Keener Bert Kelly

Keener "Bert" Kelly passed away on January 17, 2024 at an Adult Family Home in Pierce County. He was born on December 27, 1939 to Bertha Thora and Kavanaugh Clarence Kelly in Annapolis, Maryland. He was 84 years old. Keener's father was in the US Navy, and was stationed in Panama, Maine, Virginia, and The Kelly family in the early 50's, finally settled in Gorst, Washington.

Keener attended Pleasant Valley School, and in 1957 he graduated from South Kitsap High School where he was a star athlete in Football and Track & Field. At an early age, Keener had a passion for bodybuilding, and started weightlifting. Another passion of Keener's was being an artist and sign painter.

in 1961, Keener met his future wife Helen Bozick in Gorst, and married in January of 1962. They have recently celebrated their 62 year anniversary! Keener and Helen had two sons, Greg and Eric Kelly. Keener loved spending time with his sons playing sports, which would range from baseball, basketball, football and running, depending on the weather!

Being a journeyman grocery clerk in Kitsap County, Keener was able to use his artistic skills to paint advertisement signs and perform window paintings. He loved painting windows during the Christmas season, for friends, families, and businesses in his community.

Keener was a lifelong Elvis Presley fan, he and his wife had the privilege of seeing their idol in person, at the Seattle Center Coliseum in 1976. The Kelly's would have all of their friends and families gather for picnics every year out at Belfair State Park, and it truly became a Kelly family tradition. He also belonged to the NRA and was a participant of S.A.S.S.

Every person that Keener had the pleasure of meeting, he would have a story to tell, and experience he wanted to share. He loved talking to people, laughing with them, and enjoyed spending time with them.

Keener "Bert" Kelly will be missed by his family and friends! We love you Keener!