R. Lynn Kay

Roy Lynn Kay Jr. (80) of Logan, Utah, passed away in the Logan Regional Hospital on November 17, 2025. Lynn was born on October 31, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Roy Lynn and Betty Jean Kay.

Lynn moved to Logan in the late 50s. In grade school, he had to choose between choir and playing a musical instrument. He was originally leaning towards the choir, but his dad persuaded him, saying only those who can't afford an instrument sing. Even though money was tight, his parents bought him a metal clarinet, which he played for many years.

As a young boy, Lynn’s love of model railroad trains began with his first Lionel train, a #50 Gang Car. As the years passed, his impressive collection grew. Later, his home was filled with trains, and he found great joy entertaining his grandchildren as they watched the model trains circle the track through his basement layout or during the holiday seasons when the trains would run around the Christmas tree.

He developed his work ethic in the seventh grade when he started working at the A&W Restaurant, peeling potatoes by hand for 40 cents an hour. He worked after school each day, and on Saturdays, he would work for 10 or 11 hours as A&W’s only spud peeler. He filled in once for a cook to help one night and ended up being promoted. Because the carhops didn’t like putting the heavy silver dollars in their aprons, he would often buy the coins from them and ended up building quite a collection of silver dollars over the years. He continued to play the clarinet in band in high school, but was more interested in working than in any school activities. He graduated from Logan High School in the spring of 1964.

When Lynn was first learning to drive, a Chrysler Hemi served as the school’s training car. Unlike some of his classmates, he lacked driving experience. When his turn came, he put it in gear, mashed down the gas pedal, and smoked the tires for a block, not realizing cars were so powerful.

He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Utah State University in 1968 with a degree in fine arts. While attending Utah State, he met his eternal companion, Carolyn Lewis. They were in the USU marching band—he played the clarinet and she played the saxophone. They had their first date on November 27, 1964. Exactly four years later, on November 27, 1968, they were married. As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the highlights of his life came when they were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on October 6, 1978.

In 1968, while Lynn and Carolyn were dating, Carolyn purchased a turquoise Pontiac Firebird convertible. Soon after, when they married, Lynn took over the car payments. The couple enjoyed playfully debating who was the real owner of the car. For many summers afterward, they could be seen driving their Firebird around town and in the Cache Valley Cruise-In parade.

During the first month of their marriage, they thought they were rich. Lynn later discovered the reason: Carolyn was writing checks but wasn’t recording or subtracting them from the account. Throughout their marriage, the couple worked together as wedding and family photographers and at Utah State Photo Services. They also enjoyed taking photos at horse shows in their early years.

Lynn’s passion was photography, but he excelled at fixing anything. At first, his father-in-law was skeptical of him, but warmed up when Lynn repeatedly repaired the family car. Lynn enjoyed challenges, even impressing a doubtful police officer by fixing his stranded van in the canyon with just a roll of electrical tape. He grew his own tomatoes and enjoyed summer BLT sandwiches with tomatoes from his garden, perfectly paired with a Diet Coke.  

Lynn loved attending his children's and grandchildren's activities. His family was the center of his life, and they will miss him dearly. He always aimed to help others and wanted to be remembered for being kind. When teaching his children, he often quoted Zig Ziglar, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”

The family is grateful for the service and kindness offered by friends, neighbors, and ward members over the years. Many went above and beyond to help Lynn and Carolyn, showing Christ-like love when it was needed most.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Lewis Kay, and by his parents, Roy Lynn Kay and Betty Jean Cheshire.He is survived by their children: Kerianne (Eric) Hoth, Brady (Christy) Kay, and Clarissa (Tim) Campbell, and 10 grandchildren: Harrison, Keri, Spencer, Kaylee, Hanna, Payton, Toby, Alina, Amelia, and Kaitlyn. He is also survived by his sister, Kara (Tom) Dean and his cousin Judi Dimicelli.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillcrest 1st Ward Chapel, 875 N. 1500 E. in Logan. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of White Pine Funeral Services.

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