KELBA, Nestor
October 31, 1936 - April 11, 2021
Nestor was born in Willingdon, Alberta, his family soon moved to Calgary where his passion for sports and community developed during his school years. While attending the University of Calgary, a rugby knee injury led him to a student nurse, the love of his life, Ellen. They married in 1961, after beginning their family in Calgary they moved west of town to operate Kamp Kiwanis. In 1973 they built a life for their family on an acreage with a view of the Rockies. It grew into an oasis of trees Nestor meticulously transplanted, a giant garden and pond for skating, fishing and paddling.
Nestor’s ground breaking work on ‘outdoor lab schools’ is used widely in North America. He espoused leadership and volunteering, his work as a teacher supervisor, coach, president of athletic and educational organizations resulted in numerous awards.
Nestor’s third retirement, as he called it, modernized Kamp Kiwanis to ensure that children and youth will continue to have free access to summer camp experiences. A trickster to the end, he embraced being born on Halloween, be it hosting a community party in character, delivering a well timed prank, or singing off-pitch during a birthday gathering. Everyone has a Nestor story, his impact was enormous.
Nestor is predeceased by his parents Ruby and Toder (Ted) Kelba and survived by a large and supportive family including his loving wife Ellen, children Joan (Mike), Tim (Tania), Stephen (Karin), and Paul (Sarah), grandchildren: Kristofer, Gabriel, Nathan, Benjamin, Richard, Alexander, Rhianna and Leo, as well as his siblings Betty (King), Doug (Cathy) Grant (Colleen).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kamp Kiwanis. A grand celebration of Nestor’s life will be held at a later date. Picture sharing, condolences, and details of his service livestream: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/edenbrook/obituaries/nestor-nicholas-kelba/64797/
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca.
