Robert E. Kelsey

Robert “Bob” Kelsey, 89, passed away December 25, 2020. Bob was born in Odessa, Texas, on March 30, 1931, and spent his childhood in Colton, CA, with his parents, Alex and Cloteal Aucutt Kelsey, and his sister, Joyce Kelsey Wilson. He graduated from Colton High School, and enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from 1950 until 1954. Following his completion of service he was accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles, and while attending met his future wife, Constance “Connie” Bianchi. Bob and Connie were married on December 27, 1956, in Santa Barbara, CA, beginning 63 years of marriage, until Connie’s passing in 2019. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA, he attended the University of Oregon, Eugene, and completed a master’s degree in psychology. In 1962 he moved with Connie to Grand Junction where he was employed by the Colorado State Home and Training School (later the Grand Junction Regional Center). Bob was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He originated the idea of a day center to support the needs of the homeless, and he, along with others, created the Catholic Outreach Day Center, which was opened in 1997. Bob volunteered at the Day Center, serving as director, helping to organize donations and volunteers from community churches, businesses and other organizations.

Bob is survived by his children, Megan (Jeff), Mary, John (Marissa), Tom (Erica) and Paul; grandchildren, Adrienne (Ryan), Sara (Cliff), Lynnette (Brent), Clare, Paul, Gracie, Naomi and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Jenaveve and Curee; and brothers-in-law, Jack (Marguerite) and Paul (Wendy).

A Mass will be recited at Immaculate Heart of Mary later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Catholic Outreach Day Center.