Archive for The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Bringing the serving and ex serving communities together          The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Forum Index -> Obituaries townsergeant Major John Kelly BMus(Hons) FLCM LRSM Royal Marines Received from Lt Col Chris Davis via Lt Col Graham Hoskins. ''It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of Major John Kelly Royal Marines. John had a neurological condition that is extremely rare and was largely untreatable. He passed away last night (Monday 30/6) and I am told slipped away peacefully with his family around him. John had been ill for the last 4-5 weeks and had spent some time at the London Bridge Hospital where he was being treated for a very rare brain infection.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy, Sam and Jade at this very sad time'' http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/reference/MajKelly.htm Errol RIP John. A real gent.Found out about his passing earlier today,although unfortunately it was not unexpected by his family or friends here in Deal. Bilvers I had heard that John was not well, and it is very sad to hear of his death. I trained and served with John over the years and he was always a good friend and companion. He will be sorely missed by all that his brief life touched. Rest in Peace John Stuart dustydrums My sincerest wishes to Wendy and family at this sad time. John will be greatly missed. 2nd Clarinet Sad to hear the news......RIP John Kelly. General Melchett A great Boss and a true gent. A very sad day. admin A sad day. John was a friend, neighbour (for some time), gentleman and an all round good egg. There will be an official announcement from the PDM later in the week with other details to follow. Rest in peace John... our thoughts and sympathies go to Wendy, Sam and Jade Hornblower RIP John. bootneckbandy I too would like to wish Wendy and family my deepest sympathy, I served with John both under training and when serving in Deal Band between 87 and 89 and again for a short time in 1990;  true professional. RIP shipmate. EricAckroyd I was very saddened to hear this news. My sincere sympathy to Wendy and family at this sad time. Steve Quirk Kratos A shock to say the least! John was always very supportive of me as a young bandie. Rest in Peace shipmate. Matt Gates Wave Dilson Just heard the very sad news from Dougie Graham. Another of the euph players guild and the HMS Nelson WO&CPO's Mess double duff club to go far too early. RIP John, best wishes to Wendy and the family. Dave and Lesley Wilson Wolfy Deeply Saddened by the all too premature departure of John to where we all hope is a better place. Rest Easy now John. Thoughts and heartfelt sympathy to your nearest and dearest. Nick B I have just heard the sad news about John. Pat & I wish our heartfelt sympathy to Wendy and all His Family. RIP John another Brother passed to the Massed Bands above. bootybandy So very sad to hear of yet another fine man and musician taken from us far too early. Deepest sympathy to Wendy and family. RIP mate.....Bri. sticky blue R. I. P. eastney hooker R.I.P John Dan A Tragic news, RIP John. Dan Gary Pumford Deeply shocked to hear the very sad news. John and I had been friends and colleagues for many years, he will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Wendy, Sam and Jade. Rest In Peace mate. Gary and Liz geushky RIP John, our thoughts are with your family... Jimbo RIP John, very sad day. A true gent and a pleasure to have worked alongside. Sarah Royle I studied with John at the LCM and was very very sad to hear the news of his passing away. He was such a lovely lovely man. Eternally cheerful and always willing to help out with anything. I'll always remember his smiling face during wind band rehearsals and how proudly he would speak of his wife and children. I distinctly remember one conversation about the best way to iron a shirt. He was always wearing beautifully ironed shirts and I was asking him for tips - he put the rest of us scruffy students to shame!! RIP John. I'll think of you smiling down on us. My sympathy and thoughts go to his family. Sarah xxx townsergeant Sarah Royle wrote: I studied with John at the LCM and was very very sad to hear the news of his passing away. He was such a lovely lovely man. Eternally cheerful and always willing to help out with anything. I'll always remember his smiling face during wind band rehearsals and how proudly he would speak of his wife and children. I distinctly remember one conversation about the best way to iron a shirt. He was always wearing beautifully ironed shirts and I was asking him for tips - he put the rest of us scruffy students to shame!! RIP John. I'll think of you smiling down on us. My sympathy and thoughts go to his family. Sarah xxx What a lovely tribute......Thank you for sharing it with us. Wolfy Welcome Sarah. Sorry your first post here had to be related to Johns Passing. Great to hear such a tribute. Don't be a stranger now you have joined us. evs131 Maj. John Kelly Royal Marines John and I were mates for some time and we followed each other around from Band to Band.  I shall miss him and my deepest regrets go to Wendy and the children townsergeant Just to inform you that the Funeral Service for Major John Kelly will be held at St Mary's Church, Walmer on the 6th August 2008 at 11.00am. admin Confirmed the above with Wendy and all details are correct. From Wendy and the family NO FLOWERS AT ALL please, details of donations will follow as soon as they are confirmed by the family... selwyn john kelly My heart goes out to Wendy and the family. My sincerest condolences to you all at this tragic time. Words may comfort, time may heal but memories ... all the good times, you have forever. bootybandy Well said Selwyn. That is one thing that will never be taken away. Memories are for ever. admin Further to the last from the family: Serving personnel to wear uniform as detailed: Officers: No1 Dress (Blues) Neg Swords, with gloves and medals, Mourning bands to be worn by all officers. SNCOs: No1 Dress (Blues) Medals, gloves and white belts, Mourning bands worn by all SNCOs. ORs: No1 Dress (Blues) Medals, gloves and white belts. ORs are also to cover the second button of their blues tunic with black cloth.   Civilian clothing: NO Black at all. Please wear cheerful ties and outfits (this is in celebration of John's life) No flowers at all, only flowers will be from Wendy, Sam and Jade Donations for RMBSAF Cheques made payable to "RM Band Service Amenities Fund" and sent to the Corps Bandmaster or Blue Band at Headquarters Band Service, HQBSRM, Eastney Block, HMS Nelson, Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hants. PO1 3HH. There will also be a collection in the Kingsdown Golf Club on completion. Everyone is welcome to attend: 1100hrs St Mary's Church Walmer, Deal On completion Cremation at Barham Crematorium CT4 6QU On completion Kingsdown Golf Club (The Leas Kingsdown CT14 8EP) Wendy, Sam and Jade will be delighted to see everyone at all or any part of the celebration of the life of John at the Church, Crematorium or Golf Club kingfisherman Sorry to have heard the sad news of John leaving us so soon, I  went through training with John and must say what a GENT, not a nicer man would you hope to meet. R.I.P John Condolences to you Wendy and the family. Kevin (one of the twins)        The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Forum Index -> Obituaries Page 1 of 1