Robert Kelsch, age 60, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2020. Robert was lovingly nicknamed "Bud" after his uncle.  He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 20 ^th, 1960 to the late Richard and Corrine Kelsch.  In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his niece, Jenny Izquierdo. Bud was the youngest of six kids and left behind three sisters and two brothers.  He moved to Orlando when he was ten and had an idyllic childhood by his own account.  With no shortage of interests, he loved the outdoors and adventures of any kind.  The list of activities that brought him joy was extensive and included but was not limited to: skydiving, surfing, golfing, football, volleyball, camping, hiking, skating, billiards, skiing, darts, biking, and riding motorcycles.  A serendipitous volleyball game in 1985 brought Cheryl and Bud together and a mere 2 years later, they were married and on their way to new journeys. The first home they purchased was a fixer upper. Renovating it provided the opportunity to spend countless hours with his father whom he adored. These are memories he cherished his entire life. Erik arrived in 1994. Soon after, they moved to Gulf Breeze and Evan came along in 1998. Bud's patience and love was endless throughout their childhood.  Whether it was midnight diaper duty, coaching every year of every single sport for both of his all-stars (losing or winning but according to Bud mostly winning!), attending band concerts or just going out after work to toss the ball around, Bud went above and beyond to create a memorable childhood for both his boys. Bud was fortunate enough to be able to visit over 20 different countries in his lifetime and was looking forward to more.  He loved to immerse himself in different cultures, meet the locals and try the traditional cuisine.

But the thing that made Bud the happiest was helping people.  He never passed a car on the side of the road without stopping to help and many of those that knew him have a story to tell about when he offered his assistance whether they wanted it or not! As his boys progressed into their teenage years, Bud wanted to make sure that they and their friends always felt welcomed and that his home was the neighborhood hangout.  He treated them as his own, as evidenced by his mentoring, hospitality and love.  Some of Bud's favorite "people" in his life were his canine friends. He would have had a household full of dogs if not for his wife limiting him to a few.

Bud suffered from debilitating back pain in his last years, preventing him from doing many of the things he loved.  His life was cut far too short.  However, we take solace in remembering that he always appreciated the experiences he was able to have and he frequently mentioned just how lucky he was.  He will be remembered as an incredible father, loving husband, adventure enthusiast, self-pronounced dog whisperer and friend to any in need.

Those left to cherish his memory include, his loving and devoted wife, Cheryl Kelsch, of Gulf Breeze, FL; two sons, Erik Kelsch, of Jacksonville, FL and Evan Kelsch, of Gulf Breeze, FL; three sisters, Cheryl Black and her husband, Bill, of Melbourne FL, Sue Terrell, and her husband, Britt, of Pace FL, Nancy Hough, and her husband Chip, of Wilmington NC; two brothers, Tim Kelsch, and his wife Margaret, of Strongsville, Ohio,  and Rick Kelsch, and his wife Jo, of Deltona Fl; two nieces, Kristine Rafferty, Amy Campbell; six nephews, Kevin Rafferty, Andrew Hough, Gary Hough, Frank Kelsch, Mike Kelsch, Rick Kelsch.

In lieu of Flowers contributions may be made to Humane Society or ASPCA

An outdoor Memorial Service will be rescheduled due to Hurricane Sally and new dates posted soon.

Special thanks to all our friends and family who have surrounded us with love and support in so many different ways.  We appreciate all of you