DAVID ARTHUR KELLY

DAVID ARTHUR KELLY
Suddenly, on March 30, 2008, David Arthur Kelly, beloved son of Fred Kelly and his late mother, Sharlene, respected and loved by his older brothers, Bradford (Jill) and Donald (Wendi), passed away to join his mother.
Also mourning his loss are his many aunts, uncles and cousins whose lives he deeply touched with his light and spirit.
David was born June 3, 1976 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. He was the bundle of joy his brothers had been harping about, pestering their parents to give them a little brother.
As he grew, and despite the age difference between them, David and his brothers were always close. They’d read Highlights together, watch movies, wrestle in the living room, and swim in the pool for hours.
He attended Ecole Guyot where, immersed in the French language, he became bilingual at an early age. He later attended Beliveau Collegiate in Windsor Park.
David always was interested in the arts and he attended the University of Manitoba Fine Arts program, where he drew, painted, wrote, and performed music and exhibited his works in art shows there.
David was an active child and took after his brothers from an early age. From Don, he learned to play guitar at age three and by age 12 was giving virtuoso solo performances at the Cultural Centre Franco Manitobain.
They also shared a similar taste in music.
From Brad, he developed a keen interest in hockey and football, and they would spend winter days at the rink in Southdale. He looked up to his brothers and they, in turn, always encouraged his interests.
From his father, Fred, David developed an interest in, and appreciation for, native spirituality and he drew much comfort and wisdom from it. He participated with his father in traditional ceremonies and learned to do many by himself.
The most profound influence on David’s life, however, was his mother, Sharlene. She taught him to be a giving, compassionate, caring, selfless person. She cheered him on, cheered him up, and encouraged him in all of his interests and pursuits.
Hers was a selfless love, and her devotion to his care and well-being made her truly happy in life.
David’s lasting passion was music. He was always in a band and was constantly writing and performing. He was a founding member of the band Kittens, recording albums and touring extensively.
His musical talents took him to Los Angeles, where he vigorously pursued a career as a professional musician. He wrote songs and lyrics, and played guitar, drums, and bass in several bands, notably The Guinevere Project, The Distants, Echo Hawk, and Puppies and Kittens. He also shared his gifts by teaching music to young children.
David was a gifted, caring, compassionate person and always tried to accommodate the needs and wishes of others—often to the detriment of his own. He had so much more to give the world.
His untimely passing has left his family and friends with an emptiness, but with memories filled with his smile, humour, generosity, talent, and love.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. (south of the Royal Canadian Mint).