A native Calgarian, Mr. Kelly studied at the University of Alberta, obtaining his B.A. in 1954 and his L.L.B. in 1957. He began his law career with Ward Patterson, Dingle, Patterson and Waite in 1957 and practised with that firm's successors until his retirement January 1, 2001 at which time the firm, then named McNiven Kelly, merged with Miles Davison LLP, with which he is now Counsel.

His practice has focused on the corporate/ commercial and estates areas, including the restructuring of some of Canada's largest corporations. His business activities have included a number of real estate developments and acting as a director of public and private corporations.

After 50 years of experience Mr, Kelly now spends the majority of his working time with the affairs of the Foundation.