Joseph Grant Kelly, of White Rock, BC, passed away late in the evening on December 25th, 2022, at the age of 79, at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Grant was born on January 20th, 1943, in Montréal, QC. He was the only child of George Early and Jacqueline Derouin Early.

Throughout his life, Grant was creative, adventurous, intelligent and hard-working, and always quick with a witty comment. He had the ultimate zest for life, and spent time exploring every place he lived, including but not limited to Salt Spring Island, the New Jersey Shore, Texas, Florida, and Vancouver/White Rock. Wherever he went, he immersed himself in the arts, music, great places to eat, and the local sights. He loved live music but especially jazz, and was a regular attendee at jazz festivals, and “Jazz Vespers” at St. Andrews Wesley United Church.

In the mid-1970’s to early 1990’s, Grant worked at Vancouver Community College (King Edward Campus). He earned his Master’s Degree from SFU and later his PhD from the University of Texas in 1986. After an early retirement, Grant moved to his beloved property on Salt Spring Island, and made a life for himself there, finishing the home designed by his “brother” Tom Ashbaugh. He and his wife Barbara McDevitt established a 3 acre vineyard, sold bedding plants, vegetables, and firewood and Grant also picked up some contract work writing speeches for BC’s Lieutenant Governor. After a cancer diagnosis, Grant and Barbara moved off Salt Spring Island in 2005, splitting their time between White Rock, New Jersey, and Florida.

An avid hiker until a major stroke in 2020, Grant loved nothing more than setting out on a trail, solo, or with a hiking group. His favourite hiking partner was his late wife Barbara, and together they summited Mt. Baker in 2009, a big accomplishment for both of them. Grant also loved river and ocean kayaking, and spent many sunny days paddling in the intercostal waterway in Florida and in Boundary Bay, BC.

Grant is survived by his daughter Lisa and son Mike (Teresa) and grandchildren Tyler and Olivia who were a source of pride for him, and he loved to send pictures of them to everyone he knew. He will be especially missed by his children, his loving, supportive neighbours, and the friends he held dear.

Predeceased by his parents, George Early and Jacqueline Derouin Kelly, step-father Jerry Kelly, and his dear wife Barbara McDevitt. At his request, no funeral will be held but a gathering of local friends and family will be planned in the near future. Until then, “Happy Trails” folks.

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