1953
Gary
2008
Gary Kiger
October 11, 1953 — August 11, 2008
Gary Kiger, beloved husband, father, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully at the University of Utah Hospital on August 11, 2008. He was born on October 11, 1953 in Savannah Georgia to Lee and Lois Kiger. He married Deborah Byrnes on August 17, 1985. They are the proud parents of Elizabeth Byrnes Kiger.
Gary had a tremendous zest for life and profound intellectual curiosity. He was a gourmet cook. A search for the “best meal” was always a part of his travels. Health and fitness were paramount in his life. He loved the outdoors, long hikes, biking, and skiing. He passed his love of tennis on to his daughter, a tough opponent on the court, and was her biggest fan when she competed in tournaments. Reading, film, and arts performances were integral in his life as well. He loved his dogs, and they were a part of the family.
Gary was much loved by his family. They came first despite his busy and demanding professional life.
Gary leaves a void in the lives of many, many people who loved and respected him for his integrity, kindness, humility, sensitivity, and push for “pleasant collaboration”. He was a prolific researcher and writer. He was passionate about his teaching and the intellectual development of his students.
He joined the Sociology faculty at Utah State University in 1983 after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Colorado in 1975, his Master of Arts at McGill University in 1978, and his PhD at University of Colorado in 1983.
Utah State University enjoyed Gary’s love of the academy, and he will be remembered for his tireless involvement and dedication to scholarship and learning. He was equally capable as a leader and a team member. He served 25 years as a faculty member, Department Head in Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, and Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences. He had a warm, friendly smile and made every effort to personally greet and compliment others. His great compassion and unfailing optimism are well-known. A good listener, he was sincerely interested in others.
Gary was diagnosed with brain cancer in February, and he stood up to it. His last months were not about cancer but about continuing to live life to its fullest--ever the renaissance man.
Gary is survived by his wife, daughter, father Lee and step-mother Kathryn, brothers Jim (Annaclaire) Kiger, John (Sandra) Greenwaide, and sister Drew (Brad) Collard. He was preceded in death by his mother.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, August 15 at the Logan Golf and Country Club, 710 North 1500 East. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Gary Kiger Scholarship Fund in Sociology at Utah State University. Please contact 435-797-1327 for information on donations. Arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net
Gary had a tremendous zest for life and profound intellectual curiosity. He was a gourmet cook. A search for the “best meal” was always a part of his travels. Health and fitness were paramount in his life. He loved the outdoors, long hikes, biking, and skiing. He passed his love of tennis on to his daughter, a tough opponent on the court, and was her biggest fan when she competed in tournaments. Reading, film, and arts performances were integral in his life as well. He loved his dogs, and they were a part of the family.
Gary was much loved by his family. They came first despite his busy and demanding professional life.
Gary leaves a void in the lives of many, many people who loved and respected him for his integrity, kindness, humility, sensitivity, and push for “pleasant collaboration”. He was a prolific researcher and writer. He was passionate about his teaching and the intellectual development of his students.
He joined the Sociology faculty at Utah State University in 1983 after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Colorado in 1975, his Master of Arts at McGill University in 1978, and his PhD at University of Colorado in 1983.
Utah State University enjoyed Gary’s love of the academy, and he will be remembered for his tireless involvement and dedication to scholarship and learning. He was equally capable as a leader and a team member. He served 25 years as a faculty member, Department Head in Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, and Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences. He had a warm, friendly smile and made every effort to personally greet and compliment others. His great compassion and unfailing optimism are well-known. A good listener, he was sincerely interested in others.
Gary was diagnosed with brain cancer in February, and he stood up to it. His last months were not about cancer but about continuing to live life to its fullest--ever the renaissance man.
Gary is survived by his wife, daughter, father Lee and step-mother Kathryn, brothers Jim (Annaclaire) Kiger, John (Sandra) Greenwaide, and sister Drew (Brad) Collard. He was preceded in death by his mother.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, August 15 at the Logan Golf and Country Club, 710 North 1500 East. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Gary Kiger Scholarship Fund in Sociology at Utah State University. Please contact 435-797-1327 for information on donations. Arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Kiger, please visit our flower store.
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