Kelly Clemis

1953 - 2017

We are deeply saddened to announce that Richard “Kelly” Clemis, an amazing father, grandpa, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the age of 63 years.

The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 11:00 A.M.

Kelly is survived by his children Blair (Robin) Clemis of Calgary, Carli (Ross) Bekkering of Lethbridge, Bonnie (Clay) Turcato of Taber (their daughter Harper) and Marty Virostek (Jodie Frank) of Vibank, Saskatchewan and his children Emerson, Kitson and Charlotte. He is also survived by his brother Gerald (Gwen) Clemis, sister Pat Debona, sister-in-law Sam (John) Clemis as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Helen and Dick Clemis, brother Michael Clemis and brother-in-law John DeBona.

Kelly was born December 29, 1953 in Lethbridge to Helen and Dick Clemis. He grew up on the farm in Purple Springs and carried on the family legacy, working the land until his retirement in 2007. Kelly loved the farm, raised cattle, operated a custom baling business and even brought his talents to Saudi Arabia and Libya in 1981-1985, to implement modernized farming and irrigation practices.

He was an avid traveler and athlete in his younger years, excelling in hockey, basketball and later coaching. Kelly held a lifelong torch for music, rooted in trumpet with the jazz band during school and later enjoying the likes of Bon Jovi, Tom Cochrane, Pavarati and Roy Orbison.

Kelly was a well known model patient after his successful lung transplant in 2014 and befriended many of the nurses, doctors and patients at Peter Lougheed Hospital, with his characteristic stubbornness and wit. He was passionate about organ donation, becoming a mentor to many transplant candidates and recipients, advocating for smoking cessation, The Lung Association and the Kidney Foundation with his former wife and friend Jan Clemis.

However, more than anything, Dad was incredibly proud of his four kids and was eager to tell anyone within earshot about their new adventures and accomplishments. Among all of his successes, he was first and foremost a wonderful and supportive father, which only grew to include his grandchildren in recent years.

Kelly loved to laugh, tell great stories and mediocre jokes (often more than once), and very naturally passed on his love of life to those around him.

He was honest, caring, proud of his small town roots, and always did the job right, whether it was an oil change, the autumn harvest or raising a family. We miss you Dad, and love you always.

In lieu of flowers, Kelly would have been honored to have people register as organ donors in their respective provinces and states and if you so wish, to donate to the 2nd Chance Trail Ride at www.facebook.com/2ndChanceTrailRide, a charity that provides financial aid and accommodation to Alberta transplant patients.