Fred Gifford Kelly passed away in Redlands California on February 20, 2014, at the age of 77 years. With him were his partner, Suzie, of 24 years and her two sons, Whit and Brian. He died fighting the battle of cancer.
Fred was born in Long Beach California June 9, 1936. At UCLA he played football and ran track and aspired to be a journalist. His work life, however, was in the travel business in which he worked for a number of airlines in sales; Western Airlines being the longest. He traveled all over the world and was able to relay great stories about persons of importance he met in his travels as well as other fascinating experiences. Fred operated his own travel agency as well as a tour company that provided golf tournaments here and abroad.
Being a people person there always seemed to be a smile on his face and he was very much a gentleman. Kind and gentle are two other attributes Fred showed and his desire to go out of his way to help people, another. Full of stories of his interesting travel experiences and the ability to remember names, dates and places always amazed his listeners. His memory and knowledge made him a great sought after Trivial Pursuit partner. Fred enjoyed bowling, playing bocce, cards and games and was an avid golfer. He hosted District 11 and 15’s yearly golf tournament in Sun Lakes for 7 years. Another huge enjoyment of Fred’s was being a diehard Bruin’s football fan. He watched and recorded many a game. His sprinting ability almost put him in the Olympics but Fred found great satisfaction in volunteer work on Olympic Committees.
Fred’s father, Alson John Jr. Kelley (born in Nebraska) and his mother, Helen Ruth Mitchell (born in Wisconsin) are deceased.
Surviving family members are: Daughter Debbie Platt, Mammoth California; Son Jeffrey Kelly, Long Beach California; Grandchildren: John, Jason, Josh, and Jamie, great grandchildren and brothers: John Kelly and Don Kelly
Fred was always a gentleman and very much a people person. He will be greatly missed by family, and many friends and the pets.
Services were held at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, California February 25, 2014. Interment was at Stewart Sunnyslope Cemetery, Beaumont, California.
Memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society in Fred's name.
Arrangements were entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, California.
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