Donald "String" Vernon Kelly

Donald "String" Vernon Kelly, age 57, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home with his wife by his side. He suffered a major heart attack and passed quickly. Don was employed as a Chief Engineer for Dann Marine Towing out of Chesapeake City, Maryland. String was born in 1958 to Donald James Kelly and Vernus Ann (Wonnacott) Kelly. String was raised in the Sault, a place he told his wife he would never leave. String enjoyed the changing seasons. His favorite things to do included spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren Jeremy and Keaton Freeman; Kamryn Kinney; and Izabella Goforth. String never had children of his own, but he loved the children of his wife Patti as if they were his own. Don will be sorely missed by his wonderful mother Vernus Ann Kelly. He leaves behind his loving wife Patti Kelly. Siblings of Don are Michael (Doris) Kelly, Christine (John) Newton of Brewster NY, Candace (Alan) Pike; and Cathy (James) DePlonty of Ludington. He is survived by 'children' Bridget (Shane) Akre and Arlon (Erica) Goforth from Ankeny Iowa. He has many special nieces and nephews including Kim and Jonathan Kelly; Kelly and John Newton; Joseph Ferraro and Janelle Pike; and Kaitlyn, Jenna, and Madison DePlonty. Several great nephews and nieces will miss Don as well. String's most-recent accomplishment was co-planning the Sault's First Slash Ashmun event held last week in the Soo, an event that drew several hundred cars and even more participants. Don (with the help of singer/songwriter David Kellan) wrote the lyrics and David wrote the music for the event. The Soo Brewery was his special 'home away from home'. String was also an active member of the Elks #552 (Elk of the Year in 2014). He constantly played with his three best buds (dogs) Jack, Harley and Hemi. He had finally been able to buy his first Harley Davidson, a dream come true. He loved to watch NASCAR and Red Wings games. String was always a gentle man; ready with a kind word, and always had a new joke to share! He is a legend among trivia teams from around town. If you want to make any kind of donation in his name, please donate to an organization that helps in maintaining life and dignity of animals. A dog park within city limits was always his dream. String's Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, July 15, at the Elks in the Soo at 1111 E. Portage, beginning at 6pm. Please bring your memories.

Tributes

Donald "String" Vernon Kelly

June 2, 1958 - July 11, 2015