Steven Brice Kelly
May 3, 1956 - January 13, 2019
Obituary
Steven Brice Kelly was larger than life – both in stature and personality. After battling numerous, sometimes bizarre, health issues over the past several years, Steve passed away after having a heart attack on January 13, 2019.
Steve was born on May 3, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Predeceased by Grant Edward Kelly (step-father), Marcella Barbara Rawlins (mother) and Adrienne Stokes (sister). Steve is survived by his wife, Karen E. Kelly; sisters Karen D. Kelly and Connie K. (Tony) Washington; children Jessica Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Marisa Kelly, and Remington Kelly; and six grandchildren. Steve was also looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild this spring.
He attended Judge Memorial High School on scholarship, which is where his football career began. Playing football and the life-long friendships that came along with it were the highlights of his youth. As a senior, he was voted football captain and, to his surprise, prom king. He then went on to help lead the Weber State University football team to several winning seasons, after which he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Police Science in 1979.
Steve’s working career began as a counselor for Utah State Youth Development Center where he supervised youth offenders. He then went on to supervise a misdemeanant, DUI, and high-risk offender caseloads at Utah State Adult Probation & Parole. Steve then went on a brief hiatus from law enforcement to work as a roughneck on a drilling rig in Casper, Wyoming. He then worked as a counselor at Utah State Division of Corrections. Next followed his extended career as a Senior Probation Officer with Probation and Pretrial Service Office of the United States Courts where he retired after 33 years of service. Most notably, he supervised the Witness Security Protection Program, initiated and developed the Electronic Monitoring Program, and designed the Intermediate Sanctions Procedure. Steve’s caseload knew him to be a kind, caring probation officer.
Steve served on the National Presentence Report Format Task Force in Washington, D.C. His community service work included being a board member of the NAACP; a board member for the Central City Community Center Advisory Board; a council member for the Utah State Anti-Discrimination and Fair Housing Advisory Council; a council member for the Utah State Department of Workforce Services Advisory Council; and commission member for the Utah State Sentencing Commission.
He loved the outdoors and would play golf (which was more an excuse to smoke a fine cigar), would go ice fishing, fly fishing the Provo River on a nearly-daily basis for a time, bowling, and hunting. This past summer was spent sharing Karen’s interest in beekeeping by spending hours researching on the internet. Steve was a self-taught guitarist and enjoyed telling jokes (if he could make it through the punchline without passing out).
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 25, 2019, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. Please use this time to mingle with family and friends. A wake will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019, starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. at The Garden Place at This Is The Place Heritage Park, 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah. Please share your photos and memories with the family at www.starksfuneral.com.
Steve not only had the ability but truly loved to interact with people from different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and religious affiliations. Steve believed a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, white socks and Keens were proper attire for any occasion. Please feel free to follow his lead while attending either service.
Many thanks to Steve’s extensive medical team, including Dr. Josephine Abraham and the entire staff at Kolff Dialysis Center; Dr. David Cope; Dr. Jennifer Ross and the entire Wound Clinic staff; Keisa Lynch; and many of the doctors and staff at the University of Utah Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, Steve would want you to spend some time creating memories with your family and friends and to go buy a couple of flashlights.
In Loving Memory
To my sweet friends, I am so very sorry about the passing of Steve. His suffering has finally ended but yours has just begun. Praying for your hearts to heal and your memories of him be eternal. Sending my love.
Sending our warmest regards & LOTS-OF-LOVE to the entire Kelly Family. Maggie Aloia & Family
Here’s to a man who knew how to live. Do your job, take it seriously, do something that matters, but do it with class, a sense of humor, and friendliness. I had the pleasure to work with Steve when he was with federal probation. When Steve came through our office (U S Attorney’s) it was a happy time, and he came through often. My condolences.
I was so very sad to hear that Steve passed away. I will always remember his kind spirit and the many hours I was fortunate enough to spend laughing with him. Warm thoughts to all of you.
To the Kelly family it is with our heart felt condolences to hear about Steve's passing and may God give you comfort and peace at this most difficult time. We love you.
To The Kelly Family, We are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Haven't seen all of you for quite some time however, have very wonderful memories of our time growing up together. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May the Good Lord grant all of you comfort and peace at this most difficult time. Love, Charlton and Sheila (Peake) Leasure Sacramento, CA
It is with great sadness that I heard of Steven's passing from my brother, Lorenzo, one of Steven's dearest friends. I have a fond memory when Lorenzo and Steven came down to San Diego in 1998 for the World Series between the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees. We were like a bunch of kids in a candy store, tailgating, etc. Steven was a gentle giant, kind and caring! My deepest condolences go out to Steven's Family and Friends. Dr. Philip Archuleta
Kelly family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and this difficult time. Steve was a great man and will truly be missed. Love, The Hayes family
To the Kelly Family Sorry to hear about Steve. Our healing thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God grant all of you peace, strength and comfort. Love Shauna and Family
Our condolences and prayers are with the family. So sorry for your sudden loss of a dear love one. During this difficult time we hope you will have comfort in the following passages found at Isaiah 25:8 and Revelation 21:4 where our creator promises to end death forever and reunite us with our love ones again in the near future. Sincerely, Tony&Nita
In Loving Memory
