January 26
January 26
Happy birthday Guy! I miss your laugh.
Guy Charles Kelley III was born on January 25, 1956 to his parents Guy Kelley Jr. and Marilyn "Mimi" Nicolaus Kelley in Sacramento, CA. Their family later moved to Carmichael, CA. He attended Del Campo High School and graduated in 1974.
His love of the mountains and adventure led him to Truckee, CA where he met his former wife Patty Kelley of Truckee. They married in the summer of 1986 and later they had two children, Keema and Kevin.
From childhood, Guy enjoyed a very active, outdoor lifestyle. He enjoyed golf with his longtime buddies, camping and backpacking, snow and water skiing. He introduced his family to these activities, which became their favorite memories.
Guy was a free spirit, living on his own terms. Always enjoying life to the fullest.
He built his career from the ground up, a general contractor building homes throughout the Sierra Nevada region.
His friends and family know him best through all the funny and maybe not-so-funny stories that are told about his life. Whenever Guy was with you on an adventure, something memorable always happened. So here's a challenge for all of you visiting the site. Tell Guy's entire life story by posting in the "Stories" section one or more stories from your interactions with him.
Guy passed in his sleep on June 19th, 2019 at 1:45pm of liver cirrhosis and kidney failure. His companion and friend, Tia, Keema and Raven were by his side when he left Earthside into The Bright Light. Guy is survived by his sisters Kym Kelley of Truckee and Shawn Kelley of Clear Lake, CA, his children Keema Kelley-Hellebrandt of Truckee and Kevin Kelley of Chico, CA and his granddaughters, Addison and Raven.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
We just celebrated your birthday on Wednesday with doughnuts for breakfast. Happy Birthday, Papa Gee! I will be that bridge.
Talked to Johnny a few days ago. Thank you for surrounding us with your love and support.
During Halloween time Raven was telling her classmates that her mom has her dad locked in a box under her bed. The gossip got back to the school counselor and he approached me at pick up. A smile crossed my face and he seemed a little startled by my reaction. “She’s not wrong… those are facts.” Laughing lightly, “did she mention he’s passed?”
We still need to figure out where we should have you spread. Do you think I should send friends and family some ashes and they can share you where ever they may be? I like that idea.
I love you.
Talked to Johnny a few days ago. Thank you for surrounding us with your love and support.
During Halloween time Raven was telling her classmates that her mom has her dad locked in a box under her bed. The gossip got back to the school counselor and he approached me at pick up. A smile crossed my face and he seemed a little startled by my reaction. “She’s not wrong… those are facts.” Laughing lightly, “did she mention he’s passed?”
We still need to figure out where we should have you spread. Do you think I should send friends and family some ashes and they can share you where ever they may be? I like that idea.
I love you.
January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
Happy Birthday Guy. I miss you, Mom and Dad. Its not only your birthday but also the day Mom passed away 7 years ago and our parents anniversary.I miss all the fun we had. We had some great times together, just you and me. I remember all the times we spent in our backyard in the summer time. You taught me how to juggle and I remember you getting hit in the fore head with a golf ball. I also remember all the good fun partys we had with so many friends. You used to play so much good music for us to enjoy together. Thank you for all the good times we had. Later on in your life, I was not included. I did not get to be part of your family and ours. I missed being part of your life.
January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
Happy Birthday Guy! I miss you! I wish you were here ! Today reminds me of how lucky I was to have known someone so special! Your always in my thought. Rest in peace. Love Tia
January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
Happy birthday. It really sucks you had to leave us. I think about you often and tell our stories of adventure. We really did have some good times. Love and hugs. The Mop.
January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
This is always a special day to me as it's Guys Birthday, my parents Anniversary and the day my Mom passed away. I imagine them all together in a better place. I miss them so much.
All my love
All my love
January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
Hey Kelley my boy,
Just sending you some love. I still think of you often, your easy smile, always friendly to even a stranger. Send me a sign as I’ll always welcome you in my life…
Love
Will(ie)
Just sending you some love. I still think of you often, your easy smile, always friendly to even a stranger. Send me a sign as I’ll always welcome you in my life…
Love
Will(ie)
June 19, 2022
June 19, 2022
It's Father's Day and I remember so many times that Guy used to always bring up how my Dad would kiss him hello as was the tradition for men in our family. It made a big impression on him as when he became a father I remember watching him kiss Kevin when he was younger. I felt proud to know that the ripples of our families affection had spread out to my friends as well (with the exception of Randi)...:) Happy Father's Day Guy
February 1, 2022
February 1, 2022
I actually love this time of year to look at all the photos of Guy, Family and Friends. They warm my heart. I miss you so much.
I've been skiing some and the conditions are perfect for going fast. I think of all the runs I made with Guy. Sometimes we would play chicken locking arms and going straight down the mountain until one of us would release. He is with me ever day on the slopes. So many fun times and memories.
I love you Guy
I've been skiing some and the conditions are perfect for going fast. I think of all the runs I made with Guy. Sometimes we would play chicken locking arms and going straight down the mountain until one of us would release. He is with me ever day on the slopes. So many fun times and memories.
I love you Guy
February 1, 2022
February 1, 2022
It's hard to believe it has almost been 3 years. I still think of you almost everyday and all the fun times and shenanigans we pulled. There are so many stories to share with friends and so many fond memories. I still enjoy some of those activities you introduced me to. I'm very grateful that you were a part of my life. Headed up to Lassen June 6 to 9 to climb and ski down. Maybe a downhill bike ride after the tailgate party in the summit parking lot. A tradition that started with you and your family!!!
February 1, 2022
February 1, 2022
I Miss You?!
January 26, 2022
January 26, 2022
Will - that comment was very touching. I hadn't stayed in touch with friends from those young adult years. I regret that I abandoned old relationships while pursuing new ones. Guy's passing is a wakeup call. I thought we all were immortal and have plenty of time. We aren't - and we don't. Although I'm sad that Guy is gone - his death helped me to reevaluate and prioritize what's important. I became a great-grandpa last December. My list of priorities keeps getting longer! Wife, kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids...family and friends. Thank you Guy.
January 24, 2022
January 24, 2022
My Dear Friend,
Thinking of you on the day before your birthday. So many fond memories of our antics with our friends. The laughter and adventures we had, our school days, road trips, fun times. You were always a true friend to me, always there with your unguarded openness. I think of you often and continue to miss being able to talk to you...
Thinking of you on the day before your birthday. So many fond memories of our antics with our friends. The laughter and adventures we had, our school days, road trips, fun times. You were always a true friend to me, always there with your unguarded openness. I think of you often and continue to miss being able to talk to you...
July 30, 2019
July 30, 2019
Lot's of fun memories that go back before Keema and Kevin were born. My favorite is Guy always calling me Clada! Keema could not pronounce my first name when she was a baby, she called me Clada, Guy called me that always! I believe Guy left this world in Peace and those that loved him will always be thankful. I pray that Keema, Kevin, Kym and Shawn will hang on to the precious times and know time is a healer. All My Love, keeping you all in my prayers. Clada
July 23, 2019
July 23, 2019
Love to the one and only brother I had, I always loved you. I will always be grateful to you for how you gave me support in my life. I thank you for making my life better with all the music and the good times we shared. It's a shame that I was not ever invited to be part of your adventures in life with you and your family. I will always love and miss you.
July 22, 2019
July 22, 2019
We had a lot of great times together and made so many memories. I miss you more than I can say. Thank you for being my big brother and sharing all our wonderful adventures together. I'll love you forever.
July 14, 2019
July 14, 2019
I miss you.
June 27, 2019
June 27, 2019
The photos are really fantastic - Guy is so photogenic! I think back to Guy's spirit of generosity - he always included us in outings and hanging out together at the house. He was the first person - who on a particular hell day in Squaw - to tell me that despite it not making any sense, the more pressure I applied to the front of my skis, the slower I would go - helped tremendously, LOL! When we needed some help on the deck, Guy came over and built a monument to all decks that will last generations. He was hard working with a commitment to execution, and with a talented eye for detail and design. His laugh was easy - his reverence for the outdoors, phenomenal. It was clear he adored his family - I think they are also all extra special so I really appreciated this in him. And now, I am thankful to have had the great opportunity, to have known him. Blessings to Guy and All! Much Love, Natalie
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
January 26
January 26
Happy birthday Guy! I miss your laugh.
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
We just celebrated your birthday on Wednesday with doughnuts for breakfast. Happy Birthday, Papa Gee! I will be that bridge.
Talked to Johnny a few days ago. Thank you for surrounding us with your love and support.
During Halloween time Raven was telling her classmates that her mom has her dad locked in a box under her bed. The gossip got back to the school counselor and he approached me at pick up. A smile crossed my face and he seemed a little startled by my reaction. “She’s not wrong… those are facts.” Laughing lightly, “did she mention he’s passed?”
We still need to figure out where we should have you spread. Do you think I should send friends and family some ashes and they can share you where ever they may be? I like that idea.
I love you.
Talked to Johnny a few days ago. Thank you for surrounding us with your love and support.
During Halloween time Raven was telling her classmates that her mom has her dad locked in a box under her bed. The gossip got back to the school counselor and he approached me at pick up. A smile crossed my face and he seemed a little startled by my reaction. “She’s not wrong… those are facts.” Laughing lightly, “did she mention he’s passed?”
We still need to figure out where we should have you spread. Do you think I should send friends and family some ashes and they can share you where ever they may be? I like that idea.
I love you.
January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
Happy Birthday Guy. I miss you, Mom and Dad. Its not only your birthday but also the day Mom passed away 7 years ago and our parents anniversary.I miss all the fun we had. We had some great times together, just you and me. I remember all the times we spent in our backyard in the summer time. You taught me how to juggle and I remember you getting hit in the fore head with a golf ball. I also remember all the good fun partys we had with so many friends. You used to play so much good music for us to enjoy together. Thank you for all the good times we had. Later on in your life, I was not included. I did not get to be part of your family and ours. I missed being part of your life.
Gallery
A classic Guy photo which exudes the easy going nature of my dear friend...miss you Kelley...
I understand you so much more that you’re not here, Dad. Mizzi and my Dad.
Shawn, Guy and Kym
Alas, I found all his ski passes. From '71 to 2012, from Slide Mountain to Squaw to Alpine.
Top of the canyon ridge at Mt. Lassen
Hanging out on Lake Almanor
Camping at Lake Almanor
Skiing the canyon at Mt. Lassen
Guy, Kym, and I at the Yolo DZ. Guy's hand never left the ring on his emergency chute (lower left)
Recent stories
June 22, 2021
by Keema Kelley
ood Morning All!
Well, I took my usual morning hike on a Tahoe Donner trail that I’ve been frequenting all week. Definitely less traveled and considering it is a Saturday I was hoping that no one else was on it. I was in luck! Cool, green, flowers blooming still. It was perfect…except for this group of 3 crows that were just so loud! They’ve been on this side of the mountain all week so I was happy to share. So up, up I climb and this one crow is accompanying me the whole way.
There is one portion of the trail that is hidden and quiet, but this one crow was literally following me up the trail. He would swoop down near me and find a tree to perch on…then he would caw, caw, caw- nonstop. We were moving the whole time so I wasn’t getting into his space at all, unless you consider the forest his “space”. Then it dawned on me….Keema and I were told that Guy chose the shape of a bird to visit. We shared this thought with Kevin and he said that when he is traveling he always has golden eagles (I believe he said golden eagles) swoop down in front of his truck.
I stopped and acknowledged this bird and started talking back to him. He would caw, but he would also cluck (which I had never seen a crow actually do). Then I remembered..today is Guy’s anniversary of passing. My heart tightened and I had tears. I spoke with this bird some more. I released him from this world and told him that we were all fine, to thank him for saving Raven, that he was at peace now, no longer in pain, that we missed him and we knew that he did the best he could.
I continued walking, my head wrapped around the past and the pain of it….and just like that the dang crow quit following me. I heard him for off in the distance….
It will be interesting if he is there tomorrow.
I had to share.
With love!
Well, I took my usual morning hike on a Tahoe Donner trail that I’ve been frequenting all week. Definitely less traveled and considering it is a Saturday I was hoping that no one else was on it. I was in luck! Cool, green, flowers blooming still. It was perfect…except for this group of 3 crows that were just so loud! They’ve been on this side of the mountain all week so I was happy to share. So up, up I climb and this one crow is accompanying me the whole way.
There is one portion of the trail that is hidden and quiet, but this one crow was literally following me up the trail. He would swoop down near me and find a tree to perch on…then he would caw, caw, caw- nonstop. We were moving the whole time so I wasn’t getting into his space at all, unless you consider the forest his “space”. Then it dawned on me….Keema and I were told that Guy chose the shape of a bird to visit. We shared this thought with Kevin and he said that when he is traveling he always has golden eagles (I believe he said golden eagles) swoop down in front of his truck.
I stopped and acknowledged this bird and started talking back to him. He would caw, but he would also cluck (which I had never seen a crow actually do). Then I remembered..today is Guy’s anniversary of passing. My heart tightened and I had tears. I spoke with this bird some more. I released him from this world and told him that we were all fine, to thank him for saving Raven, that he was at peace now, no longer in pain, that we missed him and we knew that he did the best he could.
I continued walking, my head wrapped around the past and the pain of it….and just like that the dang crow quit following me. I heard him for off in the distance….
It will be interesting if he is there tomorrow.
I had to share.
With love!
Egg Fight inside Guy's parent's house
July 25, 2019
I wasn't there but this one was a classic that was told over and over again. I wish someone could give a detailed account of this one. The only thing I remember about this story is that everyone started throwing raw eggs at each other inside Guy's Parent's house and they were splatting all over the walls. Of course, it involved a huge clean-up so the parents would never know "What Happened Here".
July 11, 2019
by Keema Kelley
I wish I told him how proud I am of him.