Bruce Kelly Bruce Kelly, of Portland, Oregon, passed away on December 15, 2004 at age 85 of natural causes. He was surrounded by his loving family and their cherished memories of a life devoted to service. A man of deep faith and firm conviction in the healing power of music and entertainment, Bruce performed throughout the world as the founder and director of the New Oregon Singers. His optimistic charm, endearing smile, sense of humor, wit, charisma and ubiquitous Pepsi hat will be sorely missed by all. Although his accomplishments are grand and many, it will always be the little things, the quiet acts of charity and compassion, that Bruce will be most remembered for. The small notes of encouragement from his trusted Smith-Corona typewriter, a quick wink and a smile to reassure an uncertain heart, his great love for his family, or his famous french toast & eggs for all who visited his kitchen table. Bruce Kelly was born on October 29, 1919 in Venice, California and spent his early years in Overton, Nevada before moving to Salt Lake City, Utah. By the age of 18, he was already an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet in dance bands for summers at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon while attending Brigham Young University. Bruce served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the southern states. After graduating from BYU, he enlisted in the Armed Forces. He spent four years in the service during World War II as a U.S. Navy pilot. He flew lighter-than-air aircraft (blimps) on anti-submarine patrols while stationed at the Tillamook Naval Air Base. Bruce made history when he volunteered to participate in the US military’s first experiment with air-sea rescue. He was the first person to be lifted from the surface of the water to a hovering aircraft 300 feet above Tillamook Bay. Bruce’s uniform, flight gear, letters of commendation and pictures are all on prominent display in the Tillamook Museum in Oregon. Bruce married his beloved wife of 54 years, Robyn Tibbs on June 5th, 1950 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They raised their three children, Kim, Kristin and Kandis in Portland, Oregon. Always a close, loving family, they enjoyed their many family outings of boating, water-skiing, trips to the beach, and snow skiing in the beautiful Northwest. Bruce enjoyed a successful career as an investment broker with Donald C. Sloan and Company. In 1965, Bruce became the founder and director of the highly acclaimed 80-member choral group, the New Oregon Singers. Within three months of their first rehearsal, the talented group and their director were jetting their way to Hawaii for multiple performances for service personnel at military bases and hospitals in Honolulu. This was the beginning of an incredible odyssey that would take Bruce Kelly and the New Oregon Singers to 45 countries on six continents for the next 25 yearsÉincluding performances in Australia, Brazil, England, South Africa, Egypt, Vietnam, Korea, Israel, India, Greece, Midway Island and military bases throughout the mid-Pacific. The New Oregon Singers shared the stage with such luminaries as Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, and Lawrence Welk. Invitational performances for Presidents Nixon and Ford, her Serene Highness the Princess Grace of Monaco and the Queen Mother of Thailand were just a few of the highlights of this successful, non-profit singing group. All proceeds were donated to local charities and children’s hospitals in each of the countries they performed. A sincere and dedicated civic leader, Bruce Kelly’s community involvement did not end with his musical contributions. He served as the State President and National Director of the Oregon Jr. Chamber of Commerce as well as the Northwest Director of the prestigious USO. He was also a nationally published author and a fierce competitor on the racquetball courts, having once been the No. 2 ranked racquetball player in the nation. He recently won the gold medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games in the Doubles Division in St. George, Utah. Bruce Kelly is survived by his wife Robyn, his son Kim Kelly of Portland, Oregon; daughters Kristin Kelly Murdock and Kandis Kelly (Nicholas) Gasdik of Provo, Utah; his beloved grandchildren Kenneth Kelly (Angela) Murdock of Highland, Utah and Kasey Kelly Murdock of Provo, Utah; and his great-grandchildren Ethan and Jackson Murdock. Bruce’s smile and easy laugh will truly be missed by his family and many, many friends the world over. At his request, no funeral services or viewing will be held. Arrangements have been made with the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home of Orem for a private graveside ceremony to be held Wednesday, 22 December 2004. Bruce Kelly will be laid to rest at the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo.