Our Mr. Kelley...
He's not here, but still guiding.

An Angel in disguise
Some say he taught Math.

He loved his job
"No A's without the effort."

"Do the work,
But show your proof."

We better stay awake,
Or fear a tossed eraser.

Intercom interruptions -
Many tossed erasers -- even damaged speakers!

His childhood illness, required isolation and surgeries,
Only strengthened his spirit, despite his resulting limp.

No sympathy for him,
He was a respected track coach.

You could be the worst on the team,
But his encouragement was always there.

"Show me what you've got
That's how to do it!"

"Give it your best effort,
Beat your best record."

Visiting teams would get to know him,
Surprised when he cheered for many of them.

One year he honored me by asking to be his track manager.
I witnessed up close how he helped anyone and everyone.

One Saturday, I asked to go fishing with my Dad,
He smiled, "That is important, we can make do."

He taught us more than math,
He always wanted our best.

He had a way of getting our attention,
"Chowder Head," later became an honor.

He knew the right time to mix in a joke,
We heard some enough to number them.

He really taught us 'Life Lessons,'
Not by voice, but by his actions.

During final exams,
He trusted us, and would leave the room.

I wouldn't be the man I am,
without him in my life.

I'm not alone with my appreciation,
Many others have realized his true impact.

I went back East, to see a friend.
We took him to his favorite restaurant.

I asked him if he remembered my asking to be excused?
"Was that the day you were going fishing with your Dad?"

I told him how much he impacted our lives.
"Really...do you really think so?"

"Mr. Kelley, you have no idea!"
He just smiled, possibly looking for my 'proof.'

It might have been the words he needed,
He passed four days later.

He was such a Devil,
But earned his Angel wings.

He was honored by those who loved him,
Wilmington MA High School track field has his name.

A Hundred or so, gathered at his 'Town Commons' Candle Light Vigil -
It was a very cold winter night - the Town lights went out.

We all wondered if he had anything to do with it,
But God must have wanted to show him THE light.

I am sad he is no longer with us,
Having gone to his final rest.

But...I'm sure he is looking down on thousands of us,
Making sure we are still doing our best!