KELLY, TED Died May 01, 2014, less than two months after Mary, his wife, and the love of his life died. Ted met Mary in 1943 while both were stationed in Vulcan, Alberta. "Marie, Marie...would you marry me?" he would call out whenever he saw her. A chance encounter on a streetcar in Edmonton in 1946 made the connection. She finally said YES and they were married for 67 years. From his memories and in his words: "Born to serve: I was born in Dauphin, Manitoba and being the third youngest in a family of nine, getting what you thought was your shake at the table, often caused some jostling." A move to southern Saskatchewan in 1929... the 'Dirty Thirties... dust storms... grasshopper plague brought the family to its knees. Both parents died before Ted was 18 years old and left Ted and two younger sisters to face their destiny. With a lot of anxiety, they moved to live with older siblings in Vancouver and Vancouver Island. "Aeroplanes had me (Ted) mesmerized from the time I laid my eyes on the first sighting when I was about five years old." In 1941, Ted joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. At basic training in Montreal, he qualified as 'Aeronautical Engineer' and transferred to Gander, Newfoundland. He flew B24 Liberator aircraft as 'Flight Engineer' performing Convoy Escort duties over the North Atlantic. In 1945 he resumed civilian life for a brief six months, then re-entered the military as 'Flight Engineer' and 'Aero Engine Mechanic'. Ted served in the RCAF for 26 years stationed across Canada from Newfoundland, Labrador, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. He had many adventures and stories to tell. When he left the military, Ted joined Wardair Canada in Edmonton as an Aircraft Maintenance Inspector for five years of service with the wonderful organization. Ted loved to prospect and gold-pan, looking for the 'boot-sized nugget'. He also loved to invent gadgets, golf, garden in Peachland, good dancer, played the guitar and had a good singing voice. He had a sparkle in his eye and good humour. Ted and Mary had two daughters and one son. Predeceased by his wife Mary, Ted leaves behind: daughters Pat (Rick), Elaine (Barry), son Doug (Alanna), grandchildren: Kimberly (Ryan), Jeff, Melissa, Chantelle, Liam, Sean, Kieran; great-grandchildren: Quayden and Malaya. Also to mourn his passing, adopted kids Aly and Lynn and Kim E., and many thoughtful relatives and friends. The family of Ted and Mary Kelly would like to thank ALL the wonderful people at the Westwood Retirement Resort... you are like family. Also thanks to the wonderful staff at the Kelowna General Hospital, Royal 4B for your dedication and care. Celebration of Life for Ted and Mary will occur at the farm in the fall of 2014. In lieu of flowers, please support the charity of your choice or the BC Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements in care of Hanson's Arbor Funeral Chapels and Crematorium.