Robert Ford Kelley

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Brandeis University

Robert Kelley Obituary

Robert Ford Kelley passed away peacefully in his home with Diana, his twin flame and wife of 13 years, at his side. He is survived by his only child, Lisa Kelley, granddaughter, Kelly (his namesake), and great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Hailey. Other extended family members were children, Rene, Britta, Rachel, Shenandoah and Spica, and grandchildren: Hannah, Zachariah, Brayden, Jakob, Lily, Jehrich, B.J., Tory, Tajiana, and a nephew, Christopher.

He was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts and attended Brandeis University and later served in the Coast Guard. Since childhood, he has stayed in touch with his two best friends, Bill Barry and Peter Carney for over 78 years. They were able to visit together a few days before he died.

Robert appreciated all living things and was an avid gardener. He created beautiful gardens in and outside of his home. He had special relationships with many four-legged friends from his beloved dogs to the wild foxes, squirrels and deer that played in his gardens.

As a prolific freelance writer, Robert and his first wife, Penny, had the freedom to travel the country. After her passing in 1999, Robert settled in Colorado Springs and became active in several Christian church communities: New Life, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist, Broadmoor Community, Chapel of Our Saviour, and First Congregational. Robert often attended spiritual retreats in Sedona with Dawn Katar and in Hawaii and Mt. Whitney with Cheyenne Maloney. Robert found balance and truth within traditional Christian teachings and from nontraditional teachings in Conscious Awareness. Robert often commented that he was chasing God, but he also loved to tell the story of a man dying and meeting St Peter at the pearly gates and St. Peter asking him, "Well, how did you like Heaven?"

A close friend wrote, "Robert was a rare bird. His love of the sacred scriptures and his relationship with God gave him a big presence. He lived fully knowing he was an expression of the divine. There was room in Robert's heart for everyone and everyone felt special under his gaze. His adoration of the feminine was practically legendary and took nothing from his devotion to his beloved wife. He lived a "godly" life and the twinkle in his eye and his robust laugh will live forever in our hearts."

Robert's Celebration of Life ceremony and the party to follow will be held at the First Congregational Church, Colorado Springs, on Thursday, May 5, at 3 p.m. His final resting place will be at the Columbarium at Chapel of Our Saviour Episcopal Church.

Please do not send flowers, but if moved to do so, pay it forward to someone or something in need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on May 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kelley

9 Entries

Joan Hatcher

May 6, 2016

Robert you taught me, not to take life so seriously.
I will never forget your twinkling eyes, full of mischief.
Remember you promised to keep the light on for me.
See you later friend.
Joanne. With love.

May 5, 2016

Robert, or Bob as I knew him, was a lifelong best friend of mine. We grew up together in Newton, Ma and were like brothers. He was such an important part of my life. He is in my prayers and I send my love to his family.
Bill Barry

Paul G Jr Brizal

May 4, 2016

Dearest Lisa and family - We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May God Bless you all and bring you comfort and peace.

Paul Brizal and John Genova

Robert & Sally Shanks

May 2, 2016

Our meeting Robert and Diana was, as is so much in life, serendipitous.
While having breakfast at a busy bagel shop we noticed a lady looking for a place to sit. We were at a table with four seats and invited her to join us. She accepted, then turned around and motioned Robert to join us. Thus began a delightful friendship on many years sharing breakfasts, conversations and experiences.
Robert and Diana introduced Sally to the teachings of Cheyenne. As she attended Cheyenne's workshops she came to know Robert and Diana from their hearts. Robert loved to share his Christian wisdom, and he was also a good listener as others shared their spiritual paths. His loving perspective engaged us all and connected us as one.
We feel very blessed to have known Robert and will hold him in our hearts forever.
Bob and Sally

Sylvia Strubel

May 2, 2016

I miss him o much already. He was a spiritual touchstone for me and is already greatly missed. Peace! To dear Robert.

Robert & Sally Shanks

May 2, 2016

Our meeting Robert and Diana was, as is so much of life, serendipitous.
While having breakfast at a busy bagel shop we noticed a lady looking for a place to sit. We were at a table with four seats and asked her to join us. She turned around and motioned Robert to join us. Thus began a delightful friendship of many years sharing breakfasts, conversations and experiences.
Robert and Diana introduced Sally to the teachings of Cheyenne. As she attended Cheyenne's workshops she came to know Robert and Diana from their hearts. Robert loved to share his Christian wisdom and he was also a good listener as others shared their spiritual paths. His loving perspective engaged everyone and connected us all as one.
We feel very blessed to have known Robert and will hold him in our hearts forever.
Bob & Sally

Elizabeth Klein

May 2, 2016

Dear sister friend Diana, Robert was a blessing in my life. And the blessings continue as I know I will see you and Spica very soon. Love, Elizabeth

May 2, 2016

Diana The girls and I send our deepest sympathy.
Sid, Beth and Mollie

May 1, 2016

Dear Diana, Sally and I send our deepest sympathy.

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