Walter (Walt) Avery Kelley, 80, of Tonasket, Washington, died peacefully at his home on November 21, 2011 under Hospice care. He was born on February 6, 1931 in Worland, Wyoming to Elmo James and Winnie Pearl Kelley. As a youngster, he wanted to be a cowboy and spent considerable time shooting "varmits". He developed a very close relationship with his siblings at an early age after his mother passed away during the birth of his younger brother.  His interests also included fishing in the summer and ice skating in the winter. He was raised in Wyoming until 1946, when the family moved to Sunnyside Washington. He finished High School in Sunnyside (class of 1949) and met his best friend for life, Elizabeth (Betty) Felicijan.
He joined the Navy in August of 1949 and was designated a "sharpshooter" after hismarksmanship became evident. He said his shooting skills came from the "Wyoming Cowboy" deep within, and he ended up serving in the Korean War as a gunner on the USS DeHaven 727 Destroyer. During leave on December 21, 1950, he married his cherished high school sweetheart Betty Felicijan, then returned to finish his tour of duty for our country until May of
1953. The war had deeply troubled him after experiencing so much death and destruction and losing too many close friends. He did not want to discuss the devastating events; instead, he chose to focus on the positive things that arose from every aspect of his life.
After the military, he lived in married-student housing at Pullman, where he received his degree in Education from Washington State University (GO COUGS) and also welcomed 3 sons into the world. Upon completion, he accepted what he believed to be a temporary job as the Tonasket Vo-Ag instructor and FFA advisor and enjoyed great relationships with students, faculty and parents. Very soon after his arrival in Tonasket (1957), he lost his first born son to cancer. To his amazement, the Tonasket community rallied to support his family through this tragic time. That touched him so deeply that he fell in love with the people that helped them so much, and they made Tonasket their permanent home. He never looked back nor regretted that decision for the next 54 years.
His desire for agriculture led to a purchase of his 1st orchard in 1963. Although it had been severely neglected, he found the silver lining: With some long hours, hard work, and perseverance, he would turn it into a successful operation and eventually expand to 3 additional orchards. A few years into the purchase, he made a decision to leave his teaching position for a job with HR Spinner Company as a field man for local producers. This lasted only
1 year as he found it would be sacrificing too much quality time with his family, so he went back to teach as a 6th grade teacher. By 1965, he had added another son and daughter to his family and continued teaching for 19 more years. He dearly loved the challenge to teach children at that level, and developed a lifelong relationship with many students as their "Mr. Holland's
Opus" inspiration. He knew what education brought to his life and viewed teaching as an opportunity to give back to society that for which he was so grateful.
He liked the teaching/farming role, as it gave him time to spend with his family camping, fishing, hunting, and boating. He was a great role model in teaching his own kids that anything was possible and they could do the fun things…but "after" they got the work done!  The farm provided the environment for the work and left lifetime memories, values, and an uncanny desire to pursue a higher education in lieu of such hard work!
He retired (again) from his teaching role in 1986 and became a full time orchardist, farming cherries, apples, and pears. After cutting back to 1 job he felt that he had so much extra time that he pursued many hobbies and expanded his talents. The North County Car Club and OK Car Club were added to his activities, which fit right in with his interest of tinkering with cars. In
fact, he completely rebuilt a '50 Chevy (which he conveniently named as Betty's Car" so she wouldn't be quite as upset over what he spent to do this). He really enjoyed his travels as a "snowbird" to Hemet, California and developed so many dear friends. While away, he spent countless hours painting, golfing, writing poetry, participated in theatrical plays, and the occasional world travel when time and budget allowed. He especially enjoyed the proximity of his brother and sister nearby. He loved them dearly and had missed their presence while living full time in Tonasket all those years. He did this through 2006 until his health made it impractical to travel that far from home.
He embraced the Catholic Church, becoming a convert in his teens. He later confessed that it was Betty that really converted him, since he loved her enough to follow her lead. After settling in Tonasket, he dedicated nearly 54 years helping the Tonasket congregation with its needs. He also believed that all denominations were avenues to everlasting life.  He shared a secret later in his life that if it wasn't for his wife, he could not have made the impact he did. She was always at his side to love him, nourish him, help him, cheer him, heal
him, and yes sometimes scold him! She was the strong one that seemed to made all bad things disappear. Because of her unconditional love he knew he was truly blessed.
He really enjoyed his time with "the boys", hunting, fishing, and card playing in his earlier years, but mostly card playing in later years as age set in. He was anxious to play cards again with good friends Ken Smith and John Utzinger that left this earth ahead of him!He promised to save a seat at the table for the rest of "the boys", but warned "bring plenty of pennies because eternal is a long time!"
His life changed suddenly in 1999 when he was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma and given less than a 2 year prognosis of survival. His loving bride said "no way", and together they embarked on a very long process to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there is always hope, no matter how dire the situation. Throughout this journey, he discovered so many new friends and found how well a positive attitude can heal and nurture. During the latter part of
this path, he encountered a near-death experience. This account was later published in the local paper and called "Modern Day Lazarus", relating how he saw what awaited him. This excited him, strengthened his faith, and gave him further inspiration to take time to mentor and nurture others in need along the way and to no longer fear death.
He became an email fan (as many of you know) and connected to even more people. He loved to give updates through this process and maintained his role of teacher by continually grading his health. He made the grade most of the time with even an occasional A+. However, those that know him best knew of his passionate desire for F's. That is, his simple philosophy of life is that there are only 3 important things in life and they are all F's---FAITH---FAMILY---FRIENDS. He made it nearly 12 years on this journey, rarely losing his positive attitude and never losing his faith. Last month, as the journey became increasingly difficult, he confided to his family that it was time to say goodbye, and enlisted Hospice to make his final days more peaceful for himself and Betty. He also chose to donate his body to science for the betterment of society.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Betty, son Dan (grandchildren Kris and Lindsay) of Gulf Port, Mississippi, son Jim spouse Lynne (grandchildren Ryan and Ashlyn) of Kennewick, son Dave spouse Teria (grandchildren Jeremy, Taylor, Tammy, Brenda, and Rick) of East Wenatchee, daughter Katie spouse Kimmo Nissinen (grandchild Seija) of Seattle, sister Laura of Clovis, California, brother Jerry of Riverside California, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, parents Elmo and Winnie, and stepmother Helen.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, November 26, 2011  11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tonasket.

A Graveside services with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012  11:00 AM at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7800 Van Belle Rd., Sunnyside, WA.

A Luncheon will follow the service at the Desert Wind Winery, 2258 Wine Country Rd., Prosser, WA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice of Omak, 800 South Jasmine, Omak, WA 98841 or American Cancer Society at their 24/7 line 1-800-227-2345.

Remarks from the Memorial Service by Dan Kelley
Thank you all for coming here today, your support means so much to us. When I look out at all of you, I know I speak for our family by saying thanks. We will all miss Dad, but we know that our memories of him are like yours, they do not go away. They may fade, but the impact he has had on us will be forever.
One of the first things I want to make sure I share with you is what I know is Dad's expectation for this service, it's a celebration. You will see a lot of tears, but that is a Kelley trait that we have for sad and happy moments. You should see us when we watch an emotional movie. After the mass we will have an open mic next door in the hall if anyone wants to share a good "Walt story". I know there will be several.
Dad knew for a long time that this moment would come and talked to many of us about helping with the celebration. I'm here to tell you about the Kelley kid's perspective: myself, my brothers Jim and Dave and my sister Katie and of course, our mom, Betty.
It's been a mixed blessing knowing how his battle with cancer would eventually end. But when you put it perspective, the ending is always the same for each of us. We will all lose a parent, some will lose a child. So this is nothing new for the world, it's just our turn right now.We spent a lot of time the last few days going through an amazing amount of family pictures. One thing we noticed that many of you already probably knew, there was almost always a twinkle in his eyes and a smile that was contagious.
As we collected our thoughts for today and we started sorting things into order, there were several roles Dad had that seemed important to us. He was of course a husband and father. He was also a farmer, a hunter, a fisherman, and a camper. He was an artist, a poet, an actor, a car collector, and a card player. But most of all he was a teacher.
When we gathered as a family this week and started reviewing what we wanted to say and saw what everyone else had sent us, it always seemed to head back to that teacher role. When we were younger, I know we didn't always appreciate the lessons. They seem to make more sense when we are older and reflect back on those that impacted our life journeys.
Dad was always teaching the Kelley kids, but also the teaching community was a big part of our lives. From the trips with dad as very young boys to go check on the FFA cow, to the sporting, music, or theatrical events that either we were participating in or just observing as another member of the Tonasket community, we really didn't realize how much a small community's focus is on the schools.
Dad's friends in the teaching community became part of our community circle. The hunting, fishing and camping trips with the Smith's, the Anzelini's, the Moore's, the Brown's, the Mills and others became the norm for us. The hunting buddies of dad's later became the card players that we all have heard so much about.
Dad's mantra after his battle with cancer began, became the 3 F's - Faith, Family and Friends. Dad actually had a test run of his final chapter on earth when we thought we lost him the first time back in 2006. The story of his sneak preview of everlasting life is in a newspaper article and a copy of it is in the hall, we invite you to read it after the service. This event strengthened his faith and inspired him to encourage others in their faith journey.
His love of family is evident in how he and Mom nurtured, provided for and taught us kids. How he loved spending time with all of his relatives, especially attending any special events of grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Living in Tonasket for over 50 years and a teacher for nearly 30, he developed many friendships as is evidenced by your presence here today. But Dad did not have to know a person for any length of time before becoming a friend, especially at a cancer treatment facility or any place where people gather. As he fought his battle, he mentored others facing similar challenges (he was a teacher). I remember only a few weeks ago when I went with him to the doctor's office and within a few minutes, Dad, Wally Moore and Dale Johnson were having such a grand time that Billie Kuhlman had to come out and tell them to use their indoor voices (they were all teachers)!
Jim shared with us how Dad made running an orchard a teaching tool. He taught us how to work, how to get paid and how to pay for the things we wanted. His commitment to doing things right, showed in the quality of the fruit he produced and the condition of his orchards. We all have a special pride in what we call the 40 acres. When mom and dad purchased the land, it was sagebrush with no water. The whole family worked hard to plant the trees, put in the irrigation system and care for the place while it grew into full production. There are six blocks of fruit on that land, each named after members of our family. It's the same thing many in this church have done over and over. It bonds a family.
The orchard extended family though the years included many of the people that worked for Dad. He took on their problems if they needed help; he loved them like his children.
Both of my brothers followed in Dad's footsteps with their careers; Jim became an orchardist and Dave became a teacher. Several weeks ago, my brother Dave posted the news on his Facebook page about Dad deciding to not go through another round of the chemo. Many former students responded and I want to share a couple of typical ones with you.
Mr. Kelley. I'm sure I never told you this before but…our broken family had just been through one traumatic thing after another until I landed in your homeroom that year….feeling lost, confused and very much alone. I was a small, shy 11 year old who was ill equipped to understand why my sister died; my father wasn't himself and why my mother uprooted us in the middle of the night, moving us to Tonasket….!
And there you were, and I will never forget your kind face and warm smile….you made me feel like I was the most important person in the world and that I belonged. You had that rare gift, a way of making a human connection and you taught me to believe in myself. Many years later, I realized the incredible impact you had on my life. You saw me, really saw me, when I would have been so easily overlooked. Your encouragement and recognition of my talent in sports carried me through, bringing a sense of accomplishment and joy….and most importantly it kept me in school – not with honors but I graduated!!There is a God and he put me in your path for a reason; I will be forever grateful Mr. Kelley for knowing you.
Dave I am sorry to hear about your father, He was my Shop/ Ag Teacher and FFA advisor for 3 years in the 1960s, He taught me a lot of shop and farming skills that have served me well in my life. I also was able to work with your Dad for many years when he was farming and brought his fruit to Chief Tonasket. I've always enjoyed visiting with your Dad over the years when I would run into him in town; He has always been a gentleman. THANK YOU MR. KELLEY for all the kids from Tonasket you have had a positive influence on, a job well done!
When I caught up with my sister Katie at the house this week, the first thing she said was how much she missed him. Mom and Dad had 3 sons, and we all know that boys are made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails and make good laborers for an orchard. Daughters are different and Dad and Katie had that special relationship. As the boys grew up and left the house, I think Dad realized his baby girl was growing up and he became even more involved in her life. I know that Tim Oaks was Katie's real track coach, but I'm sorry Tim, Dad was the one who really had her attention. And she had all of his.
Dad missed Katie too as she grew up and left the house, but that special bond between a daughter and her dad only grew stronger. He made special efforts even when he wasn't feeling very well to make sure he still got frequent visits to Seattle. His new granddaughter Seija came into his life late, she provided that extra shot of energy for Dad that only a young spirit can do.
Dad was especially fond of his grandchildren. Jeremy, Ryan Kris and Rick are all about the same age and each experienced their grandfather in their own unique ways. Granddaughters are his weakness and Ashlyn, Lindsay, Taylor, Tammy and Brenda have many fond memories.
I have so many memories of Dad. Especially fun for me were the early hunting and fishing lessons. My first hunting trip with Dad was up Pine Creek when I was only 7 or 8 and I was scared of the dark. Dad helped us get the sheep we raised, horses we rode if we could catch them, and the motorcycles we bought when we got tired of chasing the horses. He taught us how to take care of animals (for some reason he could always catch the dang horses!) fix motorcycles, scooters and cars, clean a fish, stalk a deer, prime a pump, bud graft a seedling tree, rebuild a sprinkler head, build a fence, use a chainsaw. He taught me how to drive a tractor, including backing up with the trailer, a skill all fishermen must have!The one skill I could never master was that vent flap in the old truck. I think it may have been why we finally got something else to drive to school.
Mom and Dad met when they were in high school and have not only been lifetime spouses; they were truly partners in life. Mom was involved in everything Dad did, including the teaching. When we were adults, Dad often told us how Mom was his support, his confidant, his true boss. He said he would have been nothing without her at his side. Dad has always been motivated to do the right things so that he could provide the best for Mom, right up to his last days.

Dad taught us a valuable lesson about relationships from his everyday interactions with mom:
- What unconditional love is
-How to treat women with respect
- How to endure pain and suffering
- How to celebrate with joy
He was a teacher.

Finally, we really can't be complete in Dad's story without talking about his voicemail greeting. We have all listened to it over the years, with only slight variations whenever a new   phone system was purchased.
"Hello, this is Walt. You have a good day and I'll have a good day. Please leave a message after the beep. Oh, and by the way, today is the first day of the rest of your life."

He was a teacher. Let's live the lesson.

Remarks from the Memorial Reception by Jeff Smith
I'm happy to report that the news of Walt's death has been greatly exaggerated! Walt is alive and well….in the Kingdom of Heaven….cancer and pain-free, and I'm sure dancing up a storm!
My name is Jeff Smith. I had the pleasure of knowing Walt my entire life. Many of you came here to mourn his passing, but you know that he'd prefer that instead this be a celebration of life. He asked that I represent Dad in sharing the unique story of love, mutual respect, admiration and friendship involving a small group of men: Walt, Ed Verney, Wally Moore, Al Biggs, Bill Olgivie, Johnny Utzinger and my Dad (Ken Smith). For more than 50 years, these men were close friends – they worked side-by-side; raised their families together; enjoyed a friendly game of poker on a regular basis; hunted and fished the mountains and lakes of the Okanogan Valley; supported each other through good times and bad; subjected each other to good-natured ribbing and practical jokes; and, they laughed. Man did these guys enjoy a good laugh!
Individually and collectively, they had enormous hearts – supporting others and giving to this community in ways we'll never fully comprehend. They formed a very special bond that is extremely rare in today's world.
There was also a very important distinction about this group – they were and are men of God…and Walter was their spiritual leader. I've never met anyone with more passion to share the Word of Jesus Christ than Walt Kelley. He allowed God to give through his hands, smile through his face, care through his heart, speak through his voice and shine through his eyes. Many of you know about his "I saw the Light" story from July 6th, 2006. Final rites were administered in the hospital and he was sent home to spend his final hours and days. Walt told me later that he journeyed to the other side where he saw two angels and Dad telling him it wasn't time yet. He also recalls hearing Katie's voice…telling him not to leave; that the family needed him. When they compared notes later, they discovered Katie was driving home over Snoqualmie Pass at about that same time praying the same thing. He says he told the Lord that he had some unfinished business to attend to here on earth. Through that neardeath experience God gave him extra time on earth to spread the good Word – to comfort others and to offer hope.
In his February 6th, 2008 wellness letter (it was a B+ day), Walt recalled how his life took on new meaning not long after being diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma: "When we have finite time here, it sure makes a difference on what we consider important. I thought that I had a strong faith, but I came to appreciate my faith on a higher level. I took as my motto 'Faith, Family and Friends.' I had not been one to openly share my faith with others, but began to do that. I had a new meaning for eternity – welcoming the fact that I had Christian faith that explained that our Lord made it possible for us to have everlasting life. I had always been a hugger, but now I began my hug therapy campaign. I took time to tell my family and friends how much I loved them and became excited about enjoying the rest of my life." And, so he did. Walter made a difference in many of our lives through his hug therapy and constant reminders to savor every priceless moment of life.
The following is entitled "Miss Me, But Let Me Go." It was clearly written in the spirit of Walt Kelley: "When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not for too long and not with a head bowed low. Remember the love we once share. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan; a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know. Bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go." That, ladies and gentlemen, is Walt Kelley's legacy – a man who celebrated life every day and trusted the Lord to show him the way. A man who recognized that the world is not about accumulated wealth, positions of authority or material things – it's all about relationships and love that will endure long after we've been called home.
One last thought about Walt. I have never met anyone, man or woman, who fought so hard for the right to live…and was so gracious when it became clear the fight was over. In his final wellness letter (dated Oct. 15th), Walt said: I'm ready for Heaven and I look forward to everlasting life. I have had a great life. Faith, Family and Friends…my favorite F words. Love and prayers to all of you." Walt's love and compassion leaves behind an indelible mark upon this community. There's a passage in the Bible that will forever remind me of him: "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19" Think about that when you remember Walt's contagious smile…a reflection of the joy in his heart and the light of Jesus Christ in his eyes. I saw that smile and twinkle in his eyes Oct. 14th as we stood along the shoreline of Omak Lake – a trip he's wanted to make since we lost Dad there six years ago. He looked at me, smiled and said: "You know…your Dad wasn't much of a hugger…but I kept working on him." Enjoy a life of eternity, Walter – I look forward to seeing you, Mom & Dad, Mary Ellen Colbert, Jo Biggs, Jane Brown, Dottie Workosky, Johnny and Gay Utzinger, Ed Verney and a host of others on the other side. As my brother Brent stated via e-mail early this morning from Louisiana: "The empty chair at the poker table has just been filled."