Ward R. Kelley

Ward was born on November 7th, 1934 in Portland, Oregon to Ward S. and Betty V. Kelley. Ward spent his early years skiing on Mt. Hood and experiencing the outdoors. He attended Oregon State University and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On November 16th, 1958, he married Celia K. Glasford.

After graduation from college, he served in the Army Signal Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1956, he accepted the position of Plains Sales Division Manager for Caterpillar Tractor Company. In 1959, he relocated with his family to Colorado.

Ward was a pioneer of construction in Colorado. In 1965, he co-founded KELRAN Constructors, Inc. Ward later founded ERS Constructors, a pipeline utility construction company, and Equipment Rental Services Inc. Ward and his associates built pipeline infrastructures in Crested Butte, Breckenridge, Denver International Airport, and numerous other locations across the United States. He made donations to numerous charities including Water for the People, Children’s Hospital, and Shriners Hospital.

Those touched by Ward understood the importance of love and family. In 1981, he moved for the last time to W. Plum Creek Valley. He spent his time tending the land, raising horses, watching the wildlife, and sharing the outdoor experience with his family.

Ward is survived by his wife, Celia Kelley (Glasford); two daughters, Julia and Jennifer; 5 grand-children, and 8 great-grand-children.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.