Kelly Higgs
July 3, 1952 - October 3, 2023
Jay “Kelly” Higgs was born in Salt Lake City on July 3, 1952, to Jean Isabel MacKay Higgs and Brentnall “B.J.” Higgs. He passed peacefully among family members on October 3, 2023.
Kelly is survived by three daughters, Daela Taeoalii-Higgs (Josh Tipton), Ali Higgs (Ryan Stamper) and Jeda Higgs, who he shared with his former wife, Lise Taeoalii. Kelly loved spending time with his family, including his grandchildren, Braden, Daela Baylee, and Zachary Tipton. Kelly is also survived by the remaining two of the three “Higgs Brothers”: Scott (Sue) Higgs and Ty Higgs.
Kelly looked forward to spending all of his free time with Shirley Taeoalii, especially playing Fortnite. He loved being outside, particularly up at camp in Washiga Valley/Far Away Meadows. Kelly maintained many friendships throughout his life, many who helped him work on his beloved camp. Kelly found purpose going to the Draper Men’s Group each Saturday, which helped him maintain his sobriety for 13+ years. Most of all he loved his dogs, J.C. Muffins and Beaker. Kelly also enjoyed spinning a yarn and getting someone’s goat. His personality and wit was truly original and to describe him and his many talents is almost impossible. He was a dad, brother, grandfather, uncle, loyal friend, wizard, court jester, hard worker, and above all else, a man with a heart of gold.
His family would like to extend special thanks to his caretakers, including Dr. Rick Frame and Utah Cancer Specialists for his compassionate care.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, October 14th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Kelly Higgs Memorial Fund c/o Alano Club of Salt Lake, 5056 S. 300 W.,Salt Lake City, UT 84107.
In Loving Memory
We are saddened to hear of your loss Ali ( and family). We loved the stories of your dad's camp adventures! Sending love and prayers.
What a wonderful man your dad was. When I think of a how a dad should be, your dad tops the list. I am so, so sad for your loss but I am also so, so happy you all got to grow up with and have had the many experiences with such a great dad. I'm grateful to have been able to see a tiny glimpse growing up myself and spending many nights and days with you guys. I know my manners shaped up from him and I am thankful for that. I'm thankful for my appreciation for opera and my love for dogs which started in your home. I'll miss your dad, my uncle Kelly, dearly but most of all, I am sad for your loss. I love you all so much. Big, giant hugs and kisses and much love.
Condolences to family. Always enjoyed talking to Kelly at family get together's
Always loved Kelly's sharp wit and dry sense of humor. He played a mean game of Othello. Our thoughts are with you, Ali as well as with the rest of the family. Love, Dustin, Claudia, Noemi, and Diego
I'm so sad to hear of the loss of Kelly. He was one of my most favorite patients I got to care for and I was lucky enough to be his nurse of choice going through clinical trials. He always was quick witted and never let me forget about his, "hot coffee, black". He was always telling me stories about his cabin, kids and dogs. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
So many fun memories of Kelly. He'd try it if he thought it might work and even if he wasn't too sure. We had many great times camping with him and your family. I am sorry for your loss. Hugs.
THE WORLD OF KELLY HIGGS (1952-2023) When at 3:43 I see a text, the sky has not yet crumbled under October’s thumbs, but is holding silent, low, and mist-filled at the foot of the Wasatch mountains. When I take a walk and words float up from my cell phone screen, “Kelly Higgs has passed on”, the weight becomes water and breaks upon the Cottonwoods. Pyracanthas’ coral jewels weep with rain on the stems of their thorned branches. I feel his daughters press close to him as spouses, grandkids all lean in to Kelly, this man more like a silver storm whispering in then stirring up the whole room with a wit that left most speechless. Kelly, whose intelligence threw out the bait then reeled you in with its hook of straight-faced sarcasm or laid you out with a spell of heart-felt sincerity. If it’s at the cabin, it’s beauty-bound with river-threads and meadows stitched to foliage. And though his world has not been easy, he breezes through as if untouched, as if cancer could not claim him, as if he could always help with the very next chore or join next Wednesday’s night out, where he could talk to anyone, so comfortable was he in his skin, Like the group of men meeting every week which he strengthened with his sobriety and coffee pouring strong, non-stop, in his quenchless quest to keep going. Kelly, the one who animals lick, and lay, and sit, and sleep upon with the furry sense of knowing one who’s good. Good, as with Lisa, his former wife, he raised three strong girls, who stand as women ablaze in their own brilliance. Kelly who offered unwavering friendship spending hours in Fortnite battle with beloved friend, Shirley’s, avatar. All are graced these last hours to be by his side as Kelly, who fought with all his strength, takes pause while the world beyond hears his breath and turns his way to listen, waiting for their dear friend who is growing nearer by the second, this lanky, live-wire of a man, so Kelly-like, taking a deep breath to leap into what is next. -Jean C. Howard
I was tremendously saddened to find Kelly's obituary. What a heartfelt tribute you, his loving family, gave to him. I'm not surprised. He was most worthy of it and you are all so strong and capable. Though time has separated us, you are in my thoughts with much love, as Kelly will always be also. There was no one like him. My deepest condolences to you all for your loss. Love, Deb
In Loving Memory
