It was both beautiful and sad as students and mentors from Clarkston’s Team RUSH Robotics each put a yellow rose in a basket on Sunday at Clarkston United Methodist Church.
The sentiment was beautiful. The reason was sad as it was during a Celebration of Life as the Clarkston community lost Mark Kelly last week.
I went to the Celebration of Life to say goodbye, sometimes it’s the only way you can.
The last time I saw him was during the fall season. He came to take photos during the Clarkston Varsity Football game in which the temperature was under 60 degrees so I had on winter gear. I get chilly when the temp drops below 65. He joked as always how much gear I had on and it wasn’t “that cold.”

I knew him first as a photographer. I don’t remember when I met him but you see the same few people on the sidelines and you start talking about everything and nothing. Then, I would just see him everywhere.
He would be at parades. He would be at events. He took senior portraits. He attended weddings and took engagement photos. He took our engagement photos in Depot Park on a sunny, warm day in 2015.
He captured everything through his lens and always had an new idea. Like one day he said he was doing something with Clarkston Cultural Arts called Faces of Clarkston. He asked if I could think of some people who would be good to include. He also got me to do it.
His photographic eye was extensive from post offices to portraits at Taste of Clarkston, from close up of instruments of Clarkston High School Marching Band to entire field of the 100-plus group.
Looking at his work, I would just get inspired. I could just take my camera out and capture – life.
I mentioned I knew Mark first as a photographer. He wasn’t just on the sidelines at games. He was a referee for girls lacrosse and was usually on the field those spring days.
My condolences to the Kelly family. My condolences to friends and colleagues. I am truly sorry for your loss. He was kind, friendly and always had a smile.
Hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the snow and had a snow day.