_{I will miss you, Dad.}

John Robert Kelm, 1942-2016

John Robert Kelm died with his devoted wife, Lynn, at his side on February 10, 2026, at Kelowna Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer (glioblastoma). He was eighty-three years old.

John was born at St Joseph’s Hospital in Sudbury, Ontario, on August 1, 1942, to Robert and Lyla (Krause) Kelm. He was the oldest of nine children.

He worked as a technician in the Metallurgy Department of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) in Chalk River and specialized in using mechanical arms. He enjoyed his work immensely and retired in 2002, after forty-two years.

In his younger years, John played broomball in Pembroke and fastball in the AECL and Deep River Leagues.

The family moved from Deep River to West Kelowna, British Columbia, in 2003. John loved the splendour of Okanagan Lake and enjoyed giving tours to visitors, going to the beach, and drinking coffee on his balcony while surveying the view.

He worked even after retirement. Always eager to help others, John volunteered for many years at the West Kelowna Food Bank. JK’s Beanies was a familiar vendor at farmers’ and crafters’ markets throughout the Okanagan.

John loved to talk. He knew everything that was happening in his neighbourhood and was never shy conversing with strangers.

John was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lyla Kelm; brother, Wallace Kelm; and mother-in-law, Perla Maquirang.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly forty years, Lynn (Maquirang) Kelm; children, Lee Kelm (Lori), Belinda Fairchild (Adam), Sarika Rainey (Tim), and Eden Derickson (Michael); grandchildren, Connor, Delaney, Riley, Megan, Cameron, Madison, Laura, David, Samuel, Koda, and Boone; and siblings, Ruth Standen (Frank), Lois Simard (late Sam), Phyllis Reakes (late John), George Kelm (Debbie), Jean Fluri (Tony), James Kelm, and Steven Kelm.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Kelowna Hospice House for their compassionate care during John’s last few days, doctors and staff at Kelowna General Hospital, and Interior Health nurses and home support and family members for helping Lynn care for him at home.

As per John’s wishes, there will be no funeral.