I met Father Kelly very shortly after he was ordained. I had requested the Last Rites or the Anointing of the Sick as it is now known. I was Father's first anointing and he was visibly shaken to learn that I had cancer. I thought he was upset because I was young but, as he began to tell me a story, I think he felt that I was his first anointing as a message from God. He told me how his mother died from cancer and for a long time he was very angry with God. If memory serves me correctly, I think he even was away from the church for a while. But eventually he made his way back and decided to become a priest and he said he had never been happier. He was so very kind and consoling to me that day when I was so terribly afraid; I will never forget him and I will always be grateful. I wrote him a thank you note telling him what a wonderful priest I thought he was going to be and how I knew he would provide comfort to so many just as he had to me. Reading the previous notes it is obvious this was true. He was a wonderful example of Jesus walking among us and I don't understand why he was taken so soon. But I am sure the gates of heaven opened wide to welcome him home. Rest in peace, Father Kevin...this world and I will surely miss you. I offer my most sincere condolences to Father's family and friends.