Portland's "King of Fun", founder of the New Oregon Singers, brought Joy to the World. Survivors: Wife, Robyn; son, Kim Kelly of Portland; daughters, Kristin Kelly Murdock and Kandis Kelly (Nicholas) Gasdik of Provo, UT; grandchildren, Kenneth Kelly (Angela) Murdock of Highland, UT, and Kasey Kelly Murdock of Provo; great grandchildren, Ethan and Jackson Murdock. The officially proclaimed "King of Fun" passed away of natural causes. He was surrounded by his loving family and their cherished memories of a life devoted to service. A man of deep faith and firm conviction in the healing power of music and entertainment, Bruce performed throughout the world as the founder and director of the New Oregon Singers and the Mello Macs. His optimistic charm, endearing smile, sense of humor, wit, charisma and ubiquitous Pepsi hat will be sorely missed by all. Although his accomplishments are grand and many, it will always be the little things, the nuanced private moments, that Bruce will be most remembered for. The small notes of encouragement from his trusted Smith-Corona typewriter; a quick wink and a smile to reassure an uncertain heart; a piece of candy from his pocket; or the innumerable quiet acts of charity and compassion to help a struggling family or friend. Spent his early years in Overton, NV, before moving to Salt Lake City. By the age of 18, he was already an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet in a dance band for summers at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon while attending Brigham Young University. Bruce served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After graduating from BYU, he enlisted in the Armed Forces. He spent four years in the service during World War II as a U.S. Navy pilot. He flew lighter-than-air aircraft (blimps) on anti-submarine patrols while stationed at the Tillamook Naval Air Base. Bruce made history when he volunteered to participate in the U.S. military's first experiment with air-sea rescue. He was the first person to be lifted from the surface of the water to a hovering aircraft 300 feet above Tillamook Bay. Bruce's uniform, flight gear, letters of commendation and pictures are all on prominent display in the Tillamook Museum. Bruce married his beloved wife of 54 years, Robyn Tibbs on June 5, 1950, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They raised their three children, Kim, Kristin and Kandis in Portland. Always a close, loving family, they enjoyed their many family outings of boating, water-skiing and snow skiing in the beautiful Northwest. Bruce enjoyed a successful career as an investment broker with Donald C. Sloan and Company. In 1965, Bruce returned to his first passion of music when he became the founder and director of the highly acclaimed choral group, the New Oregon Singers. Within three months of their first rehearsal, the talented group and their director were jetting their way to Hawaii for multiple performances for service personnel at military bases and hospitals in and around Honolulu. This was the beginning of an incredible odyssey that would take Bruce Kelly and the New Oregon Singers to 45 countries on six continents for the next 25 years... including performances in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Vietnam, Korea, Israel, India, Greece, Midway Island and military bases throughout the mid-Pacific. The New Oregon Singers shared the stage with such luminaries as Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Lawrence Welk and Glen Campbell. Invitational performances for President Nixon, her Serene Highness the Princess Grace Of Monaco and the Rambhai Barni Queen Mother of Thailand were just a few of the highlights of this successful, non-profit singing group. Drawing rave reviews from the press, a prominent Northwest music critic once wrote, "there are several talented, highly competent choral directors in the Northwest, but Bruce Kelly is the only one I have seen who combines superb showmanship with inspired direction." Bruce was also the charter director of the Multnomah Athletic Club's Mello Macs choral group for 43 years, entertaining senior citizens and veterans at local VA Hospitals and U.S. medical facilities throughout the Northwest. A sincere and dedicated civic leader, Bruce Kelly's community involvement did not end with his musical contributions. He served as the State President and National Director of the Oregon Jr. Chamber of Commerce as well as the Northwest Director of the prestigious USO. He was also a nationally published author and a fierce competitor on the racquetball courts, having once been the No. 2-ranked racquetball player in the nation. He recently won the gold medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games in the Doubles Division in St. George, UT. Bruce's smile and easy laugh will truly be missed by his family and many, many friends the world over.