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Kelly Dale Kemp passed away peacefully a little after 10:00 PM on August 30, 2013. He succumbed to sickness that had been afflicting him throughout the day, going quietly after his family and visitors had left. He had been living in the Rocky Mountain Care Center in Layton, UT, having suffered a severe stroke several years earlier. Despite being all-but-completely handicapped, Kelly’s positive attitude and natural friendliness was exhibited to all he came in contact with. He will be missed by friends, family, and the aides who cared for him. Kelly was born on November 1, 1962 to Joseph and Alice Kemp in Ogden, UT. He grew up in Layton with his parents and siblings. He attended Layton High School and was active in theatre and music. After graduating in 1980, Kelly served a full-time mission for the LDS church in Kobe, Japan. Upon returning home, he attended Weber State University, where he met his future wife, Colleen Barton. During this time, he also served his country as a reservist in the National Guard. Kelly and Colleen were married in March of 1986 in Salt Lake City, UT. Together they had five children and lived in Bountiful, North Salt Lake, and Kearns before finally settling in Logan, UT. Like any married couple, Kelly and Colleen experienced joys and sorrows, peace and hardship. Unfortunately, hardship seemed to have the upper hand and they decided to divorce in 1999, though they remained on overall friendly terms with each other thereafter. Over the next decade, Kelly pursued various interests and opportunities, living several places in Utah and as far away as Ohio. Kelly will be remembered for his inquisitive mind and quick humor, for his creativity and compassion. He valued knowledge, evidenced by his constant drive to learn and understand. He loved to tease and to laugh, and could always be counted on to say the right thing to set off a storm of laughter. He lived his life as an explorer—confident that something great lay beyond the horizon, and curious to discover what it was. He dreamed big and he loved big. His impact on this world may have been minor, but his impact on the lives of those he left behind will never fade. Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Martin and Alice Marlyene; his brother, Joseph Arnold; and his children’s mother, Colleen. He is survived by his children, Nathaniel, Kyle, Allison, Gary, and Mellissa; his siblings and their spouses, Fred, Marlyene and Bruce, Ryan and Melodee, Vera, and Laurel and Jeff; his dear friend Tina and her children (his godchildren) Zach and Shandi; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A memorial service for Kelly will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, September 20 at the Lindquist Mortuary in Layton, UT. His ashes will be interred with his brother, parents, and family in Lehi, UT at a later date. The Kemp family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Rocky Mountain Care Center. Thank you for caring so well for Kelly, and more, for loving him |
