He was born on January 21, 1939, in American Falls, Idaho, to Robert Eugene and Chloe Hunter Kelly. They lived in Rockland, Idaho, until he was about 3 years old, when his father moved the family to Pocatello. He had many fond memories of the fun he and his sissy had there and of his big brothers whom he greatly admired. He attended Pocatello High School where he excelled academically and graduated in 1957.

It was during these years when he met a group of friends who have remained with him all through his life. Reed Parr, Jimmy Woodland, Doug Hatch, and Mark Baldwin were members of the group which he fondly referred to as "The Pack." He was deeply grateful for their friendship and the good time they had.

He was and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In March of 1959, he was called to serve in the California Mission. He was a valiant servant of the Lord and held many callings throughout his life, including serving in two bishoprics, Sunday School presidencies, and may more, too may to list. He loved the gospel and spent every day of his life striving to please his Father in Heaven.

In 1962, he met the love of his life, Becky C. McCoy. One year later, they were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 21, 1963. He then spent the next 43 years loving and supporting his sweetheart. Even through the last years of his life he could be seen reaching out to hold her hand and kiss her cheek.

They made their home in Pocatello, where he attended Idaho State University College of Pharmacy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and graduated with National Honors. He was a member of the National Honor Society of Ro Chi. While attending school, he was asked by the Dean of Pharmacy to participate in developing a new drug that was later used to treat high blood pressure.

After he graduated, he worked for a short time in Brigham City and St. Anthony, finally settling in Idaho Falls in 1967, where they lived and raised three precious daughters. It was here that he began his life-long career as a pharmacist for Skaggs Drug. He loved his work and continued the knowledgeable and compassionate care for his many loyal clients until his retirement in July of 2000.

He was an active member of the community and served as Chairman of the Board for Bonneville Joint School District #93 for six years. He enjoyed this work and gained many new friendships while serving in this position.

He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing, and snowmobiling in Island Park and Yellowstone with his good friend and fellow pharmacist, Ed Wulfekuhle. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grand-children. They are his greatest joy, and his grandest achievement. He is survived by his wife, Becky, of Idaho Falls, and daughters, Leslie (Wade) Harper of Idaho Falls, Lisa (Greg) Talamantez of Herriman, Utah, and Laurie (Mike) Lees of Idaho Falls, 9 grandchildren, Brandon, Taylor, Hailey and Jake Harper, Bridger and Cooper Talamantez, Katelynn, Kendra and Kaisen Lees, 2 brothers, Myrlen (Elsie) Kelly and Burton (JoAnne) Kelly, and a sister, Wyone (Douglas) Myler, and 19 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a beacon of light who touched the lives of everyone who met him. He taught us and will continue to teach us valuable lessons about faith, love, and patience. Papa, we will miss you dearly, but loof forward to a grand reunion. Love Always, Your Family.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2006, at the Lincoln LDS Stake Center, 2545 Mesa, with Bishop Dennis Wendt officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 26, 2006, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls and one hour prior to the services at the church.