It is with deep regret that the MGA  must note the passing of former President John F. Kelsey Jr. on Friday, August 27, 2004.  Mr. Kelsey was 80 years old and served as MGA President in 1989 and 1990.

A graduate of Williams College Mr. Kelsey served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during World War II where he flew 35 combat missions as a bombardier earning an Air Medal and Purple Heart.  He spent 25 years with the W.R. Grace Company as Vice President of Corporate Communications and nine years as Vice President of Administration with Marsh & McLennan.  He retired as Executive Vice President of Bender and Company, a commercial real estate investment and marketing company in New Jersey.

Jack Kelsey was a lifelong resident of Essex County, NJ and member of Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, NJ, for more than sixty years where he served as Board member, Treasurer, and President (1969-1970).  He was also a member of Pine Valley Golf Club.

Jack Kelsey’s affiliation with the MGA dates back to 1975 when he served as  a member of the Public Information Committee which he chaired for several years. Mr. Kelsey also served as chairman of the MGA Insurance Committee and helped to develop its innovative Property and Casualty Insurance program for golf clubs, which became a model program for other programs throughout the country. He was elected  Treasurer of the MGA in 1985 and served as Vice Preisdent in 1987-88 before being elected its President in 1989.