Scott Maxwell "Max" Kelly

Scott Maxwell Kelly, known by most as Max, passed away at the age of 63 after a long battle with alcoholism. Though he found freedom from drug addiction earlier in life, the grip of alcohol remained something he could never fully overcome. He fought hard and never stopped trying. Max was born in 1962 in Elko, Nevada as his family lived in Wells at the time. They moved back to Salt Lake City, Utah while Max was still an infant. Max lived a life marked by both struggle and love. He was a complex, tender, deeply feeling man-quick to laugh, stubborn in spirit, and always searching for meaning, connection, and peace. For those who knew him, Max’s heart was always visible, even buried under the load he carried. Max was an avid football lover, and player. He played little league as a kid, and all through high school. Max went to Highland High, then because of a family move; he went to Hillcrest High, then to Alta High when it opened. Then Max quit football etc. like everything else he loved, except alcohol. He always blamed alcohol and drugs on the loss of his football career. He married young and divorced young. Later in Life he received two degrees simultaneously from Utah State University (USU) in Agricultural Biology (pest biology and management concentration), and in Horticulture. For most of his adult life he worked as a sous chef for some of the leading restaurants in the valley. Gastronomy Inc. As well as a few Greek places. At the time of his death he was working part time as a traffic control person, (flagger). Among his greatest heart breaks was the absence of a relationship with his five sons. Though life and addiction kept them apart, Max never stopped loving them. He mourned that loss every day and drank over the loss of what could have been. His love for them was quiet but constant, and one of the truest parts of his soul. He is survived by those five sons: Brandon Kelly, Ryan Kelly, Jason Kelly, Justin Kelly, and Zachary Kelly; each carrying a piece of him forward, whether they knew him well or not. He also leaves behind brothers, Tom Kelly, Robert “Bob” Kelly, and a sister, Yvette Kelly. He leaves behind other family and friends, who saw the full picture of Max- his light, his struggle, his humor, and his deep enduring love. Max is preceded in death by his father George W. Kelly 1993, his older brother Richard P. “Rick” Garcia 2012, and his mother Rita C. Kelly 2019. Max is finally at peace. We remember him not just for his pain, but for his humanity. We hold onto the good, the real, and the brave parts of him. He was never alone, and he will never be forgotten. A private remembrance will be held on Saturday September 27th, 2:00 p.m. at Fairmont Park in Sugarhouse on the north pavilion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Max’s name to organizations supporting addiction recovery, mental health, and fatherhood support services. The family wishes to thank the Murray emergency rescue team, Intermountain Medical Center ER, Thoracic ICU, and Donor Connect.

Scott Maxwell "Max" Kelly

May 5, 1962 - July 24, 2025