Kelvin (Kelly) Gordon Bothe

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kelvin Gordon Bothe (Kelly), a deeply kind-hearted, courageous, and determined man, on June 30th at the age of 65.

Kelly was the son of the late Gordon and Anne Bothe of Oak Lake, MB. 

He was born busy and stayed that way his whole life. As a child, his boundless energy often led him on unexpected adventures—like the time his mother caught him riding his tricycle down the Trans Canada Highway to visit his grandparents. After tying him to the clothesline to keep him safe, she soon discovered he had escaped once again—this time heading off to school to visit his big sister, Deb. When they finally found him, he was happily watching a movie with her class.

Kelly eventually found the perfect outlet for his energy in sports, especially hockey and baseball. Whatever he did, he gave it his whole heart and soul. In high school, he was so dedicated that he played on three hockey teams at the same time. While his family often believed he was on track for a professional sports career, Kelly chose to prioritize helping his father on the farm. He later channeled that same knowledge and work ethic into a successful career in agriculture—first as a Manitoba Pool Elevator manager, and then as an independent Agricultural Consultant. Through these roles, he built meaningful relationships with clients who quickly became lifelong friends.

It was also in high school that Kelly met the love of his life, Lorna. From the beginning, you could find his number one fan cheering him on in the stands at hockey arenas and by the ball field. They married in 1980 and were blessed with two children, Kelley-Dawn and Chris. His family meant everything to him. Even during the long days of harvest or demanding work seasons, Kelly always made time for his wife and kids. Whether it was a trip to Disney World in Florida—where he famously recorded his Elvis impression—or adventures to Banff Springs, Jacksonville, Memphis, or Mexico with Lorna, he cherished every moment spent making memories with his family. Kelly was the type of person who never hesitated to help someone in need. Whether it was lending a hand, offering advice, or simply showing up with quiet strength, he gave of himself fully and selflessly. His warmth, resilience, and unwavering sense of compassion were felt by all who knew him.

He is lovingly survived by his wife Lorna, his children Kelley-Dawn (Steve) Doucette and Christoph (Deryn) Bothe, his beloved grandchildren: Juliette, Elijah, Sydney, Chloe, and Calla. His sister Deb Schwindt, His brother John (Susan) Bothe, Sister-in-laws Kim Stoop, Karen (Murray) Newton, Sharon Thomson, and brother-in-law Ed (Cathy) Shaw and numerous nieces and nephews he treasured like his own children. He is predeceased by his parents Gordon & Anne (Gompf) Bothe, his brother-in-laws Lou Schwindt and Tony Stoop, his nephews Jason Schwindt and David Schwindt, and his precious granddaughter Lena, whom he now holds close once more.

Kelly’s life was a testament to the power of generosity, grit, and love. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the strength he carried through every chapter of his life. The family would like to thank the staff at Betel Home in Selkirk for the wonderful care provided, especially Lori, Carol and Jamie who never hesitated to get in a lighthearted jab or banter about the Jets and Bombers and made this final years exceptional. Also thank you to Dr Kobus Du Preez for delivering the devastating news with the kindness and grace he always has for his patients, and to the nursing staff on Med 3 & 4, especially Seymour, Braden and Soren for your kindness and compassion shown to Kelly while he was there. Finally, thank you is not nearly enough for family friend Erica who has always been there for “Jelly” and allowed us to be there at the end.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Netley Community Club, 693 Kreamer Rd., Netley, MB. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Kelly's memory to the Oak Lake Minor Hockey Association, PO Box 171, Oak Lake, MB, R0M 1P0 or by e-transfer to olhockeytreasurer@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honour Kelly’s spirit by paying forward an act of kindness to someone in need—just as he always did.

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