Jason Michael Kelly

Jason Michael Kelly (48) of Vancouver WA, passed away very unexpectedly on January 7th, 2024 atPeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, due to complications from a stroke. His wife and closefamily members were at his side.Jason was born in Vernon CT on March 12, 1975, to parents William John Kelly and Mary Ann(Wieland) Kelly. He attended East Catholic High School in Manchester CT. He went on to work in thecustomer service and tech support professions. He spent 6 years as a trainer at Aetna Insurance inHartford CT, 13 years in tech support at Verizon Wireless in Wallingford CT, and most recently 7years as customer support and peer mentor at Charter Communications in Vancouver WA. Hisempathy, listening, and problem-solving skills gained him numerous accolades at every job. Heexcelled at relating to others and helping them to feel heard and understood. Above all, he loved tohelp. He gained hundreds of friends at each of his places of employment and kept in contact withthem throughout the years.He met his wife Lórien (Caldwell) Kelly in the winter of 2006, while playing the massively popularonline game "World of Warcraft." The two of them interacted there on a daily basis and developed arelationship. In late summer of 2008, Lórien traveled to Connecticut to finally meet Jason in person.The rest was history. They were married on August 14th, 2010 in her parents' backyard in LongviewWA, on a sunny and very "warm" 103-degree day. They lived in Manchester CT until May of 2016when they sold their condo and made the long trip across the country to start their West Coast lifetogether in Vancouver WA.Jason didn't have pets growing up, but quickly learned to love the cats that his wife brought to theirrelationship. Throughout the course of their marriage, he cared for 8 of the couple's own cats, aswell as numerous medical-needs fosters through the rescue organization that Lórien works with. Healso enjoyed accompanying her to the shelter on occasion to meet and care for all of the cats there.He became particularly attached to their own tabby cat "Tink" and loved to post pictures ofher/them on his social media accounts. He also created an account for their giant orange cat"Noodle" and loved to share Noodle's adventures around the house and in the neighborhood. Jasonwas a true cat dad in every sense of the word, and frequently advocated for adopting senior pets.Jason loved life to the fullest. His greatest joys came from putting a smile on someone else's face ormaking them laugh. His sense of humor and quick wit were impeccable. He had an infectious gigglethat was impossible not to join in with, and could be counted on for simple acts of daily motivationand encouragement to everyone around him. His positive and light-hearted demeanor was magneticand drew friends to him from every direction. His sweet and sensitive nature was easilyrecognizable, and his great love for his wife was apparent to all who knew him. A beaming ray ofsunshine, he was truly a force for good. In his spare time, Jason enjoyed collecting and reading comicbooks, watching superhero movies and Sci-Fi television shows, and (to his wife's chagrin)professional wrestling. He loved to draw and was quite talented. He also developed a great love forthe outdoors and enjoyed camping and hiking with family and friends. The couple enjoyed manytrips to the beach. Jason especially grew to love cooking and was frequently the one to preparedinner. He was a true music afficionado and loved attending music festivals and concerts with hiswife.Jason was preceded in death by his father William, and brothers Bill and Sean, in addition to hisgrandparents to whom he was close growing up. He is survived by his wife Lórien, his mother Mary Ann, and multiple generations of cousins on his mother and father's side of the family. He is survivedon his wife's side by parents-in-law Bill and Elodie Caldwell, siblings-in-law Steven (and Valerie)Caldwell, Jon (and Noelle) Caldwell, and Karyn (and Colby) Loftesness. He had 6 nieces and nephewswhom he cared deeply for and loved spending time with - Maria and Fatima Caldwell, and Ryan,Tyler, Hailey and Dylan Loftesness. He also leaves behind 5 cats whom he loved fiercely: Tink,Finnegan, Noodle, Priscilla and Poppy.Jason will be interred in the "Garden of Faith" within Evergreen Memorial Gardens at 1101 NE 112thAve in Vancouver WA. Funeral services will commence in the Evergreen chapel on February 3rd,2024 at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing prior at 9:30. Graveside services will be at 11:00, with a receptionin the hospitality suite to follow. We will be keeping it light-hearted and the attire will be casual.To honor Jason's life and legacy, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Furry Friendscat rescue in Vancouver WA. To donate, please visit www.furryfriendswa.org/donate. Physicalchecks can also be mailed to 6715 NE 63rd Street, Suite 450, Vancouver, WA 98661. Jason wouldalso have appreciated donations to any other favorite animal rescues in his memory.

Jason Michael Kelly

March 12, 1975 - January 7, 2024