Harrison 'Hank' Kelly
Born In: North Sydney
Born: May 8th, 1927
Passed in: North Sydney
Passed on: February 4th, 2015
It is with great sorrow that we, the family of Harrison 'Hank' G. Kelly, announce his peaceful passing, surrounded by family, at the Northside General Hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, following a brief illness.
Born in North Sydney, on May 8, 1927, he was the son of the late James and Greta (Moffatt) Kelly.
Before retiring, Hank worked for Canada Post at the sorting station in North Sydney and prior to that, at his father’s ship chandlery business, James Kelly & Sons Ltd. He was a member of St. Matthew Wesley Church, North Sydney and an inductee into the Cape Breton Horseman’s Hall of Fame. Hank had a lifetime love of sports, most especially the “Leafs”, “Yankees” and harness racing. From an early age Hank was involved with standardbred horses as an owner, trainer and driver with one of his favourite horses being, Sassy Scoot and with his first driving win at Northside Downs in 1946.
He is survived by his sons, Robert 'Herman' (Cheryl), Sydney, Brian (Beth), London, Ont. and David 'Crocker' (Charlene), Cornwall, P.E.I.; daughters, Aileen Kelly-Devoe (Dave Phalen), Big Bras d’Or and Sharon (David Creith), Wasaga Beach, Ont.; eight grandchildren, Nichole and Krystal, David and Colin, Caitlin and Thomas and William and Cian. He will also be missed by his sisters, Aileen (the late Crawford) Matheson and Norma (the late Kent) Storey.
Hank was predeceased by his son-in-law, Eugene Devoe; daughter-in-law, Colleen Campbell Kelly; brother, Frank and his four-legged trusted companion of 13 years, “Buddy”.
Funeral service and celebration of life will be held at St. Matthew Wesley United Church, North Sydney on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Nancy Ritchie officiating, followed by a reception in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hank’s memory to St. Matthew Wesley United Church, the SPCA or a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
