Edward John Kelly, 56, of Kincheloe, died Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at his home.

He was born September 26, 1952, in Lansing to George Edward and Geraldine Ann (nee Crisp) Kelly.

He grew up in Pickford and was graduated from Pickford High School in 1971. Mr. Kelly then attended Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mr. Kelly sailed the Great Lakes for more than 10 years and worked as a corrections officer for 16 years before retiring in 2004. He was a loving man, friends said, who took great joy in his only daughter and his grandchildren.

He liked to camp and take his grandchildren on long nature hikes, usually ending with a hot dog and marshmallow roast. Mr. Kelly was a lover of Harley Davidson motorcycles and he never missed a NASCAR race. He had a deep appreciation for the Native American culture and was a collector of native artwork.

Mr. Kelly is survived by his daughter, Kelly Ann Jones of Kincheloe; a brother, Robert Kelly of Brimley; two grandchildren, Trevor Michael James Jones and Carter Andrew Jones, and special friends Gale Spence and Al Simpson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Ava Ann Marie Jones; a brother, James Albert Kelly, and a son-inlaw, Andrew Lee Jones.

A memorial service will be Saturday, September 12, at 6 p.m. at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford.