John Kelly

John Brian Kelly, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away in Orem, Utah, on September 7, 2017. He was born August 18, 1976, in Provo, Utah, the first-born son of Bruce Elvin and Phyllis Delores Calkins Kelly. Though born in Provo, Brian has lived all of his life in Orem except for the two years serving as a missionary in the New York Utica Mission (1995-1997) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning from his mission, Brian began his education at Utah Valley University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management with a minor in business.

Brian had a happy childhood, growing up in the Hillcrest neighborhood, attending church and school there. He also attended Lakeridge Junior High and graduated from Orem High School. His ward was the original Orem 12th ward which later became the Hillcrest 1st ward. It was there he earned his Eagle Scout award, obtained and exercised the priesthood, and served as Ward Executive Secretary for two bishops. The only real sad time in his early life was the loss of his younger brother Nathan (1990).

In his teenage years, Brian sometimes traveled with his dad installing carpet for the LDS Church. He also became an early member of the Tripoli Rocketry Association, attending launches from coast to coast. His favorite location was the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. He loved to work with his hands around his home with recent remodeling projects. He also loved to work in the family orchard.

On August 20, 1999, in the Bountiful Temple, Brian was sealed to his eternal sweetheart Lisa Ann Quist, and from that union seven children were born: Jacob Bruce (16), Samantha Florence (14), Amelia Ann (12), Brooklyn Jane (10), Olivia Marie and Sofie Loray (twins 4), and Autumn Grace (9 days). He loved his wife and children very much.

Brian was active in his ward, serving as Scoutmaster, primary teacher, Elder’s Quorum President, and ward missionary. He was also involved in civic affairs, including organizing petition efforts and with local elections. He loved Orem, but was not happy with the direction it is going – and he always let that be known.

Brian is survived by his parents, wife, children – all from Orem, his grandmother Geraldine Latshaw Kelly Nash (Memphis, TN), his sisters Lisa Marie (Sergio) Montes (and their children Tiana, Angel, Ammon, Alexa, Isaac, and Caleb), Jennifer Ann Kelly, and Amy Elizabeth (Matthew) Garner (and their children Patrick, Stephen, William, Sariah, Julia, and Erica). He is also survived by Craig Michael and Mary Dean Johnson Quist, Brent Duane (Amanda) Quist, Stephanie Alice (Matthew) Brown, and Douglas Michael Quist. He was preceded in death by his brother Nathan, grandfathers John Kelly and Albert Calkins, and grandmothers Marie Kelly, Hattie Kelly, and Cora Goldie Calkins.

Brian had a strong testimony of the gospel. He knew that Jesus Christ “the Son of God came upon the face of the earth… and he went forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he took upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he took upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Alma 7:9-12)

Brian, we love you and look forward to that great day when we shall rise and enter into our eternal rest together, as a family, forevermore.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 1240 North 950 West in Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held just prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund at www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund.

Condolences to the family may be left on this page.