Nicholas Steward Kelly

Nicholas Steward Kelly, 76, of Chaska, Minnesota, set sail on his final journey on Monday, November 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 26, 1947, Nick lived a vibrant, music-filled life that touched the hearts of countless people.

Nick was a lifelong musician and a masterful artisan, crafting and repairing violins, guitars, and other instruments. Music wasn’t just a passion; it was his soul. He played guitar, clarinet, and his signature blues harp, gracing live bands and jam sessions with his talent. As the owner of Gallery Music, a cherished community music store in Walterboro, South Carolina, he opened his doors to musicians of all walks, hosting jam sessions, teaching aspiring artists, and reveling in the magic of live music. His love for music brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know him.

A craftsman at heart, Nick was also a skilled boat builder and carpenter. He lived an adventurous life, embracing the ocean as a surfer, skateboarder, sailor, and even living aboard a boat. His love for the water remained a constant through the years, as did his knack for finding joy in the simple things—gardening, connecting with nature, and making others laugh with his infectious silliness.

Nick’s stories were legendary, his laughter contagious, and his zest for life unparalleled. Whether owning a campground, motel, paint store, or music shop, he poured his heart into everything he did, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and creativity.

Nick is survived by his loving daughter, Alison Kelly Holshouser, her husband, Chris, and his treasured granddaughter, Olive Kelly Holshouser, all of Chanhassen, Minnesota. They carry forward his spirit of joy, music, and love for life.

A celebration of Nick’s extraordinary life will be held on Siesta Key, Florida, in the spring of 2025. It will be a gathering filled with music, laughter, and stories—just as he would have wanted.

Nick Kelly lived a life rich in love, music, and connection. His spirit will live on in the music he loved, the waves he sailed, and the countless lives he brightened with his joy and laughter.