Kevin Ellis

After 43 years of a happy, beautiful life, Kevin Robert Ellis passed away July 1, 2021 after an impressive battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Kevin was born March 17, 1978 to Marilyn and Michael Ellis of Orem, Utah, and life was never the same for the Ellis family. Kevin brought laughter and adventure, and there was never a dull moment when Kevin was around. He quickly became everyone’s favorite sibling, a title that not only was never relinquished, but he also added the titles of favorite uncle and friend.

Kevin was not just a great story teller, but he was a story maker. Those he met were sure to be part of his stories. We loved to sit with Kevin and listen to the adventures of his youth, and we are grateful he lived to tell so many tales. The stories would not be the same without the people that joined him on his adventures, and Kevin treasured those friendships.

Kevin could make anyone laugh and was a great reminder to not take life too seriously. His siblings loved to have him around when they were in trouble at home, because the consequence would not be as severe due to Kevin’s ability to distract and charm his parents. After causing some of that trouble, his mom once yelled, “I’ve had it up to here!” while putting her hand up to her forehead. Kevin responded, “Well, you still have this much left!” with his finger and thumb about an inch apart. We should probably add favorite son to his titles. He could get away with anything.

Kevin loved to learn and was super smart, but school was not Kevin’s favorite thing. He tried to get out of it as much as possible, and even escaped through the ceiling tiles at times. His teachers suffered through pranks and troublemaking, but secretly most loved him. And although he would skip all his homework, he’d still ace the final exam. After he graduated from high school, he found his passion for architecture and attended Boston Architectural College and Utah Valley University, graduating Phi Kappa while working full time and raising a family. He also graduated from High Tech Institute first in his class. After passing the architecture tests, he went on to work at Prosoft, Autodesk and ManufactOn corp. He was grateful for the friendships he made in his professional life, and the support they gave to him and his family.

Another title Kevin earned was “cutest boy” in Jr. High. This title continued through high school and lots of hearts were broken and tears were shed when he fell for a beautiful girl named Ericka Boroski. He said he didn’t know it was possible for someone like Ericka to fall in love with him. He felt like the luckiest person alive. The best thing to ever happen to Kevin was their marriage on June 6,1996. Theirs is a true love story. Kevin had many accomplishments in his life, but he was most proud of his beautiful family. Together Ericka and Kevin had three children, Sariah, Olivia, and Kevin’s mini me Greyson.

Kevin achieved one of his life dreams a year ago when Kevin and Ericka closed on the house he designed and built with his own hands. A lot of love was poured into their home, and when asked what the best part of the home was, Kevin said it was that so many people helped build it. Parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, uncles and friends were all part of the process. It truly is the house that love built. It is how Kevin lived his life, by including and loving all those around him. No one ever felt alone or less than when Kevin was around, and everyone felt loved. He had the special ability to make everyone feel important and he could always see the best in everyone and every situation. In fact, everyone felt like they earned the title of favorite in his eyes.

Kevin loved food, travelling, and soccer. If you were going on vacation, Kevin would be sure to tell you the best restaurants to go to and the good memories that he had there. He worked at Berns steakhouse in Florida and loved making all the delicious desserts. Family celebrations would often involve something made by Kevin. Growing up, Kevin would be found on the soccer field most of the time, where he gained many lifelong friends. He was excited when Real Salt Lake came to Utah and he could attend professional soccer on a regular basis. Games were a favorite family activity and Kevin always tried to get everyone to come.

His family is devastated that Kevin left too soon, but they hope to live a little more like him. In Kevin’s honor, love deeply, laugh often, believe the best in people, and be a story maker. Think of him when something silly happens for no reason, because it may just be Kevin saying “Hi.”

Due to Kevin's adventurous nature, he likely had thousands of guardian angels waiting for him on the other side, but first in line were probably his grandparents; Peg and Earl Briskey, and Marie and Gordon Ellis; and his older brother, Michael Briskey Ellis. Among those left here that are heartbroken at his passing are his wife Ericka,and his children Sariah, Olivia, and Greyson; parents, Mike and Marilyn; siblings Katrina, Roger (Aimee), Bill (Leanys), Debbie (Tim), Glenn (Rachelle), Malinda (Josh); 22 nieces and nephews and all of the amazing friends he loved so much.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 10, 2021 at the Anderson & Sons Lone Peak Chapel located at 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, UT, 84003 at 11:00 am. There will be a viewing prior to the funeral from 9:45 am - 10:45 am, including a viewing on Friday July 9 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the mortuary. The graveside service will be at the Highland City Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a contribution to the Glioblastoma Foundation in Kevin’s honor. You may share the news with the family by including Ericka's email in the donation erickaellis@gmail.com.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87886034164?pwd=NkZoNXNENGZRbWpkRHpVenJaeU5idz09
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