Obituary of Bryan Harris Kelly

Bryan Harris Kelly of Post Falls, Idaho passed away peacefully in his sleep at the young age of 55 on July 20th , 2022. Bryan was born in Springfield, Oregon on August 24 th , 1966 where he was raised alongside his younger brother Darren, by their parents Ben and Deanna Kelly, both of whom have preceded Bryan in death. As a star soccer player at Springfield High School, Bryan was known for his athletic ability, appearing numerous times in the local newspapers praising his performance. Once he graduated from high school, Bryan served his country as a United States Marine for six years working as a military policeman and eventually working as a criminal investigator for the Corps. As a Marine, Bryan achieved the rank of Sergeant before returning to civilian life. In addition to serving in the military, Bryan also studied at National University, graduating with a degree in criminal justice. After returning to Springfield, Oregon a decorated veteran, Bryan worked as a loss prevention officer for a few years, before eventually settling into a role as a corrections officer at the Airway Heights Penitentiary in Washington. Bryan worked for the prison for over 15 years before moving to Post Falls, Idaho where he found pride in his tough, physical role throwing freight for the Home Depot. Bryan was an avid reader and often enjoyed his collection of hundreds of books or finding joy in the entertainment of some of his favorite fiction or reality television shows. He was a passionate foodie and enjoyed trying unique and unfamiliar foods from around the globe—kimchi being an all-time favorite snack of his—and he often enjoyed a cold pint of Miller High Life to unwind. Bryan loved the freedom of cruising the highways on his Harley Davidson Sportster, whether part of a crew, riding solo, or with his wife along for the ride. He loved to find ways to enjoy life such as singing karaoke until the early hours of the morning or singing along to his favorite rock music with the volume cranked to the highest possible setting. While he loved good food, good drink, good TV, and loud rock and roll, one of the highlights of his life was being a pet owner. Over the years, Bryan owned many dogs, cats, and ferrets, all of whom brought him a lifetime of joy. He kept the company of animals until the very end, with his cat, Pria, and most recently, Freddie the ferret watching over him. Bryan was first married to Darlene Johns in 1986 and they had their first and only child, Sean, in 1989. While the marriage wasn’t meant to last, Brian and Darlene stayed close friends and family, long after Bryan moved on to Washington. In Washington, Bryan met his current wife Michelle Sackman and were married in 2003 expanding Bryan’s family by not just one, but by two, as Michelle’s daughter Hailey became Bryan’s one and only daughter. Bryan recently became a grandfather in 2016 with the birth of his grandson Jaxton, who Bryan loved goofing around with when he’d come to visit. Bryan’s legacy will be carried on by his wife Michelle in Post Falls, Idaho. His son Sean and daughter in law Chelsea in Spokane, Washington. His daughter Hailey and her son Jaxston in Spokane, Washington. His younger brother Darren and Bryan’s nieces and nephews: Kaitlin, Keaton, McKenna, and Saleena. He will be forever remembered by those close to him and his extended family—many cousins, aunts, and other relations, all who were consistently in his thoughts—and by the many friends he gained during his journey through life. Bryan may have left us on this Earth, but he will be remembered every time his favorite songs come on the radio, the echo of a motorcycle roars by, and in the pages of so many classic novels. You will never be forgotten.