Kelly
Carson Craig
November 29,1932
– February 3, 2018
Carson Craig Kelly, age 85, of Red Deer, Ab passed away peacefully on February 3, 2018 at Extendicare Michener Hill with his family at his bedside. He was predeceased by his late wife Donna (Higdon, nee Combs), daughter Shannon, step-son George, first wife Lillian (Root). Carson will be forever remembered and always loved by his daughter Kim (Dean); sisters Sheila Cassidy and Aileen Ohlsen; brother-in-law Dale Combs; grandchildren Nicole (Jeff), Alisha (Joel), Kevinee (Charlie), Tasha (Michel) and Nicholas (Kristina); and 8 great-grandchildren Peyton, Greyson, Paxton, Ethan, Carter, Brooklyn, Tyree and Draiton; as well as many extended family and friends. Carson was born to Evelyn (Chinnery) and William Kelly in Innisfail, Ab on November 29, 1932, where he lived and helped on the family farm. At the age of 15, he started on the drilling rigs in Redwater, AB, which turned into a lifelong career taking him all over Canada, Saudi Arabia and on the North Sea. He met and married Lillian in 1956. Carson and Lil eventually moved to Wayne, AB where they enjoyed their acreage and raised their children. They spent most of their time helping Lil’s parents, Ralph and Flo, raise and train their thoroughbred race horses and enjoyed their time on the racetrack. Carson moved Lil and his girls abroad to Stavanger, Norway in 1975 for a year while working on an offshore drilling rig. After Lil’s passing in 1976, Carson remained in the Drumheller Valley. He continued in the oil patch until the mid 1980’s. Carson was never happy sitting around, so he started on the Bleriot Ferry in 1988 where he worked for 10 years. He always enjoyed visiting with the tourists and promoting the Valley. He met and married Donna in March 1997. They lived near family in Nacmine, Ab for many years. Carson kept busy as a Commissionaire at the penitentiary and the Royal Tyrrell Museum until he was 80. Carson moved to the Red Deer area in June 2015 after the loss of Donna to be closer to family. He very much enjoyed his time having the opportunity to watch his great-grandchildren grow. His last few months were spent living at the Extendicare Michener Hill in Red Deer. Carson will be remembered for his light heartedness, wit and sense of humour. His innate qualities of hard work, strength and perseverance will always be an inspiration to those he leaves behind. A Special thanks to the staff at the Extendicare, Sandi Engi, and Dr. Rautenbach for helping to make Carson’s remaining months comfortable and happy. A private interment will be held at a later date. If desired, donations can be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services.
