In memory of

Clyde Kellay Jr

Jul 8, 1928
Sep 17, 2018

Obituary

Clyde was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on July 8, 1928, the son of Clyde and Myrtle Kellay.

As a teen, Clyde lived with his Uncle Bob and helped him on his farm. He then worked in a dental lab, and as an Able Seaman on Lake Michigan railcar ferries before joining the Army and serving in Germany during the Korean War. He later attended Western Michigan University and was a teacher until joining the US Customs Service. He retired as the Director of the Portland District in 1988.

Clyde married Barbara Dorothy Desmond in 1957, and together they raised 4 chidren. Throughout their 61 years together they enjoyed sharing their gift of hospitality with family and friends, both old and new. They were very active in The Friendship Force intercultural exchange, hosting and visiting people from around the world. Clyde was always curious and enjoyed learning about new things, visiting, cooking, volunteering, and organizing interest groups. He traveled extensively and enjoyed practicing his Spanish and German at any opportunity.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Colleen Kellay, his brother, Richard Kellay, and many cherished friends and relatives. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Kathleen, Tim, and Chris (Sopa), one grandson, two great-grandsons, and his sister, Barbara Kinney.

In lieu of flowers, Clyde has requested that donations be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, www.alzinfo.org, or the charity of your choice.

Service Information

Graveside Service
Monday October 1, 2018 1pm
Sacred Heart Cemetery
Gervais, OR

Gallery

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Paul Lambertsen says:

    Clyde was a very valuable volunteer in the English in Action program in Portland helping foreigners learn how to speak English more effectively. He and I took a train ride to and from Glacier National park a few years ago and together enjoyed the beauty of that park. He was still very much interested in learning new things, meeting people, and seeing new places. I am sorry I cannot attend the service, but he and his family will be in my thoughts and I will cherish memories of Clyde.

  2. Guadalupe Pérez and family says:

    I am deeply saddened by the news of Clyde passing. My thoughts and
    prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our condolences.
    Clyde was a very good friend and the best teacher. It really was an
    honor to have known such a great person. My parents and I will miss
    him.
    Please give Barbara a hug for my mom and me. Also please say hi to
    Kathy and Chris for the three of us. Thank you.

  3. Earnie Bell says:

    When watching the sunset one evening, Clyde struck up a conversation with a stranger, and that began a friendship of 23 years, and lots of meals, and lively discussions, and sharing the big questions about life. We shall miss those times around the table with friends.

  4. Nora Sayles says:

    I will miss our long talks about our ancestors and his stories about family members I never met. I will especially miss my yearly Happy Birthday call.

  5. Jan Petroski says:

    I feel a bit sorry for St Peter with Clyde up there now. Clyde's likely trying to start a conversation about anything with the Saint - universal basic income, birch bark canoes, the correct pronunciation of some arcane German phrase all the while reminding St Peter that Barbara needs looking after. If the discussion doesn't come to an Irish man's satisfactory conclusion, Clyde will no doubt bring the subject up again tomorrow and the next day and a month from Sunday. We all love him for his scholarship and humanity. I would be amiss if I didn't mention two things - the great joy Clyde had in sharing a meal with just about anyone. He loved to cook and try new recipes. Less than a week before he passed away he told me (and probably most of you) about his trip to Silverton Hospital and his great joy in finding an Italian nurse who loved to cook. He was so into telling of the recipes they exchanged that he passed over the diagnosis he was given. The second thing I need to mention is his full participation in our Vodka Vednesdays. He adapted to Polish vodka immediately, usually had a tale or story to tell and was the life of the party. I had to laugh when he explained how he had to drive with one eye closed after a vodka too many. I will not be able to attend the gathering in Gervais but I will long remember this fascinating guy!

  6. Froylan Matamoros says:

    It a sad feeling ,when you know a great human being has gone forever but he wiil live in my hart and my mind forever because he touched my life.
    my condolences to his family and friends. My sister, nice and me will miss him .

  7. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    May all of Clyde's family find comfort in their time of loss. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home.

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