Former Ward's Chief Dies

Roger F. Kelley, president and publisher of Ward's Communications from 1970 to 1984, died April 21 in Naples, FL, after a short illness. He was 82.

Known internally as “Mr. Kelley” or “RFK,” Kelley co-owned Ward's with his late brother, Phillip. They sold the company to the Toronto-based Thomson Group in 1981, and he retired three years later. Intertec Publishing, later named Primedia Business Magazines and Media, purchased Ward's in 1990.

The company experienced major growth under Kelley. When he took over, Ward's AutoWorld was a bimonthly magazine. It advanced to monthly publication in late 1970. Ward's Automotive Reports, the weekly newsletter, solidified its position as the auto industry's leading source of statistics and news.

Ward's also branched out into new areas under Kelley's leadership. In 1972, it launched Ward's Wankel Report to serve the then-growing interest in the rotary engine. When interest waned, it continued publishing the twice-monthly newsletter, known today as Ward's Engine and Vehicle Technology Update.

Kelley was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine (Kitty), three brothers and a sister. Survivors include sons Brian, Stephen and Peter and daughter Susan VanderKolk.

A funeral Mass was held last month in Naples, FL. A memorial service will be held in August in Macatawa, MI.