitudes, I know none that will affect your feeling of loss or take away any of your pain.
I can only wish there were words for this thing, so I might say them to you.
Much love,
Your invisible friend,
Rex
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kellianne I will love you forever Dad. Thank you for a life-time of love. You are forever in my heart. I think, in some ways, you really are, the best part of me. Love….your little monster. xxoxooxxo
A good and decent person. J.R.Walker, Terrace, British Columbiua