Brian Kermit Kelly

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Our loving father, grandfather, and friend, Brian passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on the morning of December 11, 2020.

Brian was born November 18, 1940 in SLC, UT to Kermit and Wanda Kelly, the oldest of 5 children. He graduated from Orem High School in 1959. He served in the North Island, New Zealand Mission (Auckland) from 1961-1963 and graduated from BYU in 1966. That same year, he married Petrea Ann Gillespie in the SLC Temple. Petrea preceded him in death on July 3, 2015. Brian married Sheila Wright Valgardson on September 16, 2016.

Brian had a successful career in writing and publishing. He worked for 13 years as the managing editor for the New Era, a youth publication for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He then headed up an international magazine division, where he traveled around the world, capturing pictures and stories of faithful church members. During his tenure, the magazine experienced considerable growth and reached an audience of millions. Subsequently, he was involved with the development of church curriculum and worked as the Managing Editor for the flagship magazine, Ensign. He wrote many articles, and co-authored Latter-Day History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with his wife, Petrea, in 2000. Brian loved his work and made many lifelong friends throughout his career. His devotion to his church was equaled only by his commitment to excellent work.

Brian was great at bridging his hobbies and professional interests, focusing on freelance advertising as well as hot air ballooning. On nearly every Saturday for more than 30 years, people would see the Bank of American Fork balloons flying above their neighborhoods. Some of these early risers even heard Brian calling from the balloon, "I hope you've made breakfast, we're coming in for a landing." Brian loved flying balloons and airplanes, and especially loved the camaraderie, with his business partner, Erwin Oertli, his son and fellow pilot Bronson and other pilots and their crews.

Brian served as a Mission President with Petrea in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1998 - 2001, where he joked that he "adopted" a few hundred new sons and daughters and assisted with the open-house and dedication of the Albuquerque, New Mexico temple.

Brian lived life to the fullest and loved projects -- the bigger the better -- including traveling, photography, cooking, landscaping, gardening, woodworking, and compiling family history. He lived happily in his dream home, which included a trout pond as well as ducks and chickens. Brian was a great host and was always ready for a party.

Brian K. Kelly is survived by his wife Sheila Valgardson; his ten children and their spouses; Megan (James) McQuivey, Sean Kelly, Heather (David) Taylor, Bronson (Cherie') Kelly, Dylan (Laura) Kelly, Erin (Josh) Stanley, Brigham (Rachel) Kelly, Rebecca (Geoff) Morgan, BJ (Analia) Kelly, Elizabeth (Matthew) Allen; 31 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson; one brother and two sisters, as well as countless friends, a couple dozen birds, and a few hundred fish.

Funeral Services will be held virtually on December 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. MT (link provided above)

Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation in Brian's name to your favorite charity or to https://www.unitedwayuc.org/