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Thomas Kelly Obituary

Tom Kelly, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and colleague, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2010 from Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tom was born on July 24, 1931, in Biloxi, Mississippi to Eugene and Anna Kelly. Tom grew up in Waukegan, Illinois and Biloxi, Mississippi. He is a graduate of both the University of Texas and the College of Law at the University of Denver. Tom married his wife of 57 years, May Habenicht, on June 28th, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas. He began his career as an accountant in Kilgore and Diboll, Texas. After joining the FBI in 1957 Tom and May lived in several locations, finally settling down in Denver. There he worked for several companies, including Cameron & Jones, C.A. Norgren and Outdoor Sports. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1975 where Tom became the Chief Financial Officer for Looart Press, Inc., the parent company of Current Inc. At Looart, Tom developed what became a long term, trusted friendship with the owners, Dusty and Gary Loo. This relationship carried over to Tom's work at High Valley Group where he was first the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and later as the Executive Officer, Manager and part owner of La Plata investments. Tom retired from High Valley Group in 2008 at the age of 76. A man who touched the lives of many, Tom will be remembered for the ways he served his fellow man. Whether it was his caring outreach and generosity to friends and family or his devotion to Church and work, Tom dedicated his time and energy to serving others. Tom had a strong sense of Duty - duty to his family, Church, friends, colleagues, and to those many in need. While he was honored throughout his lifetime with many awards and recognitions, the work and service itself were Tom's greatest reward. Tom was involved in many organizations. He was a board member of the National Office Management Society, the Financial Executives Institute, National Taxpayers Union and the El Paso County Board of Retirement. Tom was actively involved in St. Vincent De Paul Parish while living in Denver and later at Corpus Christi and St. Francis of Assisi parishes in Colorado Springs. Tom was also an avid supporter of Saint Mary's High School in Colorado Springs where he was a member of the school board. He is survived by his wife, May; daughter, Jeanne Konkel, of Sheridan, WY; son, Tim, and his wife, Patty, of Los Altos, CA; daughter, Lisa Williams, and her husband, Brant, of Portland, OR; daughter, Joan Pappin, and her husband, Matt, of Brownsville, OR; son, David, and his wife, Sue, of Mason, OH; grandchildren, Sarah, Lindsay, Mary, Erik, Joe, Brendan, Patricia, Maureen, Christopher and Timothy; brother, Robert, and his wife Teresa, of Puyallup, WA; and several nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be held Thursday, February 25th, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs, followed immediately by a Wake from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Parish Hall. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 26th, at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory can be given to National Jewish Health, P.O. Box 17169, Denver, CO 80217-0169. Please specify that the donation be used for Pulmonary Fibrosis research.

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

Published by The Gazette from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kelly

Not sure what to say?





Jerry Luckenbach

March 2, 2010

It is always a rude awakening to loose someone that has been so close to you. I was sorry to hear about Tom, he was a super guy and I know he will be missed. We were leaving on a cruise that is why it took so long. I will talk to you later. MAYGOD BLESS AND ALL OUR LOVE JERRY AND JUDY

Tess Loo

February 26, 2010

Dear May,

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Bonnie Morgan

February 25, 2010

My condolences to you all. I was proud and enjoyed the years I spent working with Tom at LaPlata, making a positive influence on the Briargate area.
May many great memories of him fill the void in your hearts.
Sincerely,

Johnson Family

February 25, 2010

Kelly Family- So sorry to hear about your Dad, Grandpa, Husband, Brother- Friend. We are all thinking of you during this time and keeping you in our prayers and thoughts.

Kari

February 25, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kelly family at this sad time. I have met Tom a few times, always at happy occasions and he was always gracious and kind. You could tell his family meant the world to him. We are family by marriage but family none the less and I know that you will make it through this difficult time together. Joan, love you so much...

Elaine Chavanon

February 24, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Patty McMullen Robinette

February 24, 2010

Dear Kelly Family - Just want you to know that my heart goes out to you in your loss... with prayers for God's comfort, strength and presence in very real ways today and in the days to come.

Patty McMullen Robinette

February 24, 2010

Dear Kelly Family - Just want you to know that my heart goes out to you in your loss... with prayers for God's comfort, strength and presence in very real ways today and in the days to come.

Patrick McGhee

February 24, 2010

Dear Tim & Family,

I, we are so sad for you and your family and our hearts go out to you. It is hard to imagine how difficult this time will be for you and your family, but one of the many great things Tom passed on to his family was his strength and I am certain it will be tested now. Tom’s passing will leave a huge hole in the Kelly world, as well as in the lives of all those fortunate to have had his friendship. I consider myself to be one of those fortunate to have known that friendship. The world is a much less wondrous place without your father.



I am sad that I cannot come to be with you and your family and to pay my deep respects to your father. But I cannot. You know that I am with you in heart and spirit and when we next get together, we will have a lot to talk about.



We hope and pray that all the great memories of your father will carry you and your family through this time and the sad times ahead. Tom was an amazing, amazing person and I have many of my own fond memories of him. I can see him know with a twinkle in his eye – wondering what kind of trouble I will get his straight and honorable son into. Or perhaps the twinkle was because he saw it the other way around.



Please give our deepest condolences to your mother, sisters, and brother and their families. And of course our deepest condolences to you, Patty, and Lindsay too.



With love and admiration always,



Your buddy Pat (Patrick McGhee & Mary Byron McGhee)

Pat McGhee

February 24, 2010

Dear Tim & Family,

I, we are so sad for you and your family and our hearts go out to you. It is hard to imagine how difficult this time will be for you and your family, but one of the many great things Tom passed on to his family was his strength and I am certain it will be tested now. Tom’s passing will leave a huge hole in the Kelly world, as well as in the lives of all those fortunate to have had his friendship. I consider myself to be one of those fortunate to have known that friendship. The world is a much less wondrous place without your father.

I am sad that I cannot come to be with you and your family and to pay my deep respects to your father. But I cannot. You know that I am with you in heart and spirit and when we next get together, we will have a lot to talk about.


We hope and pray that all the great memories of your father will carry you and your family through this time and the sad times ahead. Tom was an amazing, amazing person and I have many of my own fond memories of him. I can see him know with a twinkle in his eye – wondering what kind of trouble I will get his straight and honorable son into. Or perhaps the twinkle was because he saw it the other way around.


Please give our deepest condolences to you mother, sisters, and brother and their families. And of course our deepest condolences to you, Patty, and Lindsay too.


With love and admiration always,

Your buddy Pat (Patrick McGhee & Mary Byron McGhee)

Pam Peltier Dickinson

February 24, 2010

Today I was saddened to learn about Tom Kelly passed on. Tom was such a kind and gentle soul remembering his caring smile each time we would walk by each other in the hall where we worked at Current, Inc. years ago.

All of you in Tom’s family are in my heartfelt prayers wishing you God’s peace.

February 24, 2010

WOW...an unexpected email to hear that Tom's health had worsened and now he has passed. We love the Kelly family and have wonderful memories especially in our childhood. We are thinking of all of you and wish we were closer to celebrate his great life. An extra big hug for May. Laurie( Piper) and Randy Orfield

Kellie LaPar

February 24, 2010

I was so saddened hear about Tom's passing. What a wonderful man and inspiration to many. He was so loved. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love - Kellie

Matt

February 23, 2010

Tom was a man among men. If there was ever a pattern on how to conduct your life with honor and integrity, Tom was it. I have learned so much from him in the last nearly 30 years. The world will be worse off without him in it. I love you, Tom, it has been an honor and a privilege to have had you in my life. May, Jeanne, Tim, Lisa, Joan and Dave: my thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this most difficult time and want you to know I am here if you need anything at all.

Kelly Dunham

February 23, 2010

Kelly Family - wonderful memories of Tom - always a warm welcome and an offer of a beverage - the ultimate host. We know how much he was loved by his family and friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love - Kelly & Dave Dunham

Kathleen & Carmen Chidichimo

February 23, 2010

To: The Kelly Family,

We were so sad and sorry to hear that your dear DAD had passed on....
GOD was so good and kind to HIM in that our LORD took him during his
sleep.

We realize how very difficult it is for the family, most especially his loving
wife, MAY....but GOD will be near at hand to look after HER along with
the greatest blessing(s) of all his and her loving family for continuing support
and LOVE which was the main ingredient in HIS life with so many.

We will be keeping ALL of you in our prayers and believe that in GOD's
goodness HE will be overlooking each and every one of you in your most
loving DAD's physical absence.

GOD BLESS and we will be keeping you ALL in our prayers.

With our love and caring,
Aunt Kathleen & Uncle Carmen

Maria & David Walter

February 23, 2010

Tom was a wonderful person, and we will miss him greatly. We extend our sincere condolences to May and all family members.

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