Philas J. Kelly
Philas Kelly was born in the small hamlet of Amhic Harbor Ontario, July 30th, 1913 and
passed away at age 105 on February 7, 2019. Philas spent his early years with his parents in
Parry Sound. In 1923, his family moved to Detroit and settled in the Holy Trinity, Corktown area.
Philas graduated from Southwestern High School in 1933. He was an outstanding distance
runner and upon graduation was offered a track and field scholarship to the University of Detroit.
He graduated from the University of Detroit in 1955.
In 1935 Philas went to work for the Ford Motor Company in the steel mill at the Rouge
Plant. While he started in manual labor, one of his greatest sources of pride was when he was
called into his boss's office and told he would never work manual labor again. In 1939, Philas
was transferred to Ford's general office in Dearborn. For the next several years he worked in
accounting and during World War II he supervised a group handling military contract work.
Following the war, Philas went into sales and marketing where he held a number of
management positions, mostly related to marketing research and vehicle development. Philas
would often say, one of his most interesting assignments was working in the upcoming Edsel
division. In this role he was given the task of determining how many and where to locate Edsel
dealerships.
From 1937-40, Philas was a member of the Michigan National Guard 107th Reservation
Squadron Photo Section. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest living member of the
Guard and in 2016, he was awarded the Quilt of Valor.
Philas was an avid, amateur photographer. In 1960 he joined the Photographic Society
of America and was a life member and past president of the Photographic guild of Detroit. In
1963, he was instrumental in founding a weekend Photographic seminar that attracted hundreds
of photographers. In 1982, Philas received the highest honor of "fellowship"in the Photographic
Society of America for his accomplishments in nature and color photography.
As an enthusiastic traveler, Philas toured many countries in Europe. One traveling
highlight was a trip to the Arctic Circle. Every fall, for many decades, Philas traveled to his
beloved Vermont to photograph fall color. Another great joy was attending Michigan State
Football games. He held season tickets well into his 90's.
Philas loved people and enjoyed nothing more than telling a good story. He was devoted
to his family and served as a wonderful role model for how to live life to the fullest and always
show kindness and consideration to others. Philas was the dear husband of the late Olive
Florence (Cory) and proud father of Judith (Ron Welch) Green. He was proud grandfather of
Kelly (Richard) Thomas, Cory (Jason) Emery and the late Jeffery Lee Hood. His five
great-grandchildren Edie, Eloise and Everett, Lynsey and Violet were his pride and joy. Philas
was brother of the late Mary (Pete) Carpenter, Kathleen (Cid) Barker and Bristol Crowley. He
was uncle to many nieces and nephews.
In state at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington, Wednesday February
13th from 10:30 am until funeral Liturgy at 11:00 am.
Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Donations can be made to the Holy Trinity School, 1050 Porter Street, Detroit, MI 48226 Click hereto donate or to
the Sparrow Hospital Foundation, 1322 Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912 Click here to donate