Patrick (Kelly) Miller

Kelly was born November 12, 1954 and passed away on April 11, 2022 at the age of 67.

He is survived by his loving sisters Penny Dekeyser (Alex MacKinnon), Kathy (Fred) Bagley, Robbie (Jeff) Masciangelo; nieces and nephews Tim and Jay Dekeyser, Chandra (Graham) Lindquist, Ashley (Deter) Russell, Mariesa (Geoff) Kirby and Anthony Masciangelo; great nieces and nephews McKenna, Ethan and Gavyn LeMessurier, Pierce and Benson Lindquist, Cohen and Jackson Russell, Clarke, and Arlo Kirby.

Kelly was predeceased by his grandparents Omar and Dolly Humes, Webb, and Alice Miller; father, Pat Miller; mother, Norma Fizer (nee Miller); brother Gregory Miller, and brother-in-law Bert Dekeyser.

Kelly’s first job as a young boy was running a shoeshine stand that he set up downtown in Lacombe. It soon became apparent to his business customers that it was a good idea to wear dark socks. Just saying, Kelly may have gotten a little “enthusiastic” with the shoe polish!  Later, Kelly became quite an asset for both his dad and grandpa, he helped his dad on his mail run and worked alongside his grandpa as a janitor, cleaning the school in Lacombe.

Kelly moved with his family to Drumheller in 1967. Once in Drumheller he made his own business cards promoting a lawn care / snow shovelling business. He sourced a stamp from The Drumheller Mail, then used the stamp to make his own business cards which he passed out all over town.

One of his jobs mowing lawns resulted in a broken window caused by a flying rock thrown from the mower. Shortly after grandpa had to replace the broken window, Kelly’s mowing business made a quick change to primarily snow removal.

Kelly moved to Red Deer in 1987, where he lived independently. He was employed by several businesses and enjoyed them all. He worked for several years at the Gwizzly bar and every time the bar changed owners; Kelly continued to be employed. He also worked in various arenas and restaurants helping. To subsidize his income Kelly collected recyclables even back when they were only $0.02 each.

Kelly’s main transportation was walking. (He probably walked over 1 million miles.)  He also took transit and knew those bus routes like the back of his hand.

Everyone knew Kelly, as anywhere you went, people recognized him, and would say, “Hi Kelly “.

One of Kelly’s favourite pastimes was to watch, listen, or attend hockey games. The Red Deer Rebels were his team. He had season tickets for several years.

Kelly moved to Michener Hill Extended Care approximately 2 1/2 years ago, where he became a Calgary Flames fan. You could never find him in his room, instead he would be in the common area. Sitting in a comfy chair watching the hockey games alongside his new close friends. Watching hockey on Saturdays often turned into a full day event with games running from 11:00am – 10:00pm.

 

Kelly loved company. He enjoyed visits from everyone and always jumped at opportunities to take road trips. Whether it be to visit his sister Penny at the farm in Drumheller, to go camping, or even just for ice cream.

In his final days family gathered by his side and sadly watched him join his predeceased loved ones. Kelly you will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held for Kelly on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Red Deer Funeral Home.  Please come and join the family in celebrating the life of our brother.

In lieu of flowers friends may please donate in his name to the charity of your choice or a charity close to our hearts; The Alberta Cancer Foundation or The Alberta SPCA.

Thank you:

Kelly’s Family

• Date : 2022-04-11
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home