Ray Kelly dies

Ray Kelly, long known as a municipal politician in Colborne and Cramahe Township passed away on Sunday, May 31 in Kingston.

The former Reeve of Colborne had been in hospital for several weeks at the time of his death.

Long time friend, colleague and political adversary, George Boycott, praised Mr. Kelly.

"He was a nice guy. I always appreciated him," stated Mr. Boycott, himself a former Reeve of Colborne. "Ray always had a story; he loved horses and old cars and was a staunch Liberal," remembers his friend. "Ray may not always have agreed with you but he was honest," recalled Mr. Boycott.

Another former Colborne Reeve, Walter Rutherford recalls that Ray Kelly joined Colborne Council in the 70's.

"Ray was always very much concerned about the welfare of the ratepayers of the community," stated Mr. Rutherford. "He wanted to make sure council got a good deal for the people of Colborne." It was Ray's feeling that council shouldn't get "carried away and spend a whole lot of money" if it didn't have to.

Cramahe Mayor Marc Coombs expressed his upsettedness about the news, noting the former reeve had given a lot to the community and will be sorely missed. Township flags will be flown at half mast in his honour.

Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi released the following statement: "It is with deep sorrow that I received the news today of the passing of Ray Kelly. In October of 2007, Ray opened his home to host the Premier of the Province of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty and over 400 McGuinty/Rinaldi supporters for a rally just days before the Liberals took a second majority government in October of 2007. I know how proud Ray was to be a liberal, to host his liberal friends and to share in this victory.

I'm proud to have known Ray Kelly, not only as a Liberal and a municipal representative, but as a good friend. On behalf of my wife, Diane, and on behalf of the Northumberland-Quinte West Liberals, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the entire Kelly family".

There will be a celebration of Ray Kelly's life at the Keeler Centre in Colborne from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.

Ray Kelly will be buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Grafton following a private graveside ceremony.

He leaves behind his son Shawn, his daughter, Raeann Rideout and her husband Jeff, and grandchildren Abigail and Carmen. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann Harnden, and son Mark.

He was 71 at the time of his death.