Richard Kelley: Husband, Veteran, Educator, Triathlete - RIP

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Richard Lynn Kelley
Richard Lynn (Dick) Kelley, 63, of Vinton, Va., completed his final triathlon on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. As he crossed the finish line his biggest fan "Sweets" cheered him on as he received the biggest, and grandest trophy of all time. He was preceded in death in July of this year by his father, Robert F. Kelley Sr. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Dick served for 11 years achieving the rank of Major before leaving the Army for a job with the Bedford School System and then later a job as Assistant Superintendant of Operations with the Roanoke City Public School System. In that position his job responsibility was to be the Superintendant's "right arm." He served in this capacity for 25 years before retiring in 2005. During his tenure he was responsible for the planning, renovation, and construction of 14 of the school buildings that the system now operates. Just last month he was recognized for his work at the dedication and ribbon cutting at the new William Fleming High School.Much has been written about his love of sports and his being an avid outdoorsman. These activities included participating in marathons, triathlons, skiing, running, biking, and hiking. In addition to these activities, he also worked to maintain a nature trail at Bobblett's Gap along the Appalachian Trial. His attention to detail was evidenced by his taking the time to identify the plants along the portion of the trail he maintained. He was also known to leave provisions at the Bobblett's Gap shelter for the comfort of those who would use the facility for rest as they hiked alo ng the trail.During the colder months when he couldn't spend time outdoors, he would spend his time working with his longtime hobby of model railroading. Anyone who has seen this display can attest to his amazing talent and attention to detail.Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Carol Kelley; children, Jack Eppard and wife, Melanie, of Rhome, Texas, Teresa Phillips, and Brad Eppard and wife, Debbie, of Raleigh, N.C.; mother, Eleanor Kelley, of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Patricia "Tricia" Gangstad and husband, Erik, of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jessica Fay Eppard, and Ryanne Lynn Eppard, both of Raleigh, N.C.; brother, Robert F. Kelley Jr. and wife, Wendy, of San Bruno, Calif.; sisters, Marianne Roughley and husband, Robert, of Rochester, Mich., and Kathy Belo and husband, Diogo, of San Diego, Calif.; nieces and nephews; and devoted companion and family member, Max.The family requests that memorial gifts take the form of memorials to the YMCA of Roanoke Valley, 520 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, Va. 24016, the Ronald McDonald House, 2224 Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Va. 24014 or you may speak privately to Carol about making a gift to help a special family. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009, in the Community Room of the YMCA located at 520 Church Avenue. A celebration of Dick's life is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Sunset Fields Overlook at milepost #78 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (about seven miles beyond the Peaks of Otter). Family and friends are encouraged to dress casually.Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, Roanoke, Va., 540-366-0707.

October 11th Song "Cry of the Celts" - Lord of the Dance

Hello,
Attached is a picture of the birthday cake made by granddaughter, Jessica, from scratch. Sundays song is for her and is Lord of the Dance - Cry of the Celts,
view at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQmBHHvmrD4&feature=fvw
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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October 10th Song: "Collide" by Howie Day

Hello,
Yesterday was the first day of ski season in Colorado - see webcam from Arapahoe Basin at: http://www.arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/snow-conditions/web-cams.aspx
Pretty sketchy conditions. I still have ski clothes for sale, men's medium. Saturday's song is by Howie Day, Collide, view at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTz7rhommHI
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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October 9th Song: "Pictures of You" by The Cure

Hello,
Leg is better must have been trigger point. Thanks for condolences. Song for Friday is by The Cure, Pictures of You. View at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG0Q3kR7_9c
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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October 8th Song: "Let's Dance" by David Bowie

Hello,
Yesterday and today were two of the most painful days I have suffered since being diagnosed with ALS. I must have slept too long on my right hamstring.I tried to move my leg but it was too painful and I had severe muscle twitching. So I tried a pain killer and range of motion exercises with minimal results. But this evening it was better - problem was created by having to sleep in one position all night. Not enough strength to change positions. Song for today is Let's Dance by David Bowie, view at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyVjdQXNs9s
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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September 30th Song: "Until I Fall" by Gin Blossoms

Hello,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_zBQmrBcxU
Until I fall away by the Gin Blossoms. Nothing of note to report today except visits by Amanda, her daughter and Steve, Lynn, and Dick.
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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October 5th Song: "Break" by Three Days Grace

Hello,
Off for 3 days for visit by grandkids. Also aide trouble with no show by same aide on Friday and Saturday - she moved to Nashville today and left $150 in pay !
Song for Monday is Break by Three Days Grace, view at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsjaIb2VhTM&feature=related
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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September 29th: "I Shot The Sheriff" by Bob Marley

Hello,
Greatly appreciate the comments regarding the trach-don't regret the decision at all. Nurse said my breathing was better than last week. Must be the medical marijuana.
So the song for tomorrow is by Bob Marely, I shot the Sheriff . View at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAixXMbyOBc&feature=related
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: ALS Walk, Hollins University, October 11.
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September 27th: "Glycerine" by Bush

Hello,
Now that I decided not to have any tracheotomy I am comforted by the fact that I really don't have any serious medical
procedures that would affect the progression of ALS. I mean I really don't be too worried about my blood pressure,
cholesterol or other medical checks that are necessary to long-term health. I am not even sure I need to brush my teeth
but my friends may not be too happy about that. I am now in one room with my bed and big screen TV along with power
lounge chair. I still have good communications to the Internet and access to a wide range of movies, documentaries, and
music. I'm getting so great food including meat loaf, shrimp, steak , and spaghetti. but no tofu.
the song for Sunday is by Bush entitled Glycerine. View at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU6KhFWvKPM
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRI
Next ALS event: ALS WALK Hollins College, October 11.Message Composed With Mac Dictate Software and Head Mouse Extreme Hardware. =

September 26th: "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith

Hello,
sorry I missed the Smith Mountain Lake triathlon today but it was too cool and rainy for my power wheelchair and breathing machine. So my granddaughter and wife attended for me and my granddaughter read my prerace remarks. I hope everyone is happy with the race and John Gregory did the race for me. The song for Saturday is for my youngest granddaughter who is learning to skate board. She likes 70s and 80s music star so the song I have selected is by Aerosmith and can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_0UXRY_rY
Best Regards,
DickStrength and HonorWhat We Do In This Life Echoes Through Eternity!Website: http://web.alsa.org/goto/richardkelley.Twitter At: FRE2TRINext ALS Event: Big Lick Triathlon, Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, September 26.Message Composed With Mac Dictate Software=