Kelly Turkeys founder Derek Kelly passed away earlier this week at his home in Danbury, Essex aged 95.
He and his wife Mollie founded Kelly Turkeys in 1971 and the business, which is now run by his son Paul, is the leader in the premium traditional turkey sector majoring on its KellyBronze brand.
Kelly stepped back from leading the company almost 20 years ago but continued to play a role in the UK poultry industry, and was recently honoured by recognition in its UK Hall of Fame.
His prominent role in the industry was also recognised by the award by the Queen of an MBE for services to the British poultry industry in 1997.
“Dad had 95 wonderful years and was blessed to work in an industry he loved and was devoted to,” said his son Paul Kelly. “He passed away peacefully at home just as he had wished.”
Kelly had a long career working in agriculture including for Bernard Matthews and US turkey breeder River Rest, before starting his own business with his wife at Springate Farm, Danbury.
He and his wife noticed that bronze-feathered, slow-growing turkeys had a distinct flavour from commercial fast-growing breeds, so he went around the country buying from other farmers who specialised in the white-feathered birds. They decided to focus on the bronze turkeys, and developed the KellyBronze brand.
Kelly became one of the founders of the Traditional Farm Fresh Turkey Association and of the Anglian Turkey Association, which started organising its own Christmas show.
He also developed a lifelong friendship with Delia Smith after she visited the farm in 1989 and became an associate director of Norwich City Football Club of which Smith and her husband were the owners.
After retirement he also became involved in two City of London livery companies for poulters and farmers.
His funeral will be on Tuesday 3 March, and details are available from nicola@kellyturkeys.com.
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