October 4, 2014. Pleasantfield, N.S. The Tribute.

Kelly planned the whole event. He wished no solemn funeral with everyone weeping. Two week after his death, he wished friends and relatives to gather together at White Point to have a party, complete with good food and wine and plenty of music. The Swing Band played, as did the Ukulele Strummers. That was what we did, celebrate Kelly's life. Several e mails were read from his former students along with relatives who could not travel from the west for the event. And people told funny stories of Kelly. Throughout the afternoon was a continuous slide show of Kelly and Frances and relatives and friends. It was a splendid event but over everything was the huge loss of Kelly in the lives of people gathered together today. One aspect of the event was interesting to me. Everyone was dressed up, except us. The ladies wore fancy dresses while the men were in jacket and ties. Our plan was to drive directly to the cottage so we were casually dressed. We did stick out but as there were 200 people there I assume no one noticed, at least they did until I stood to tell a funny story about Kelly. At least I was wearing a gray sweater and a black top. It was the black heavy sweat pants that gave me away. Kelly would not have minded. He had a wonderful sense of humor.