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F
lorrie Kelshall or Flo as she is affectionately called
by those close to her recently celebrated her 100th
Birthday on January 3rd 2016.
Flo is no stranger to TTARP, she was featured on the cover
of the O50 Q (Over 50 Quarterly) magazine seven years
and played quite a significant role in the creation of TTARP
twenty-three years ago.
The story of a white-haired lady already in her 70’s
highlighting the plight of what she considered discrimination
of elderly persons seeking motor vehicle insurance is a
famous story told by members of the Association. Flo’s
complaints did not fall on deaf ears. Mr. Steve Castagne,
owner of M&M Insurance Company Limited acknowledged
her dilemma which existed for all other seniors and with the
assistance of others such as Peter Pena, Maurice Quesnel
(deceased) and Ken Gittens (deceased), TTARP was formed
offering to Seniors access to insurance at significantly
discounted rates.
Today, the benefit of membership has expanded greatly
from insurance discounts to discounts on almost every other
consumable imaginable.
Flo has also been an avid sports fan, participating in hockey,
tennis and badminton. As a member of the Ventures
Hockey Team, which she joined in 1940 (before many of
us were even born). Florrie, at the age of 23, duly paid her
joining fee of 60 cents and monthly subscription of 36 cents
to become a bona fide member of the club.
She has always been a feisty entertainer, an inspiration,
role model and a mentor. She served on the Hockey Control
Board and is an Honorary Life Member, one of few. In 1983
she received the Humming Bird Silver Medal in recognition
of her outstanding contribution to sport.
On her 90th Birthday, ten years ago, the Ventures Team’s
tribute stated:
“Florrie’s role as a wife and mother began when she married
Kenneth Kelshall, a quiet unassuming man whose life would
change forever after taking Florrie for his bride.
There is a story told that after marrying Kenneth, her
supportive, caring and considerate teammates decided to tie
a bell under her bed to see if Florrie was as energetic as she
claimed. Now I know Florrie is going to say differently, but
her teammates swear that the bell never rang and that it was
only discovered by Florrie a week or so later. I think that it
was because Florrie moved faster than the bell could ring.
Despite the bell story, Florrie and Kenneth had three
daughters – Kay, Joy and Kimi, six grandchildren, and three
great-grand children and they were married for fifty eight
years.”
At her 100th Birthday celebration held at the Lions Civic
Centre, Flo took to the dance floor much to the delight of her
guests. Entertainment was provided by Tricia-Lee Kelshall,
Roger Johnson, Andy “Elvis” Campbell, Matthew, Wayne
Dopson and his Vintage Band, D.J. Phillo, and Harvard
Harps Steel Orchestra; and Linda Pollard Lake sailor crew.
Glitz and glimmer, a shiny golden 100th Birthday cake,
beautiful décor, delicious food, and a very festive crowd of
family and friends all contributed to this commemorative
occasion.
Happy Birthday Flo, you are our inspiration. Thank you for
your contribution to TTARP and for touching the lives of all
who know you.
Your TTARP Family.
Florrie Kelshall
100th Birthday Celebration
