Timothy David Kelley, 54, died July 31, 2003, in Freeland after a short but valiant bout with cancer that he addressed with the same sharp wit and spirited intellect that marked his personal and professional life.

He was born Aug. 31, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wis. He graduated from Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., and from Georgetown University Law School. Kelley then served as a lieutenant in the Navy Judge Advocate General corps, beginning his tour of duty on the USS Constellation.

His career in maritime law brought him to Whidbey Island in 2000 as general counsel for Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, continuing an affiliation begun almost 15 years eariler. Before joining Nichols Brothers fulltime, he represented SWATH Ocean Systems in California, later moving to England to market SWATH vessels abroad. He returned to the United States in 1991 and established the private law practice of Dalton-Kelley in Salt Lake City. Early in his career he was a partner in the San Diego, Calif., law firm of Seltzer, Caplan, Wilkins and McMahon.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Gertrude.

He is survived by his father, Roger; his wife, Ann; two sons, Christopher and Patrick; a daughter, Mary Kathryn; and four brothers, Roger, Peter, Steve and Paul.

His family recalls him as a lover of words, of wit and of people, who will be sorely missed and warmly remembered by family, friends and his colleagues in the maritime law industry.

Funeral services were held Aug. 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland.

Arrangements are by Visser Funeral Home, Langley.