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William Scott Kelly
06/06/1926 — 07/14/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Charleston, WV
William Scott Kelly
William Scott Kelly passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in Richland, Washington after a very long battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Scott was born in Charleston, West Virginia on June 6, 1926 to James H. and Frances Connor Kelly. His parents were Scottish immigrants, and Scott was proud of his heritage. Scott spent his childhood in Charleston, and Morgantown, West Virginia.
Scott moved with his family to Richland in 1944. He was employed as a bicycle messenger for the duPont company on the Hanford Project until joining the Army. In the Army, Scott was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps and served in Rheims, France. After the Army, Scott attended Washington State College in Pullman, Washington, where he met his future wife in freshman English class. Scott graduated in 1951 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Scott married Fern Louise Cochran in 1949. After graduating, they moved to Richland, Washington. Scott was employed as a junior engineer on the Hanford Project by General Electric. His early career was spent on nuclear projects, and he was granted two patents for his work. In 1976 Scott transferred to Battelle Northwest as a senior engineer. His work at Battelle included both nuclear and other design projects. Scott managed the applied engineering and development section at Battelle for seven years and taught a project management course for staff. He retired in 1990.
Scott was devoted to his family and looked forward to family gatherings. He and Fern enjoyed golfing, bowling and camping trips with the family. Scott served for many years as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts. He was a Scoutmaster of Troop 228 and served on the executive board. Scott was a recipient the Silver Beaver Award for Scouting volunteers. He was also a member of the Central Lions Club. After his retirement he enjoyed traveling with Fern, including annual trips to Hawaii. Scott was a member of Central United Protestant Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, his parents, and brother Edgar Ray Kelly.
Scott is survived by his son, Gregory Vickie and grandchildren Jennifer Makenas, Ben and Elizabeth; son James Carol and grandchildren Christine, Michael and Brandon; son David; and daughter Sheila Kelly Woods Thomas and grandchildren Katherine and Gavin. Also surviving are sisters Virginia Ballard Del and Patricia Schuette John, sister-in-law Sue Kelly, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Scott was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1986. As his health gradually declined, he never failed to maintain a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Scott was able to live at home and maintain an active life much longer than predicted in large part due to the loving care of his wife Fern. Scott and Fern were active in the local Neurological Resource Center and Parkinson's support group. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neurological Resource Center. See http://www.neurologicalresource.org/ for more information and for a video that includes Scott and Fern.
The family is especially grateful to the staff at Rosetta Assisted Living in Richland for the patient and devoted care shown to Scott, and to Hospice of the Tri-Cities for their help and guidance.
Viewing will be on Sunday, July 19 from 1-5 pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 2:00pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland. The memorial service will follow the graveside at Central United Protestant Church at 1124 Stevens Drive in Richland, Washington at 3:00pm.
I have many good memories of working with Scot and Boy Scout Troop 228. He was a good role model for the scouts.
We had been bringing communion to Scott & never ceased to be amazed @ how he couldn’t speak so that we could understand until we began the 23rd Psalm & Lord’s Prayer. We would get flashes of his humor until the very end & are glad that we knew him for even such a short time.
I’m so sorry for your loss! May God be with, and comfort you during this trying time! It’s a wonder, how any of us go on, after the loss of, one, or both of our parents… It’s definately a “wake-up-call, to the meaning of Life, and the “here-after!”
Mr. Kelly was a great Scoutmaster. We all learned a great deal from him. I’ll always remember carving wood around the camp fires and that big smile he’d flash when we met a challenge.
For the Family of William Scott Kelly
From the Kennewick Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
There are no words to express the sorrow of losing a loved one. It is a pain that only time will heal. While we did not know William personally, as DAR members, we honor his commitment to our country and his service in its defense. The DAR strongly supports our nations’ military, and we recognize the personal sacrifice that each member gives, as well as their families.
To that end, we offer you our heartfelt condolences, and prayers of comfort. We thank you for William’s service, and his sacrifice to our country.
May God bless you and comfort you as you remember just how very special William was to his family, and his country.
In grateful remembrance,
The members of the Kennewick Chapter DAR
Barbara and I are sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. We worked with Scott at Battelle, and have not seen Scott since the “good ‘ole bowling days.” We have fond memories of those times. Our hearts are with all of you at this time.
Ron
To Greg and the entire Kelly family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
I know my brother Steve and father have fond memories of working with Scott in Troop 228. May you find peace in the memories and the many lives he influenced in Scouting.
Carolyn Pettee Poirier
I met Scott in 1973 when I first came to the Pacific Northwest Lab. I got to work with hlim from time to time. He made a lasting impression on me for is insights, skills, and professionalism. He was a rare fellow and will be sorely missed.
I worked with Scott here at Battelle off and on over the years, and met him incidentally at BSA functions. He was a real gentleman, and helpful to me when asked. I miss him.
To all of Scott’s family: We have been out of town, and were so sorry to learn of Scott’s death. We have many fond memories of times spent with Scott and Fern Scouts, bridge, church, etc. We send you all our deepest sympathies and know that your memories of Scott will sustain you as you deal with his loss. Fondly, Don and Carolyn
Guestbook for
William Scott Kelly