Birth date: Mar 31, 1921 Death date: Jun 13, 2015
William “Bill” or “Coach” Kelsey of Eustis, Florida and St Paul Park, Minnesota passed away quietly on Saturday, June 13th in his home in Eustis. He was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on March 31, 1921 and grew up in Saint Paul Read Obituary
With Deepest Sympathy retired Deputy Chief R. A. Robinson.
Mr. Kelsey was the reason I pursued science education as a career. I remember touring lake Eustis to see all the alligators and learning how to take water samples. He always made science engaging and he gave us students plenty of hands on experiences. Because of him I am a better science teacher. His memory will forever be in my classroom as I continue to apply his methods to make science as thrilling as he did.
Ms. Tessa Clark
It has been too long ago to remember specifics, I just remember that he was the greatest. If any student needed a helping hand or a kind word, Mr. Kelsey was your go-to source, any day any time. He will be missed.
Anybody that knew Bill knows that not only was he a man of honor and one of the finest men you will ever meet but he had some of the funniest and most unusual expressions. Like, when he wasn't sure what to do next, you might hear him say "I don't know if I should scratch my watch or wind my butt!" What a sense of humor. It was as great as many of his other qualities. Our lives are better for having known him and our world has been deminished by his loss.
Well Mr. Kelsey taught me a lot of things, like the time he gave me a pink belly for acting up on a field trip to his Limnology lab on Lake Eustis "I'll never forget that". I fell in love with the guy, because he showed he cared about everyone, and wanted everyone to be as smart as he was. I haven't seen him in many years, and I never got the chance to tell him, but I created a whole Scuba Diving Educational program based on the things he showed and taught me about a place he loved FLORIDA! The program reaches all over the state and its called DIVE into BIOLOGY. His teaching truly lives on!
The last time I stopped by the Kelsey home to visit Bill, he no longer remembered me specifically, but was more than happy to see and talk with me. It's hard to accept that I had become just another student in his long career, but he will forever have a special place in my heart.
I was grateful for the opportunities to attend Crystal River multiple times, as well as serving as a counselor at Doe Lake. Bill also sponsored the Brain Bowl team during my years at EHS, often picking me up and taking me home. His lab was my lunch spot most days, talking with him, or helping with some project he was working on.
I'm sure they're are hundreds of students with similar stories throughout his long career.
I hope knowing that his students remember him so fondly, in some small way, eases the pain for the Kelsey Family. My sincere condolences at the passing of one of my favorite teachers and a man I was proud to call a friend.
Kevin Torman '82
Mr. Kelsey was a multidimensional man and typifies the quality of teacher that Eustis High School was blessed with.
Hank Zaleski
EHS 1962
I remember the first time I met my father-in-law. He was so smart, kind and wise; a born teacher with a twinkle in his eye. He gave me a hug and whispered in my ear, "You know, you've got the best man in the world there", referring to my wonderful husband and dearest friend David/Terry. I whispered back, "I know, he's just like you." We smiled deeply at each other and, as we were leaving, a great grandson was making a beeline toward Bill and, with a huge smile and open arms, I heard him say endearingly, "C'mere knucklehead"... It was an honor to know him and I know he will live in our hearts forever.
From the Lester and Pickens families, a big smile in rememberence, and a big hug for the family Bill left behind. He was unique, fun, insparational, and one happy fellow. From Mike and Janine Lester. [email protected]
Hands down, the best teacher I've ever known. He CARED about his students and always kept it INTERESTING. His manner and style made him a favorite topic of student discussion after class. Great trips to Crystal River. He will be missed ... the dork. (I hope you all "get" that one, because it was a riot when he was informed of one of the "meanings" of his favorite catch phrase O.o)
