ALBION – David Arthur Kelley, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, died peacefully June 14, 2005, at Thayer Hospital in Waterville, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 18, 1939, in Bangor, the first born son of Arthur Paul Kelley and Dorothy Farnum Kelley. Growing up he enjoyed basketball, roller-skating and summers of showing dairy cattle all over the state in 4-H. David graduated from Bangor High, then the University of Maine at Orono with an Associates Degree in Agriculture. He began farming with his grandfather, George Farnum and parents until 1961 when he married Beverly Lynne Sawyer and she joined him in building his farm and family. They farmed Elm Holm Farm in Norridgewock for 14 years until he moved his family to Island View Farm in Albion in 1976, where the family still raises 4-H heifers – Brown Swiss, Guernseys and Jerseys. More recently he was employed by Ingraham Equipment where he was a salesman for the last 18 years. David’s love of agriculture extended beyond the family farm and lives on through his grandchildren who have followed his lead and are active 4-H members, showing dairy cattle at fairs throughout New England. He was an active member of N.F.O. (National Farmers Organization), a selectman for the Town of Norridgewock and a member of Masonic Lodge No. 116, Norridgewock. He was an active member of the livestock department at Skowhegan State fair and a member of the board of directors for 37 years and received their “Agricultural Man of the Year” in 1986. Carrying on his legacy of family values and traditions include his loving wife and partner of 44 years, Beverly Sawyer Kelley; six children and their spouses; and 11 grandchildren, Bruce and Lynne Kelley Blye and their children, Katie, Ricky and Zackarey of Epsom, N.H.; Karey and Mary Kelley and their son, Jesse, of Salisbury, N.H., Scott and Kristen Kelley Wescott and their children, Kelley, Kolby and Karlee of Limerick, Keith and Debbie Kelley of South Parish, Kern and Dr. Michaela Kelley and their son, Kaiden of China, Maine, Rick and Katrina Kelley Dumont and their children, Derick, Alexia and Alizabeth of Albion. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Thelma Kelley, their children and grandchildren; his sister-in-law and husband, Penny and George Sweatt, their children and grandchildren; and his sister-in-law and husband, Willie and Michael Grenier and their children. The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the entire CCU staff at Thayer Hospital for their tender loving care and support. Family and friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life,” highlighting David’s specific love of bluegrass music, farming and family 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, just west of the family farm in Albion. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Maine Association of Country Music, P.O. Box 477, Clinton, ME 04927. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com. Arrangements are with Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
DAVID ARTHUR KELLEY
