September 5, 2004
Russell Kelly
Russell Thomas Kelly's gregarious and free-spirited nature were perfectly suited to his wanderlust lifestyle. He made a living working seasonally for Jo-Ma-Ma's Moving Company in Telluride, Colo., but his spare time was dedicated to building an international reputation as an expert whitewater kayaker.
Born in Stamford, Conn., Kelly learned to kayak in the ninth grade while attending the prestigious Lowell Whiteman School in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Over the years, he completed Class V descents in Argentina, Chile, India, Nepal and Peru. His last adventure involved a three-week whitewater kayaking expedition in Siberia, Russia.
When he wasn't on the water, Kelly attended more than 100 Grateful Dead concerts. An avid skier and paraglider, he also sold photographs of his travels to kayak and canoe magazines.
Kelly died on Aug. 9 in a single-vehicle accident. His pickup truck left the highway between Big Sky and West Yellowstone, Mont., and rolled down a steep embankment. Kelly was trapped inside and died before rescuers could arrive. He was 29.
Posted on September 5, 2004 11:46 PMtake a walk on the WIDE side !
Posted by jansson on September 17, 2004 2:16 AMTo live life should not mean that we lose it. It is sad when it does mostly for the mother who must survive her children.
Posted by John Rogers on September 21, 2004 6:02 PM
Descansa en paz!
Me he enterado tarde de tu ida, pero no me olvidaré de tí, ni de aquellas tardes foqueando por los cerros de las Leñas.
Cuida de nosotros desde donde quieras que estés!
Haré un descenso por tí en La Grave para que la montaña también tenga clara tu huella!
Nacho
-las aguas blancas araucanas siempre recordaran su presencia sus enseñansas no se olvidaran nunca su amigo marcelo
que Dios lo tenga en su gloria.
Russ you will always be loved and missed!!!!
Posted by Lena on April 29, 2007 1:17 AM