JOSEPH JAMES KELLAR

Joseph James Kellar, 19, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 in Fort Frances, Ont.
Joseph was predeceased by his birth father, Delbert “Bud” Kellar; his birth mother, Patricia Cupp; his grandmother-in-law, Roseanne Leonard; his adoptive grandfather, Clifford S. McLeod; his adoptive grandmother, Betty Kellar; and by a woman he considered a sister, Nicole Black.
Joseph is survived by his partner, Terri-lynne of Rainy River First Nations; and by her niece, Taneecha, whom he loved as a daughter.
Joseph also is lovingly remembered by his parents, Jack and Luella Kellar; brothers and sister, Kyle, Matthew, Blake, and Kennedy; “sister-by-choice,” Kaytilyn Black (Brennen); sister, Harriette Wagner; brother-in-law, Brad Wagner; nephews, Hunter, Jon, Kenny, Greg, and Damian; and his niece, Krystal.
Also surviving are his aunts and uncles, Lorne (Karen), Lynn (Phyllis), Larry (Val), Ron (Leslie), Glen (Lori), Cindy, and Bev (Jim); cousins, Paula (Martin), Michelle (Andrew), Kiirsti (Darren), Fawn, Tamara (Eric), Christopher (Tianna), Miranda, Christina, Donald, Jason (Brittany), Nicholas (Courtney), Jared, Joseph, Abigail, River, Keri, Sarah, Shannon (Kevin), Travis (Melissa), and Jayme (Rob); and by John Beaton, a close family friend.
He also will be remembered by his father-in-law, Terry Pickard; and brothers-in-law, Zachary Leonard, Javan Smith, and Daeton DeBungie.
Joseph also was very close to Willie and Tina McGinnis, and their children, Dylan (Jody), Ruthanne (Tyrone), Melissa, and Joe Bruyere.
Joseph also developed a closer familiar relationship with the Buschs; Barb, whom he considered another mother, and Dan, whom he found a brother in.
Joseph was born July 14, 1993 in Fort Frances. He attended Crossroads School in Devlin, Fort Frances High School, the United Nations Friendship Centre, and Seven Generations.
He was a very hard worker, and worked at a number of different labourer jobs.
His lifelong dream was to become a heavy-duty mechanic.
Most of all, Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He looked forward to being with Taneecha, and with Hunter, Jon, Kenny, Krystal, and Greg.
He loved to joke around, and would assist anyone that needed his help. He was very interested in learning more about his culture and always could count on Willie and Tina to provide guidance.
Joseph enjoyed activities that allowed him to be outdoors. He also loved to drive any machine and the faster it went, the happier he felt.
He liked to take things apart, to try to fix them, and to put them back together again—even if he was left with “extra” parts.
A celebration of Joseph’s life was held Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Emo Legion in Emo, Ont., officiated by Rev. Barbara Miller.
The pallbearers were his siblings, Kyle, Matthew, Blake, and Kennedy, as carrying Joseph will be the last thing that they will be able to do for him.
Honorary pallbearers were Daniel Busch, Javan Smith, Taylor Halfe, and Daeton Debungie.
Following a luncheon, the funeral ceremony continued at the Kellar residence in La Vallee, Ont., officiated by Mr. Willie McGinnis.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to an educational trust fund for Taneecha c/o Jack and Luella Kellar.
Online condolences may be offered online at www.northridgefuneralhome.com