Elden P. Kellar Obituary (1926

Long time Hillsboro resident and legendary coach, Elden P. Kellar, 90, passed away April 15, 2016 of Parkinson's Disease. Elden was born on January 20, 1926 in Lake Preston, SD. He was one of twelve children born to Benjamin and Alma Kellar. Elden was raised and received his education in De Smet, SD, graduating in 1944. He was an outstanding athlete there, even coaching the track team his senior year due to WWII. Following high school, Elden enlisted in the US Navy and served until 1946. He enrolled at South Dakota State University after the war, receiving a BS degree in 1950 and a Master's Degree in Education in 1951. Elden excelled in Track and Football at SDSU, and was later inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He met his future wife, Dorothy Crothers while in college and they were married on March 29, 1948 in Brookings, SD. After teaching/coaching positions in Madison, SD and Rainier, OR they settled in Hillsboro. Elden became one of the most successful coaches in Oregon history, on and off the track. He made a lasting impact on generations that he coached, taught, counseled and worked with, helping individuals realize their full potential in sports and in life. Coach Kellar was the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Elden was devoted to his family and raising his five children with his wife Dorothy. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren's activities, always present to support them. He was a lifelong student of history and enjoyed reading and visiting historical places throughout the US. His many hobbies included sports, gardening, wine making, canning produce and numerous hours of community service. Elden was a pillar in the Hillsboro community and will be remembered for his integrity, dedication, work ethic and kindness. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy. Survivors include his five children and their spouses; Beth (Tom) Ardell of Portland, Bob (Tammy) Kellar of Vancouver, WA, Bill (Lori Beth) Kellar of Charlotte, NC, Susan (Ken) Roy of Portland, Scott (Katrina) Kellar of Hillsboro; four siblings, Don, Dale and Vince Kellar and his twin sister, Elda Mahoney, thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A recitation of the rosary will be held at 10.30 am followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at 11.00 a.m. Friday, April 22 2016 at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 475 SE 3rd Ave., Hillsboro. A reception will follow at the parish hall. The family suggest donations be made to the Elden P. Kellar Scholarship Fund c/o Wells Fargo Hillsboro Branch, 150 SE 10th Ave. Hillsboro, OR. 97123