Kelly Lee Malvern

Colorado Springs, CO

Kelly left us very suddenly at his home in a medical event that caused him no pain or suffering.

Kelly was born July 20th,1961 as the youngest child of Patricia and Robert Malvern, with two older brothers, Michael and Jay at Saint Anthony’s in Denver. As a child, the family moved with Bob’s job and lived in Indiana, Wyoming and Denver. Then, as a teenager, he lived for a bit with his brother Jay and sister-in-law Candee in Sitka, Alaska. It was an experience that he referenced for the rest of his life. As an adult he moved to find interesting work, and lived in Denver, Florida, and Colorado Springs.

Kelly was a self-made man who learned about life and developed his passion for science through living, doing only what formal education he felt was necessary to achieve his goals. He was constantly learning and experimenting with whatever he found interesting, seeing the world around him for its puzzles and possibilities. His workshop was a refuge from the stresses of life where he channeled his thoughts and creative thinking into problem solving on a more personal level. If you were looking for Kelly, the best place to start was his workshop. His vast knowledge was acquired, not purchased, and he had an uncanny ability to see through BS.

Kelly inherited an inquisitive mind, an incredible memory, and a tireless work ethic from his parents. He always liked to improve what was working and fix what wasn’t. He had an interest in all kinds of machines and processes. He worked on underground mine drilling machines, high speed optics used by bottle manufacturers, fiber optic nets around military target systems and high-speed data transmission that could record the stresses and destruction of aircraft during a crash. His understanding of complex computerized radar controls has been an asset to America, and occupied half of his life.

Kelly was one of the most generous souls you have ever met. He was always thoughtful and caring of people and put a lot of himself into helping them develop into the best person can be. He changed his life in an instant to help his stepchildren with whatever they needed. He built up his family and friends when they struggled, and he loved fiercely no matter what mistakes were made. He loved family, friends, humor, and music, in that order. God help you if you messed with his family.

Kelly is survived by his wife Jan, his children Elisabeth (Rob) and Joshua (Eileen), his grandchildren Mikela and Garrett, and his brother Michael (Kathleen) and sister-in-law Candee, and Cynthia (Alfred) and beautiful nieces and nephews. Kelly had lost his father, his mother, his brother Jay, and stepson Russ before he left us.

Kelly shared 28 wonderful years with Jan, spending the last 9 months deepening their affection for one another and planning for his retirement. This brings Jan great comfort now as she struggles to move forward without the love of her life, and the rock she always hung on to. She is grateful for the time they had together and for the person Kelly helped her grow into. Her gratitude for him and everything he was almost outweighs the crushing despair of losing him. Almost.

Kelly never had children of his own blood. Instead, he raised his stepchildren and grandchildren with the love of a parent. He worked tirelessly to keep them safe and on the straight and narrow, and supported them when they messed up. A lot of the time “support” meant a hard look and a difficult discussion, but always with love and support. He chose to be a father when he didn’t have to, and they are so grateful to have had him help them grow into the best version of themselves.

Even as we miss him and are reminded of how extraordinary he was, we remember that he would always say “I’m just a man”.

Services and Celebration of Life to be announced later.