Obituary of Kelly Ernest Hansen LL.B

Kelly Ernest Hansen Sr. LL.B,Q.C. 1932-2012 “A sea captain when he stands upon the bridge or looks out from his deck-house thinks much about God and the world.” William B. Yeats The Celtic Twilight We sadly announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Kelly Hansen, who passed away on October 25, 2012 at Riverview Gardens, Chatham Ontario. Kelly was a distinguished lawyer throughout Southwestern Ontario, working primarily in Chatham.He enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished career including appointment as Queen’s Counsel and life membership in the Law Society of Upper Canada awarded to lawyers in practice over 50 years. Kelly was extremely dedicated to the practice of law and assisted many clients and others who were in need of assistance.Kelly was passionate about community service and throughout his career, provided counsel and service to many local agencies and clubs like United Way, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, and Jaycees. He served on the Board of Directors for St Clair College and was a trustee on both the Kent County Separate and Public School Boards. Active in politics, Kelly enjoyed a good debate and is fondly remembered for his advisory role on many local and provincial campaigns. Kelly had a lifelong passion for sailing. Whether recreational or competitive, sailing brought him true joy and happiness. He was an expert sailor whoshared his skill with his family on many summer holidays sailing throughout the North Channel. Kelly was part of the crew who won the Newport to Bermuda Yacht Race or “Bermuda Cup” in 1982. He was a long time member of the Sarnia Yacht Club, where he spent countless days on his beloved boat, WindigoII .Kelly touched the lives of many with his insistence that an education is a person’s most valuable asset. He was intelligent, articulate and rigorous in his expectation that his family and others achieve their potential. He provided both challenge and support for many to reach their learning goals. Kelly leaves a legacy of a life fully livedand is survived by his children,Pamela Lea Garbutt ( Philip), Kelly Ernest Hansen( Colleen), Mary Elizabeth Hansen( Maciej) andMichael Alexander Hansen ( Leah). He is sadly missed by his grandchildren; Paige, Kaitlin, Adam, Jakob, Charlotte, Alison and Caroline.Kelly’s family would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful support and excellent service over the past 5 years from the staff of Riverview Gardens and St Andrew’s Residence, CCAC, Dr. Elizabeth Haddad and Dr. Park Parry. Friends may visit on Thursday November 1, 2012 from 7-9pm and Friday November 2, 201210:00-11:00am at the McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham. A Memorial service celebrating Kelly’s life will take place at the funeral home on Friday November 2, 2012at 11:00am. A reception will follow. Cremation has taken place. Condolences and donations in Kelly’s memory can be made to St Andrew’s Residence Foundation or the Riverview Gardens Foundation by contacting the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St., Chatham (519)351-2040