Brian Christopher Kelley

Brian Christopher Kelley, age 63, passed away February 7, 2022, at Providence Extended Care Center, Anchorage from complications due to Diabetes and Osteoporosis after a long and valiant fight. Brian was born April 15, 1958, in Providence, RI to James F. and Vera (Drew) Kelley. He moved to Homer, AK with his mother and his siblings in the early 60’s where he attended elementary and junior high schools. At the age of 15, he moved to Anchorage and attended West Anchorage High, eventually receiving his GED. During high school, Brian also worked at the Carr’s Gambell Street store. At 19, after working for a regional airline, he went to work for Flying Tiger Line, a worldwide airfreight airline. While working for FTL, he was able to make many trips to Asia and the U.S. including Seoul, Hong Kong, and Macau. After leaving FTL during its transition to FedEx, Brian moved to Fairbanks and went to work for the UAF in the Maintenance Department. After four years, he returned to Anchorage eventually going to work for Anchorage Sand and Gravel as a Mixer driver until illness forced him to retire on disability. Brian was an avid hunter and fisherman. When he wasn’t working you could find him in the woods hunting anything from rabbits to moose or in a boat or a riverbank fishing for salmon or halibut. He and his good friend, Don Day dip netted for Reds and Kings in the canyons of the Copper River at Chitina. Brian and Lisa enjoyed berry picking and clam digging in season. He was also a great fan of NASCAR. As a teenager in Homer, he also successfully raced cars on the ice. Brian is survived by his wife of 21 years, Flavia (Taga-Amo), affectionately known as Lisa by her friends; sisters, Mary (Vince) Dunham, Boise, ID and Margaret Kelley, Chugiak, AK; close friends, Dave (Anna) Jones and children of Homer, Donald Day of Anchorage, daughter, Jessica who resides Outside and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friend worldwide including Kay Browning. Brian is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James, Daniel and Michael; one sister, Eva Marchell; his stepfather, whom he revered, Roger (Harry) Bjerregaard and his companion and “best dog ever”, Effie. The family requests no services. Brian was cremated by the Cremation Society of Alaska and his ashes will be spread on the waters of Kachemak Bay at a later date.