Michael Francis Kelly

Michael Francis Kelly
30 September 1964 - 14 November 2025

It is with profound sadness that our family announces Michael's peaceful passing with his family by his side at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Friday November 14, 2025, at the far too young an age of 61 after an achingly brief, but hard-fought battle, with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Son of the Late Michael Kelly and the Late Joanne Doherty, both from Peterborough, Mike was a key part of a large and loving family drawn from all walks of his life.
He was a beloved husband and friend to Cheryl Fulford; a caring and intensely proud father to Amber Kelly (Thomas), Michelle Kelly (Jay), Nicole Kelly (Abisade); a brother to Arlene Suurd (Albert), Jennifer Dowe (Trevor), James Kelly (Jeannie); a loving and supportive step-father to Rachel and Fiona Fulford; and a loving and considerate in-law to Cheryl's brothers Ward and Kevin Lax (the late Bobbi) and her Pops, Ike Dundas (the late Gloria). He also derived great joy being a very, very patient, cuddly and goofy pack member to his furbabies Tigg and Millie.
His loss will be keenly felt by all, with special thoughts to his nephew Jason Suurd (Liz) as well as nephews Ben Suurd, Michael (Jr.) Kelly, Chase Lax (Morgan), and nieces Megan Kelly, Ainsley McBride Kelly, Edynn Kelly, Jamie Kelly, Morgan Tabor, Erica Lax (Dan) and Tosca, Tara Lax and Violet, Taylor Lax (Alex). Mike was grateful for the love, support and joy he shared across many years with his best friends Betty Merlin (the late Dan) who will mourn the loss of future memories to be made.

Mike cared deeply about his community and served as a member of the Bewdley Fire Department for fifteen years. Many others may know him as their service consultant at Thomas Buick GMC in Cobourg.

He was as big as life and leaves a huge gaping hole that can only be made bearable with the shared love and support of all who knew him, including his endless Doherty and Kelly Clans and extended family, along with neighbours, and coworkers and the countless friends he made along the way as he journeyed through this life.
The support of his daughters’ mom Cheryl Smith, in the crucial days and hours surrounding Mike's passing, is gratefully acknowledged.

Our Family would like to thank all of the team that helped Michael and all of us endure the limited number of endless days he had from the time he fell ill until the battle was over. Particularly, we are profoundly grateful to: Dr. Ismail Sharif from the PRHC Cancer Clinic for his unwavering support and commitment during Michael's journey who was with us right to the end with check in visits and much appreciated condolences. the devoted nurses in the A3 ICU Unit, namely: Ryan, Justine, Terry, Adam, Nate, Megan, Brittany, Meggie, Mary and Deb whose care went above and beyond their duties, ensuring Michael was comfortable and able to maintain his dignity through some very, very rough moments; and finally, Dr Mark Maraschiello the Intensivist Care physician that guided us gracefully and honourably in a professional manner for Michael’s last journey. We could not have entrusted Mike's care to a more dedicated team of professionals, and we graciously thank you.

In accordance with Mike's wishes, he has been cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday 14 March 2026 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Port Hope Lions Centre 29 Thomas Street, Port Hope, ON

Please send an email to mikekelly.eow.2025@gmail.com if you would like to add any additional photos, memories, songs, etc. to share with the family.

Mike loved animals and sharing a good meal with family and friends. Accordingly, memorial donations to the Northumberland Humane Society or the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank made in his name would be appreciated. A GoFundMe that has been set up to help deal with the immediate unexpected and devastating impact of his loss has been set up and a portion of those proceeds will also be donated to those organizations. (https://gofund.me/f920f0ccd)

Mike, you have reached your End of Watch. Rest peacefully knowing you are loved fiercely and missed intensely, all will be well, as you left behind your strength for us to use.