FAY, Kelly Arnold

January 3, 1948 — October 23, 2024

It is with inconsolable sadness that we announce the death of Kelly Arnold Fay on October 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the centre of the family’s whole universe. We loved him so much, and he was taken from us too soon. He fought a stoic and dignified battle of 21 months with lung cancer.

Kelly was born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, on January 3, 1948, to Arthur and Bette Fay (deceased). He is survived by his adoring wife of 51 years, Patricia (“Tricia” to Kelly); his beloved children and sons-in-law, Ryan Fay of Halifax, Taryn Fay-McClymont and Alastair McClymont of Kelowna, and Kristin and Gabriel Cacchioni of Kelowna; and four grandchildren, Giada and Benjamin Cacchioni, and Hazel and Bridget McClymont.

Kelly is also survived by his loving sister, Laurie Pettman (Patrick) of Tsawwassen, and her family who had a special bond with Uncle Kelly: Craig Pettman, Sarah (Randy) Dickin, Rachel (Blair) Butler and their children, Ryan, Michael, Fay, Max, and Charlotte. He also held a special place in the heart of Pat’s niece, Nicole Chenier-Hogan (Chris) and their children, Brendan (Abbi), Anastasia, and Cameren.

Kelly’s father, Art, had many siblings and Kelly enjoyed love, friendship, and a whole lot of fun with his numerous first cousins, who gathered every four years at the Fay family reunions.

As a result of his father’s occupation as an RCAF pilot, Kelly and his sister, Laurie, had the opportunity during their childhood to live in many destinations throughout Europe and the USA. Although it was an exciting childhood for them, they had to adapt to many new schools and friends.

Kelly’s father retired from the Air Force in 1965, and the family moved permanently to Kelowna, where Kelly attended and graduated from Kelowna Secondary School in 1967. Whilst there, he had made many wonderful and lasting friendships that still continue to this day.

Kelly then attended BCIT and graduated as a Forestry Technologist. He was employed by Crown Zellerbach, which eventually was sold to Tolko, and prompted Kelly’s choice to retire in 2015. Kelly loved his job and had a successful career as a Supervisor of Kelowna Woodlands that spanned the different areas from Timber Cruising, Forest Engineering, and Forest Investigations. However, his true love and specialty was in the Silviculture area. He was passionate about the forest and with the hard-working contractors and planters (which included his three children), they were successful in planting approximately 120 million trees in the Okanagan Valley. His colleagues were a special group of people that have remained dear friends, they worked hard, and perhaps socialized just as hard (grey shack parties!).

Kind and loving, Kelly was an incredibly genuine man. He led a life full of integrity, he never compromised on his values, and was loved by all who knew him. His family, friends, and dogs (Seana, Tori, and Indy) were his true passions.

Kelly and Pat met on the Costa del Sol in Spain in 1971, while both were travelling. Originally from Kingston, ON, Pat moved to Kelowna on returning from Europe, to marry Kelly. They enjoyed a joyful marriage of 51 years, filled with adventures, including a memorable trip to Spain for their 40th anniversary. Their happiest moments were spent outdoors — skiing, camping, hiking, and travelling together. As best friends, they truly cherished each other’s company.

Kelly had a lifelong passion for sports, excelling as a skier (starting in Europe while skiing to school), as well as being a curler and golfer. He was also an accomplished gardener, spending countless hours in the garden, nurturing beautiful dahlias, and was an avid fan of the BC Lions. Kelly expressed his creativity through art at different times throughout his life, and in retirement, he painted cherished pieces for the family.

Kelly was a father and grandfather extraordinaire. Devoted to the well-being of his family, he would do anything and everything to help them. A well-used phrase in the family was “Ask Dad”, as he always had a solution to everything and was often found building, repairing, and renovating items in the family house.

His grandchildren and grand-dog, Indy, who walked with Kelly every day, were his pure delight. He enjoyed every minute with them, and they had a lot of fun times together, teaching them to play chess and ski. He was also their number one fan for their various sporting endeavours.

Kelly was very proud of his whole family and rejoiced in all their accomplishments. Most of all, he was so pleased that his adult children (including his sons-in-law, whom he loved as sons) were responsible, kind people who were by his side until the very end.

Life will be very difficult for all of us going forward, without Kelly to love and guide us. Rest in Peace, my Love.

We are so grateful for the amazing outpouring of love and concern from everyone who knew Kelly. The family has been surrounded by an incredible and supportive community.

We sincerely thank his one-of-a-kind family doctor, Dr. D. Obedkoff for his expertise, compassion, and home visits. Thank you to Dr. G. Martos (Chemotherapy Oncologist), and Evelyn (RN Chemotherapy Nurse), and Dr. I. Mohamed (Radiation Oncologist), who all worked very hard to keep Kelly alive. They treated Kelly with dignity, knowledge, and kindness throughout his treatment. With the wonderful help of the Palliative Care team of nurses, we were able to keep Kelly comfortable at home with his family until the end of his life.

Few hearts like his,
with virtue warm’d
Few heads with knowledge
so inform’d
If there’s another world
he lives in bliss
if there is none
he made the best of this.

    – Robert Burns –

The family has arranged for a bench to be placed in Kelly’s favourite spot in the sand lines behind the family home. It will be a special place for the family for years to come. If you wish to donate to the bench in lieu of flowers, please consider sending e-transfers to faykristin@hotmail.com. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association.

We hope you will join us in remembering this incredible man. A Memorial Service will be held on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024, at 1:30 PM (PDT), located at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Father Ferdinand officiating and a reception to follow. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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