Obituary: Scott Paul Kelly

r Scott Paul Kelly was born on July 2, 1984, in Caldwell, Idaho, the youngest of eight children born to Keith and Melleta Kelly. He spent his childhood and early adult years in Orem, Utah. He graduated from Timpanogos High School in May of 2003. On Dec. 2, 2003, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a proud member, serving two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was awarded the Purple Heart after being severely wounded during his second tour by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was a patriot and embodied the Marine spirit of honor, courage and commitment.

Scott would usually show up like a whirlwind, offering hugs and sharing laughs, inspiring those around him to live life to the fullest, and to rise above in rough situations. He served as the president of the UVU Student Veterans club beginning in January 2017, a role he was nervous to take on but did with great leadership. He was part of two award-winning public relations campaigns for student veterans that won both national and state awards. Scott said the Veterans Success Center helped him through some of the most difficult times in his life as he felt the people there really cared about the vets.

He joined Team Rubicon, an emergency response team, and fought wildfires with other military veterans. It was incredibly hard work, and he did it well. He served his country and everyone around him with every ounce of love and courage he had. He had several tattoos, including two that were very personal and had sacred meaning to him: Life for a life and Find comfort in the pain.

Scott will be remembered for the unmistakable way he inspired and touched the hearts of everyone around him. He had a big personality and could make just about anyone laugh. It was one of his greatest qualities. He will be missed beyond words by his family and friends and all his buddies at the UVU Veterans Success Center and Team Rubicon.

Scott is survived by his wife Rebecca and her three children: Kadance Marie, Georgia Mae and Journey Taylor; his parents, Keith and Mellett, and their other children: Mishell, Shane (Sariah), Shannon (Sherri), David (Hollie), Dale (Jana), Matt, and Shalauna (Jason); and lots of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on March 27, 2017, in the Utah Veterans Memorial Chapel at Camp Williams. Burial was in the Utah Veterans Memorial Park at Camp Williams.

Condolences may be expressed to the family here.