Elias Leo Kelly was born on November 8, 1963, to Norman and Mary Kelly in Bethel, Alaska. His Yup’ik name is Allgiq, Caal Holt. Nicknames were “Chief” and “Jaborski.” Leo grew up in Pilot Station, AK with many relatives. He attended High School at the St. Mary’s Mission School and graduated in 1982. From there he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management in May 1997.
July 9, 1994, he married the love of his life, Janice Beans. Together they had 3 beautiful children, Kalen, Nicholas, and Caitlyn Kelly. While raising a family, he started writing his book, “My Side of The River” which took him over 10 years to complete. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, teasing nieces and nephews. He enjoyed passing on his traditional skills and knowledge to family and students. He loved taking his family out fishing, hunting, berry picking, and camping up Ecuilnguq and the many sloughs across Pilot Station.
He gave advice to many people that shared their concerns in a humble and quiet way. He especially treasured his time with his wife, children and grandchildren, reading to his grandchildren, while being outdoors cooking over the fire and listening to music.
He was employed by the following: BLM, Forrest Technician, Fish & Wildlife, Fish & Game, AVCP Fisheries, Pilot Station Tribe, LYSD Natural Helpers with his longtime friend, Reynold Okitkun, where they traveled throughout the district holding retreats and giving presentations on Suicide Preventions. He enjoyed talking to the students on trips throughout Central/Interior Alaska as well as the Lower 48. He currently worked as a Migrant Ed. Coordinator for the LYSD.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Norman & Mary Kelly, his siblings, Laviza Kelly, Mildred Borromeo, Matilda Kelly and Joseph Kelly and many relatives. He is survived by his wife, Janice Kelly and children, Kalen, Nicholas, and Caitlyn Kelly; grandchildren, Christian Kelly, Mathias Harry, Raelynn George, and Aria Kelly and his brothers and sisters. Thank you for sharing your unconditional love and support, “Chief.”
The Kelly family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone that comforted the family during this time of sorrow. A special thank you to the health aides; Rodney Fancyboy and Danielle Beans, the medic team, all the doctors and nurses of YKHC, ANMC and Regina Mike. Agencies: Calista, AVCP, Bethel AC, Bethel Food Bank, Fox Air, Pilot Station Tribe, Pilot Station AC, Pilot Station School, City of Pilot Station, and Pilot Station Tribal Store.
A special gratitude to Reynold and Lillian Okitkun, Beverly Nashoanak, Sandra Drake, Agnes Bostrom, Corrina Britton, Martin Kelly and Eunice Paul. Thank you to the cross makers and grave diggers. Thank you for all the prayers that came pouring in. Your loving support is deeply appreciated. Quyana Caknaq. May God bless you all.
Elias Leo Kelly was laid to rest on March 26, 2024, in Pilot Station, Alaska.
-Janice Kelly & family
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