Skip to content

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kelly Elias announce his passing on May 28, 2014. Kelly passed away after a lengthy battle of cancer, at the Hospice House, in Kelowna, B.C. with his Dad at his side. He was 52 years old.


Kelly was born on January 3, 1962, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to parents Isabel and Jack Elias. After graduation, Kelly attended the Okanagan College and earned his Red Seal in Carpentry. In 1991, he married Kathleen (nee Sexsmith) and they were blessed with two boys, Colin (13 yrs) & Sean (10 yrs).


Kelly worked for various construction companies, including Crossroads Construction, Western Industrial Contractors Ltd., and finally IDL Projects, all of Prince George. Kelly & Kathleen came to Castlegar in summer of 1990 with Western Industrial Contractors Ltd. for the Celgar mill expansion. After many years as Foreman and Superintendent, Kelly advanced to eventually become a Regional Manager for Western Industrial Contractors Ltd & finally IDL Projects. Although he always worked for a Prince George company, he loved the Kootenays and never had any desire to make his home anywhere else.


Kelly loved boating, fishing, camping, golfing, and motorcycling. Kelly was proud of building his last family home in Ootischenia on the Little Bear Golf course. He put a gate in the back yard so he could golf the Par 3 with his 2 boys, who now also love golf. Kelly & his family travelled many times to Mexico, Hawaii, as well as Portugal. He loved to be with family and friends and will always be remember for being very hospitable.


Left to mourn his loss is his separated-wife Kathleen; sons Colin and Sean of Castlegar; parents Jack and Isabel Elias of Kelowna; brother Roger (Liz) of Lac La Hache; plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a large extended family and friends.


We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Shepard and the nurses & counsellors at the Hospice House in Kelowna. It’s a beautiful setting and it gives people dignity during their last days. We’ll be forever grateful for the care that Kelly received there.


A Celebration of Kelly’s Life will be held at the Castlegar Golf Club, June 16, 2014 at 11:30am.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.