Salinas/Monterey Robert Kelly passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness with his family at his side. He leaves his wife, Barbara Rodgers, daughters Maria and Luisa, son-in-law Jim Miller, grandsons Jared, Rory, and Travis Hatcher, and best friend, Brickley Sweet. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas J. Kelly of New York, and his son-in-law, Brian Hatcher. Robert’s greatest life passions were his family and the outdoors.<br><br>For 30 years, he commuted by bicycle along Highway 68 to work at CTB-McGraw Hill, clocking 100 miles a week. He continued cycling regularly well into his 80s.<br><br>He was also an avid hiker and backpacker. A life highlight was summiting Mount Shasta in 2000 with Brickley and both of his sons-in-law. Robert and Barbara shared great pleasure in being actively involved in the lives of their grandsons. “Papa and Grandma” made weekly school pick-ups, attended sporting events in any and all weather, and joyfully celebrated milestones throughout the boys’ childhoods.<br><br>Those who knew Robert well appreciated his keen intellect, clever wit, and charitable nature; all of which remained with him through his final moments. He had a rich and full life, was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed.<br>