Roy Kelley

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.”

Roy was born in Liverpool on 16th May 1954. He spent many happy times with his grandma and every saturday Roy was bought a comic and some sweets and went with her to the hairdressers and they always had special cakes for tea.

A typical little boy, he had a tricycle with a boot on the back and he would go up and down the road filling his boot with broken bricks and stones he found on his travels, then take them back to grandma’s and pile them in the garden.

Roy was a clever lad, gaining a place at Grammar school along with his mates Robbie, Billy and Dave. They all remained life-long friends.

In his younger days Roy was taken to Anfield to watch Liverpool play. He became a big fan and held a season ticket. He followed them through good seasons and bad and was over the moon when Liverpool became European Champions for the 6th time and also at the end of last season when they won the league. Every goal they scored Trish had to give him a “footy kiss”.

His other passion was music, Frank Zapper was a particular favourite among many others. He also loved ready books.

Roy’s working life was spent with Goodridge Huyton in Liverpool where he worked on the management team.

Unfortunately, Roy had a stroke 7 years ago, followed by a heart bypass which left him unable to use his left arm and affected his walking. Trish helped in his rehabilitation and together they lived a very happy life with love and laughter every day. They enjoyed outings and even managed a holiday to Kafalonia, staying with Trishs’ brother Johnny.

Roy endured his condition, never complaining and they lived as normal a life as they could. Former school friends and work colleagues would visit Roy regularly, Trish called these “pensioner outings!”

Roy and Trish moved to Crewe two years ago, Trish’s home town and together chose their perfect bungalow which they shared with their three cats, Roy called them their “little family.” They were welcomed to their new home by good neighbours, especially Jude, David and Sylvia and Joyce. In fact Jude had a soft spot for Roy and would never miss the opportunity to give him a big cuddle whenever around.

Life was ticking along nicely when earlier this year Roy became unsteady on his feet. He was in and out of hospital. On one special occasion their good friends, Pat and John travelled up from Surrey to visit Roy without him knowing. Roy was blown away and overwhelmed by their kindness.

During other times Roy would be made up when his workmates came down to take him to watch a football game at Crewe Alex. Don, his good friend, has been a rock over the years, taking Roy to the cinema on many occasions. He visited and rang him regularly and was always sending him text messages.

Roy told his friends how happy he was since the day he met Trish. He had met the “love of his life” and had never felt happier. Trish felt exactly the same about Roy. Trish’s two daughters, Clare and Francesca loved Roy and were always there for him, making him laugh and winding him up! (as Roy would say). When in hospital they would both go and sit with Roy for a while, as they both work at the hospital, as due to Covid restriction, Trish was restricted to visiting. They would help Roy make video calls to Trish so he could at least see and hear her.

Roy finally passed away peacefully in his loving home surrounded by those he loved on 14th November, aged 66 years.

The family would like to thank all friends and neighbours for all the care and support shown towards Roy during these difficult times. Also a big thank you to Roy’s carers at Evolving Care who tended to Roy four times a day with care and dignity and to the district nurses who came out to Roy twice a week to treat Roy and support Trish.

A service to celebrate Roy’s life has been held at Crewe Crematorium.