Kelly Peter Hales

April 17, 1952 - April 16, 2009

Kelly Hales lost his life, suddenly, rushing to help his co-workers at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. His final act of concern and sacrifice for his co-workers speaks to Kelly's character. He was devoted to his friends and family, willing to help at anytime, and more concerned for their health and happiness than his own.

Kelly, a loving father and husband, is survived by his wife Kay; daughters, Allison and Emily; sister, Heidi (Michael) Prows; and nieces, Ashley and Nicole. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Olive. Kelly was anticipating celebrating Emily's graduation from Notre Dame High School and Allison's 21st birthday next month. He was proud of Allison's success in pursuit of her UCLA pre-med degree and was busy helping Emily choose a college where she planned to study nursing.

He was an avid golfer and hiker and loved to travel. On the golf course, he enjoyed the competition against the course and the banter and kidding of his buddies. Hiking allowed Kelly to combine exercise, his love of nature, and spending time with his family and friends. Kelly was learning French for the family's upcoming vacation to Europe.

Kelly was born in Dos Palos, CA. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from UC, Irvine in 1974 and his doctorate of Pharmacy, from the University of California, San Francisco, in 1979. An employee at Long Beach Memorial for 21 years, he was currently the Executive Director of Ambulatory Pharmacy. He was engaged in professional and community affairs his entire life, from serving as a student body president during his pharmacy training to involvement in his local pharmacy society. Kelly also volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe church and school, where he served as PTC president and an Academic Decathlon coach.

At Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Kelly was devoted to his fellow workers and willing to "roll up his sleeves". He didn't sit behind his desk when there was work to be done. He stepped forward to help and that is what he was doing at the time of his unfortunate death. Even in death, he contributed to the community by participating in the One Legacy organ donation program.

Services will commence with a visitation on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 from 5:00PM - 9:00PM with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Rice Mortuary in Torrance. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 7:00PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Hermosa Beach. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of Guadalupe School Scholarship fund: 320 Massey Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.