Obituary of Jerry Lee Kelley

Jerry Kelley, age 96, passed away October 14, 2018 in Lacey, Washington, his home of 12 years. He was born March 8, 1922 to Albert and Norma Kelley in Spokane, Washington. Prior to Lacey, Jerry and Vivian, his wife of 68 years, made their home in Bellevue, Washington, where they raised their three sons and made many lifelong friends.

Jerry earned a Bachelor of Economics from Reed College, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago.  He served in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Platsburg, New York. He was a Professor at the University of Washington, and a youth soccer referee into his 70s.  He loved writing, wordsmithing, puns, winemaking, singing and martinis at 5:00 p.m. Eight years after becoming legally blind, he wrote and published his memoirs of his collegiate-era summers spent in rough-n-tough Alaska.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Vivian; sons, Mark and Mike; daughters-in-law, Kim and Kathy (ex); one grandchild, Joe.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018. If interested in attending, please contact a family member.

Memorial donations may be made to Reed College in Portland, Oregon.