Kelwin Burrell Jr.

Life’s Journey

Kelwin Howard Burrell, Jr. died peacefully on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, in Denver, CO. He was born in Chicago, IL, on March 20, 1936. He was the second child and the first and only son of Kelwin Burrell, Sr., and English immigrant, Rosalie (Bruno) Burrell.

Kelwin and his sister Joan grew up on the Southside of Chicago, where their father worked for the US Post Office. After his parents divorced when he was in 5th grade, his mother poured all of her love into her children and provided for them through her job with the Illinois State Retirement System. He had a close relationship with his mom and was affectionately known as Buddy because he was her little buddy.

As a child, Kelwin loved playing outside, exploring the railroad tracks near his home, and spending weekends at a farm. A fast runner, he excelled in track, but he made his real mark in high school as the Illinois State Wrestling Champion for the 95-pound and under division.

In 1953, after graduating from Calumet High School, Kelwin briefly attended college and met his first wife, Lillie Jones. After leaving college, Kelwin used his exceptional mathematical skills to secure a job as a draftsman for Illinois Bell. When his draft number was selected, he took a leave from his job to complete his military service. Upon his safe return from the Army, he resumed his position with the phone company.

In 1965, Kelwin, Lillie, and their two oldest children moved to Denver, CO, and settled in the Park Hill neighborhood. It was there that Kelwin began his management career with Mountain Bell. His position at Mountain Bell allowed him to become one of the first season ticket holders for the Denver Broncos. He became a lifelong fan of the team, and in 1978, he and his closest friends were able to make the pilgrimage to New Orleans to cheer on the Broncos in their first Super Bowl appearance. Win or lose, Kel remained a die-hard Broncos fan.

When Kelwin wasn’t cheering on his Broncos, he spent his free time playing golf or doing crossword puzzles. He was an active member of the Top Hatters, a men’s’ social club, and the In-Crowd, a couples social club.

Kelwin was a voracious reader who loved to travel. As a member of the National Geographic Society, he enjoyed learning about amazing places all over the world, and he made it his mission to travel the world with his family. He explored multiple Caribbean islands, Italy, Israel, the South Pacific, and Australia, with binoculars in hand. In addition to traveling, Kel took up real estate and maintained it as a hobby for the rest of his life.

Upon his retirement from Mountain Bell, Kelwin decided to embark on a second career. He went back to school, studied to become an airframe mechanic, and then worked as one for 12 years with Continental Airlines before retiring again.

On April 22, 2000, he married Judy Anderson, and the traveling continued. They went to places like Hawaii, London, and Paris. They also loved Mexican food, seafood, casinos, and the fresh ocean air at destinations like San Diego, Las Vegas, and Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife Judy; sister Joan Ashby, of Alexandria, LA; and his children; sons Kyle Burrell, Pittsburgh, PA, and Quentin Burrell (Jennifer,) Denver, CO; and daughters Linda Bardere (Eric), Colton, CA, and Lauren Burrell, Denver, CO; grand-daughters Alexa (Aaron) Taylor, Kaylie Hill, and Ella Burrell; grandsons Jabrael Hill, Jackson Burrell, and Lucas Burrell; great-grandson Ryland Marsh; and great-granddaughter Austyn Taylor. In addition, he leaves behind his stepchildren Maylan Thomas (Grant), San Diego, CA; Noranda Anderson (Jerry), Aurora, CO; Giraud Anderson, Aurora, CO; La Neil Anderson, Aurora, CO and many nieces and nephews.