Timothy Michael Kelly

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Tim Kelly on August 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 5, 1961, in Frostburg, Maryland. His parents relocated to University Place in 1969.

For 36 years, Tim was a devoted husband to his wife Gini, his biggest fan and steadfast supporter, as well as a loving father to his two daughters, Annie and Katy, who were the greatest joys of his life. He is survived by his mother, Mary Kelly; his sisters, Lori (John) and Amy (Jim); many nieces and nephews; and countless lifelong friends, former players, and fellow coaches that became extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Kelly, Gini's father (Russ) and brothers (Russ, Blane), childhood friend Ward McClain and long-time assistant coach and friend, Mark Williams.

Tim was a proud graduate of Curtis High School and a member of the "Mighty Fine" Class of 1979, a group whose friendships have remained strong over the decades. A gifted athlete, he was a three-sport letterman for the Vikings, receiving All-South Puget Sound League honors in basketball.

He attended Saint Martin's College, earning his Bachelor's Degree in History/Political Science and a minor in Physical Education in 1984. As a member of the Saint's basketball team, Tim was a Dean's List student, Coach's Award winner and captain during his senior year.

His coaching career was launched (1984-1986) when he joined Al Sokatis on the bench at Olympia High School, helping guide the Bears to the 1986 State AA State Championship.

The following year, Tim was an assistant at Washington State University, while earning his Master's Degree in Education. He was later hired as a part-time assistant by Kelvin Sampson, and continued to develop both as a coach and as a leader. His coaching journey next took him to Eastern Washington University before he accepted his first head coaching position at North Adams State College in Massachusetts.

It was at WSU that Tim met the love of his life, Gini. They married on August 11, 1990 and soon after set off on a cross country adventure. They enjoyed spending three years living in Massachusetts and Vermont before receiving a job offer that directed them back to the Northwest, where they decided they wanted to raise their family. Together they built a beautiful life and home in University Place, raising their daughters. Tim embraced fatherhood with the same passion and commitment that he brought to every aspect of his life. He was, above all else, a proud husband and father who would do anything to make his girls happy. As his coaching career progressed, Annie and Katy became team managers, giving Tim one of his greatest joys: having his daughters beside him on the bench and getting to spend so much time together.

Tim's legacy as a coach in the state of Washington is unparalleled. He compiled 531 combined career wins at both Curtis and Lincoln High Schools; more wins than any other boys 4A coach in the history of the state. While at both schools, Tim led his programs to a combined five state championships. Tim received recognition for his coaching excellence, including numerous Coach of the Year honors, multiple Narrows and South Puget Sound League and West Central championships, Washington State Coach of the Year in 2011 by the Associated Press, three nominations for the National Federation of High Schools National Coach of the Year Award representing the Pacific Northwest Region, and was a two-time recipient of the Wayne Gilman AAAA Coach of the Year Award. Bringing home the prestigious Santa Barbara Holiday Classic Crown twice and winning the Lahainaluna Holiday Invitational (2012) made him especially proud.

His leadership extended beyond the south sound, coaching multiple All-State games, the Northwest Shootout and representing Washington at the National High School Basketball Coaches Association tournament in Indiana in 2009, Tim was the youngest inductee in the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association(WIBCA)Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Tacoma Sports Museum Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact in the sport and in his community.

Tim faced his cancer journey with the same grit, determination, and unwavering spirit that defined every chapter of his life. Diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic prostate cancer in 2010, he fought for 16 years, never using it as an excuse. Time and again, the odds were stacked against him, yet he refused to let a diagnosis determine how he would live. His favorite saying, printed at the top of every practice plan for 32 seasons, was, "It takes no talent whatsoever to outwork your opponent." He lived those words every single day. He outworked every expectation, meeting each setback with resolve, grace, and hope. While cancer ultimately claimed his life, it never defined it. Tim's legacy will forever be one of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring power of a life lived with purpose.

Off the court, Tim was a man of integrity, humility, and relentless determination. He had a quiet confidence, a sharp wit and the patience of a saint. He led by example and expected the best from those around him because he believed in their potential. Tim loved being on the water in any capacity, playing golf, watching every sport, Bruce Springsteen and spending time with his friends and family.

Coach Kelly lives on in former players, coaches, students, and friends whose lives he touched over the course of his career. Many of the young men he coached became devoted husbands, fathers, leaders, teachers, referees, and coaches themselves, carrying forward the values he instilled in them.

The memorial service to honor Tim will be held at the Curtis High School main gym on August 22nd, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Curtis High School's address is 8425 40th St. W, University Place, 98466. Summer casual is recommended due to the heat and please feel free to wear your Lincoln, Curtis, Saints or Cougar gear.

Coach Kelly emphasized hard work both on and off the court. To honor him, the Tim Kelly Scholarship Award has been established. In lieu of flowers, the Kelly family would like to suggest donations toward supporting student athletes in our community. Donations will be accepted at the memorial or can mailed to:

Viking Scholarship Fund

C/O Tim Kelly Scholarship

P.O. Box 65794

University Place, WA 98464