Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178
109 King Street East, Bowmanville
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Kelly Beatty passed away peacefully on August 17th at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, after a long and valiant fight with cancer in her 61st year. Kelly was the founder and owner of Ruff Start New Beginnings dog rescue in Colborne, ON for 15 years and with her husband Chris at her side rescued over 1912 dogs from Canada and the United States. Her determination knew no bounds or boundaries. No dog was beyond hope, rehabilitation, and a forever home which she proved time and time again. Born in Oshawa on April 10, 1965, she also lived in Quebec, eastern Ontario, San Francisco and Bowmanville, ON. Working at Home Depot in Bowmanville and loving her customers. As much as she loved her customers, her heart longed to be involved in dog rescue so they sold their home in Bowmanville and moved to three acres in Colborne and never looked back. Kelly worked tirelessly for her dogs, working with them, feeding, arranging transport, vet visits and fundraising with draws and comedy nights. She was a light in everyone’s eyes.
Loving wife of Chris, dear daughter of Irene Hayball (and partner David Barrett), Doug Speirs (and wife Marina) and daughter to the late Col. William F. Hayball. Predeceased by her grandparents Tom & Olive Speirs and Peter & Vera Salowski. Loving niece of Helen & Ian Smith, John & Fran Salowski and Les Salowski & Dayle Steenson. Daughter-in-law of Betty Beatty and the late Bill. Sister-in-law of Michael & Kim Beatty and aunt of Mary Beatty. She is also survived by many cousins. Kelly loved and was loved by many volunteers and friends that so unselfishly supported the rescue and who will continue on with her work. Thank you to the doctors and staff of Oshawa/Cobourg Cancer Centres. Special thanks to Dr. Essak and Dr. Mulé for their kindness and the nurses and caring staff of of Ed’s House, Cobourg.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Kelly's Life on Sunday, September 21st from 1pm-4 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178, Bowmanville, 109 King Street East Bowmanville.
Donations to the Cancer Centres in Oshawa/Cobourg, a rescue of your choice or Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre would be greatly appreciated.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Chris, family and friends. Heaven has gained one amazing angel. Rest In Peace Kelly 🐾❤️🐾
Kelly, you touched so many lives and I hope you know how much you are missed. We are so blessed to have met you and experienced the love you share to all around you. Your kindness and genuine love for dogs and the people who you so perfectly paired them to is truly magical. You are one of a kind and will be forever missed. Rest in Peace Kelly.
It is with great sadness for the loss of a good friend and fellow volunteer with Dog Lovers Search and Rescue of Northumberland County. Sending condolences to Chris and Kelly's family. Kelly was a true warrior in the kindness of saving so many dogs that came from horrible backgrounds and living conditions. She saved them so they could have a New Beginning and a loving forever home. We will be forever thankful for your compassion and love for all dogs including my Kali. Rest Peacefully. I made a donation to one of Kelly's loved Rescues Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation where she helped by taking Harry and Daisy and found forever homes for them. 🐾💔
Kelly will be greatly missed. She was so very kind to me during my time in Colborne. Her passion and love for dogs will forever be remembered. She was a very special lady. Rest easy.
So sorry to hear of her passing. She did so much for So many dogs. I spoke with her and met her in rehoming a dog that I had. May she rest in peace 🙏
I was so saddened to hear about Kelly's passing. She was such an amazing person who dedicated her life to helping animals. She is going to be terribly missed by everyone. Will always remember her.
I met Kelly through our mutual friend Ruth. We both had a love of dogs and I was happy to help with her fundraising efforts. She was a very generous person and will be missed by all.
Thank you Kelly for your courage, commitment and remarkable achievements in dog rescue. You have literally changed the world and pets and people will always be blessed by your intervention. Rest in peace sweet soul.
Kelly will be missed by all who knew her. Our condolences to Chris and family. Donations have been made by our group in memory of Kelly to Marley’s rescue and Determined as Diesel.
I met you a few times each time I was dropping off donations. The last meet up was when you were getting your treatments, we talked for a bit, and I hoped that they would work out positively for you.. Seems that was not the case. You did so much for the dogs, and will sadly be missed. Haven has gained and angel, . You will be missed by many.
Kelly, you had a heart of gold and a sense of humour that was perfection! You touched our hearts as you have to so many. Thank you for all you have done. We will never forget you.
Rest in peace Kelly. You fought so hard. Your love of the four legged babies will live on forever. You will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. I first met her and Chris back in 2020 when we were visiting Zack. We spent months visiting and getting to know Zack before fostering for awhile, as well as Kelly and Chris. I was amazed at the rescue, and all of the hard work and dedication that Kelly and Chris put into it together. Since then I have followed along on Facebook. Her posts and updates on the various dogs that were fortunate enough to be in their care were a bright light in an uncertain world.
Our friendship started with a dog named Penny! A decade of many memories from dogs, events,adoptions and life outside of rescue. She took her small rescue and did great things. Condolences to chris and all family. Miss the chats,visits and your humor already..see you again my friend
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Dog Lovers Search and Rescue
I would have died that day, unseen, In fear and loneliness, a lonely queen, If not for you, your gentle hand, Your loving heart, across the land. You saw a life, a soul so frail, And whispered hope on a passing gale. You offered comfort, home, and food, A safe retreat, a gentle mood. You taught me love, and how to trust, To banish fear and build from dust. For every soul that you did save, A love like yours, the world gave. You gave your all, with weary eyes, You stretched your resources, to our surprise. When funds were low, and room was tight, You found a way, with all your might. To save one more, to make a space, To show the world a kinder face. Now, in the quiet, you have gone, But your legacy shines on and on. For every life you touched and healed, Your spirit in our hearts is sealed. We, the saved, will carry on your name, A flicker of your loving flame. The wagging tails and happy barks, Echo your kindness in the parks. You changed our worlds, with selfless grace, And found for us our rightful place. Though we may mourn, and tears may fall, Your love saved us all, yes, all.
I never was lucky enough to know Kelly personally, but I followed Ruff Start and all she did for the animal community. I know from recent posts how hard she fought her battle all the while still posting in behalf of the rescue for the last couple of dogs needing a home. She never wavered when it came to saving these dogs even in her hardest time. She was and will continue to be a pillar of strength for the animal welfare community through her legacy, and all of the animals she has saved. My deepest condolences to her family, and may we all keep the fight on Kelly’s behalf for animal welfare. Rest in paradise Kelly, we will continue your fight.
Kelly was a beautiful soul. When my pug Ally passed , due to diabetes I reached out to kelly. I had special food, insulin, needles and a glucose monitor. Kelly , not only took what I had for other dogs in need , she consoled me with hugs , and I felt her love. When I said , I will never be able to have another dog, she smiled and said yes you will!! Sure enough, here i am with 2 more pugs! 😊 Thank you Kelly, your loving soul will live on forever. In Kelly's memory, do something for someone, especially a dog that didn't ask not to be loved! Condolences to everybody whom was touched by Kelly's heart.
Rest in peace Kelly . Though we only knew each other for 5 years, I will miss you lots. You barely knew me the year Paul had his brain aneurysm but you were a great support to me. Giving me advice constantly checking up on me. Forever thankful , you chose us to be Rover's family. Rest in peace my dear friend. Condolence Chris and family
You are an angel Kelly! Many thanks for all you have done. Rest Easy ❤️🐶🐕🐩
Chris, my deepest condolences for the loss of Kelly. She was so special to Norman and me. I know Norman and so many other of our beloved pups wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for her. Love Neanette & Norman.
Chris, my sincere sympathy on Kelly's passing. Knowing the inevitable does not make it easier. Kelly was such a bright light and never gave up. The 1900+ dogs you rescued and rehabilitated as well as us their adoptive parents owe you both a debt of gratitude.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Kelly, she will forever be missed and all the hard work she did for those dogs and to allow me to walk the dogs and help her was huge I’ll forever miss her and everything she did driving by will never be the same
What an incredible loss for Kelly’s family and for the dog rescue community. Kelly made a profound difference during her life by helping dogs in need that wouldn’t have had a second chance. She was also a wonderful rescue colleague. Kelly, you won’t be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to Chris, Kelly's family, and friends. Kelly was one of my heroes. In her memory I have donated to the 50-50 draw for Jiggy run by her good friend Donna Graves of Paws for a Cause, and have offered to match all donations over the next week (up to $1500.00) made to Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation, run by another of Kelly's dear friends. I think Kelly would approve.
I am heartbroken over Kelly’s passing. She had so much more she wanted to accomplish. She was my earliest friend, and for nearly six decades, our paths remained intertwined. From our childhood adventures on Surrey Drive to the shared joys and sorrows we experienced over the years, Kelly always held a special place in my heart. Her bravery, compassion, and unwavering resolve touched countless lives, both human and furry, and I will forever cherish the legacy of love she leaves behind. My sincerest condolences to Chris, Irene, Doug, Helen, Bill Jr, and all those who held Kelly dear. While her absence will be profoundly felt, her memory will endure eternally. I love you, Kelly.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Cancer Clinic
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We send our sincerest condolences to Chris and the family. Kelly was one of a kind. We were the chosen family for loveable Snoopy, or Snoop Dawg as she called him. He went to get the gates ready for Kelly not too long ago. We feel a tremendous RSNB loss all around with our alumni and his rescuer. I'm sure all the dogs are wagging their tails having Kelly with them, she definitely was an angel for them ❤️
Knowing Kelly changed my life for the better. I am very proud to say that we were friends. I will miss her wit and her charm.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sincere condolences to Chris, Irene, Doug, and all of Kelly's family and friends. I feel blessed to have been friends with Kelly, even if it was only for the last 2-3 years. I wish I could have eased her pain and suffering, but I'm thankful for the laughs and good times we shared. RIP My Friend!
We have such sweet memories of this beautiful earth angel Kelly. So loved and missed by many people and truly loved by so many fur babies.
Irene, Dave, Chris & family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Kelly. We have such fond memories of Kelly, particularly spending time together with our families in her younger years. We are holding you in our thoughts, sending love from The Baynham family
Kelly called me about a month ago and we had a lovely conversation. I didn't realize it would be our last. Kelly had a huge heart that she generously shared with everyone and there wasn't a dog alive that she didn't love. Thankfully, she is now at peace and pain free. Kelly, you have a lot of friends waiting for you across the Rainbow Bridge. And just so you know, I'm still looking after the home you grew up in. ❤️
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Cancer Clinic
So very sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. Sending my deepest condolences to Chris and family. May your memories of Kelly sustain you during this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Lakeridge Health - R. S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre
So very sorry to hear about Kelly. Sounds like she found her calling in life. Can't imagine your grief.
DEAR IRENE&DAVE,WE ARE DEAPLY SADENED TO THE TREMENDLESS LOSS OF YOUR DAUGHTER,OUR THOUGHS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, LOVE Ron&Denise
Kelly will be missed but never forgotten
The world has lost a wonderful, caring, dedicated, helpful, crazy dog loving person. She wanted to save every dog that had been mistreated, dumped or just needed her. I will miss texting her or calling her when I needed her help or watching a set trap with her. She always had something funny to say that just made you laugh. She never gave up. My sincere condolences to Chris and her family from another crazy dog loving person.
I mourn for my vivacious, resilient, thoughtful, determined, smart and beautiful friend. I will miss our hour-after-hour phone calls, cottage adventures and future planning. My heartfelt sympathies to Chris, her Mom and David (who I am grateful to have met, even if it had to be at chemo treatment) her beloved Aunt (your last trip together meant so much to Kelly) and Uncle (who’s lifelong support she treasured), her in-laws, relatives and friends. Of course, also to Hugo and all the dogs she loved so much. My sincere condolences.
My sincere condolences to family. A kind heart is lost.
I don't know Kelly other than reading this notification of her passing. Kelly sounds like such a caring kind person in helping to rescue so many dogs for so many years. Had I met Kelly in person I know I would have loved her for her love of animals and pursuit in fundraising and finding good homes for her dogs. I am very sorry to Kelly's family and friends and send sincere condolence. May she rest in peace.
Kelly will be missed.. many times I’ve called her without hesitation. She was on the phone with me for hours sometimes.. helping me through my beloved dog Sailor, who now is with Kelly I’m sure. My condolences to Chris the family she will be remembered.! Xxxxoooo
Sending condolences to Kelly’s family and friends. I do not know her personally but I have heard so many kind words about her. She will be missed by many … and especially by her dog friends. May she rest in peace