Our beloved Ian James Brayton Kelley left this world suddenly Tuesday, Feb. 6, to be welcomed into the arms of his loving savior Jesus Christ. He had lived with high blood pressure most of his life and that ultimately caused an aortic aneurysm above his heart to tear.
Ian was born on June 20, 1983, in Durango, Colo. From those early years, Ian’s contagiously warm smile lit faces and hearts. He will always be remembered as a kind and extraordinarily compassionate young man who loved his family and genuinely delighted in spending time with them. Becoming Uncle Ian to two nephews and two nieces was the second greatest joy of his life. His very highest joy and comfort was in knowing Jesus and reading or listening to God’s Word.
Ian loved Pagosa life, and being a part of this community brought him great contentment. He was a very gifted musician and songwriter. One of his favorite things to do was to sit in the sunshine and play his guitar. He also loved playing disc golf and spending time in the woods. He never shied away from discussing politics or his Christian faith and no one ever walked away from those discussions without some new perspective to ponder. He was a wonderful cook and baker and immensely enjoyed cooking for friends and family and in his work at Pagosa Baking Company.
Ian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold and Ginger Kelley; maternal grandparents Robert and Irene Davisson; his uncle, Robert Davisson Jr., and his aunt, Lowrey Kelley. He is survived by his parents, Kate and Harold Kelley; brother David E. Kelley (Danielle) and niece Eisley; sister Liza (Blake) Buckman; nephews James and Bennett; and niece Linley; one aunt and three cousins.
A celebration of Ian’s life will take place at Centerpoint Church on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10:30 a.m. A finger-food potluck lunch will be held immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pagosa Valor Academy or KPCL radio.
