John Paul Kelley, 87, passed away peacefully on Nov 18, 2025, at his home Nanoose Bay, British Columbia.
Curious, competitive and challenging, John Paul was a man of accomplishments. He was accepted by the California Institute of Technology at age 16. As an aerospace engineer, he participated in the Apollo 11 mission which landed the first man on the moon. As an avid golfer, he qualified for the Canadian Senior’s Championship and was an RCGA certified rules official. Musician (tenor sax, piano and guitar), model boat builder extraordinaire, nationally ranked sports car rallyist in the USA, licensed private pilot, and spiritual seeker – he was all of this and more. His frequently contrarian views and agile mind often prompted spirited debate with his friends.
John Paul loved fast cars, tall women, and good scotch.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, 11 months and 356 days, Sam (née Sharon), his sister Susan, his three sons, Parnell (Catherine), Patrick (Dana),and John (Elena), and his grandchildren, Ethyn and Pangea.
