Richard (Dick) Philip Kelland

Passed away suddenly on December 6^th at age 79 of Mount Carmel. 

Richard (Dick), a retired Chief Warder of Her Majesty’s Penitentiary and a Commissioned Officer, was born in Bay Robert’s, resided most of his adult life in St. John’s and after retirement lived in Mount Carmel with his wife of 58 years Kathleen (Kitty). Kitty and Dick loved trouting and spent many days at the side of a gully or pond where he tried – tirelessly but unsuccessfully – to teach her how to hook the fish. They enjoyed traveling to all parts of the Province on a quest for the “big” one and a few “alleged” 2 pounders were caught – on the Pinware.

Like his father Otto, he loved the ocean and both built boats. Otto built model boats and schooners and Richard built a cabin cruiser and trap skiff. They enjoyed teasing each other by saying “no skill” – if one or the other complained about difficulties in accomplishing a task or a project.  He was a talented painter and loved a vociferous debate – particularly on matters of politics – he considered himself a Newfoundlander attached to the ocean, independence, and spirit of her people.

As a lover of science – many days were spent considering theories – particularly of Einstein and space-time continuum, and later the works of Stephen Hawking. His last written note was E = mc² and as was his personal belief – his energy remains, however now presents in a different form. The night before he passed he played his final match of Jeopardy and did get the Final Jeopardy correct.

Richard was predeceased by his mother and father Otto and Hilda Kelland, brother Bill and sister in law Fran, sisters; Joan and brother in law Frank Beck, Rosalind White, mother and father in law Kathleen and Eric Fowler, in laws; Leo Evans and Gordon Pope  Leaving to celebrate his life – devoted and loving wife – Kitty, daughter Suzanne (Sue) Kelland-Dyer (Paul), son Rick (Shirley-Ann Wheadon), grandchildren; Paul Dyer (Megan), Kailah Dyer (Justin Whalen) Andrew Kelland (Sam), Devin Kelland (Dusty), and Philip Kelland (Jazz), and his pride and joy – great- grandchildren Zaccor and Isaac Dyer, brothers; Bob (Margie), John, Jerry, and sisters; Betty Fallon(John) and Jocelyn Kelland, brothers in law; Weston (Kim) and David White, sisters in law; Maxine Evans, Hazel Summers, Ruth Tummonds (Joe), Geraldine Barnes(Ed), Ruby and many special nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Gibbon’s ambulance service and staff, Dr. Percy Crocker, Dr. Jamie Farrell, and pharmacist Derek Long for their professional care of Richard during his illness. The family also thanks Mike and Dot Ezekiel (long-time friends and neighbours) for their help whenever needed. 

Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Saturday, December 14^th from 1pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. A private scattering of his ashes in the “snug green cove” will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Fluvarium would be greatly appreciated as Richard was very supportive of Science Programs for children.

“Take me back to that snug green cove,
Where the seas roll up their thunder,
There let me rest in the earth’s cool breast,
Where the stars shine out their wonder,
And the seas roll up their thunder.”

                                                                – Otto Kelland