Earl Cecil Kellar, of Dryden Ontario, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on December 24, 2019 in his 88th year.
Earl was a man of tremendous strength and integrity in his family and community. He will be forever cherished by his wife Jean and his daughters Lucille Heithoff (Rick), Cheryl Eady (Rob), Norma Davis (Andy) and Patty Lyle (Jim); grandchildren Kara Machnicki (Jeff), Christin Elawny (Sebastian), Isabelle Messier (Chris Eady), Laura Deschamps (Bill), Pam Lyle (Jamie), Beth Eady, Anastasia Davis, Courtney Davis (Tim), William Davis, Cassie Gosselin (Cal), James Lyle; great grandchildren Landon, Carter, Kali, Ava, Maddoc, Jayden, Madalyn, Zachary, Zara, Emrick, Danika, Matthew and Roxie.
Earl is lovingly remembered by Irene, Jim (Yvonne), Helen (Ray), Harold (Karen), Audrey, Betty (Glen), Dorothy, step brother Dale and step sister Joanne. He was honoured to be their big brother. He remains a fixture in the memories of his many, many nephews and nieces.
Earl was predeceased by his parents Cecil, Mildred and step mother Lillian, brother Ken, step brother Lanny, mother and father-in law Bill and Lena Whiddon, sisters-in-law Betty and Dixie, brothers-in-law Wayne, Delbert (Bud), Johnny, Darrel, Alan, Ken, Jim and Al and beloved grandson Chris.
Born in LaVallee on the family farm, he spent most of his childhood in Devlin. He began working on the family and nearby farms at a very young age. For several years he worked in the “bush” harvesting wood in the traditional fashion with horses, skids and sleighs. As a young man he worked at the Department of Highways driving heavy equipment before deciding to join the OPP, where he worked for 32 years until his retirement in 1988.
In 1951 he started courting Jean, the love of his life. Their marriage of 66 years began in 1953. Like so many of their generation, they started out with few material things. With love, dedication, hard work and mutual priorities they built a wonderful life for themselves and their children. Family was his first priority.
Earl had a very strong sense of community and spent countless hours volunteering for the Kinsmen, Lions Club, the Royal Canadian Legion and others in need. He woke up every day of his life prepared to do the right thing, even when it was the hard thing.
Earl loved hunting, trapping, fishing, dancing, card playing, curling and making Big Grandpa Breakfasts. One of his greatest loves was attending the activities and life events of his growing family. His deep, resounding voice stopped many in their tracks, but to those of us who loved him most, it has rooted us in life’s hardest moments, an undercurrent of our entire lives. He could lull a crying baby in an instant, gave the best advice, and his hugs had the ability to brighten anyone’s day.
Dad, we just couldn’t say we love you near enough. We are so proud to be your daughters. Thank you for being our hero.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Earl’s Life will be held Friday January 10th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 63, Dryden. Interment will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire donations may be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1.
Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
