James E. Kier

James E. Kier 7/11/31 ~ 11/30/05 OGDEN - A truly golden heart stopped beating when James E. Kier passed away November 30, 2005 at age 74. He was surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma. He was born July 11, 1931 in Ottawa, Canada to Dorothy Kier. He was raised by his dear grandmother, Jeannie Beatty Kier, and upon her passing was fostered by several loving families. Jim was educated in Britannia and Ottawa and attended Oakwood Collegiate in Toronto. He persued his love of learning through his own personal extensive libraries, educational courses and seminars. Jim had many different occupations early in life from lifeguard to shoe salesman to working on the pipeline in the Northwest Territories. Jim made construction, development and property management his life long passion. Jim met the love of his life, Norma Ann Jessiman, in Ottawa and they were married September 1, 1956 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After working as a construction superintendent from an American construction company in Edmonton, Alberta he transferred to Ogden, Utah nearly 50 years ago. He began making his mark in Ogden in 1961 after obtaining his general contractor's license when he, along with his wife, Norma, established Kier Construction. By 1972, the company was well known for constructing single and multi-family housing as well as commercial properties. Jim's greatest source of pride and precious accomplishment came from his bond with family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, loyal friend and generous man. He enjoyed fishing, especially in British Columbia, where he also loved sailing on his beloved sailboat "The Highlander". He is best remembered for his hard work, strong commitment to others, humble heart and easy going personality. He was very proud of his Canadian and Scottish Heritage and instilled that into his family. Over the years, he has supported many local charities, including the Children's Justice Center, the Christmas Box House, YCC, St. Anne's, the Red Cross, the Ogden Rescue Mission, many divisions of the Ogden Police Department, West Ogden Community Action Center, Marion Hotel Neighborhood Community Center, Missing Children, Choice Humanitarian and Weber State University. He was also an active member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church. Jim served on various committees with the local home builders associations, and was a Life Director for the National Association of Home Builders focusing his efforts in the National Council on Senior's Housing, National Multi-Housing Council, Urban Revitalization and Multi-Family Housing Committees. He also served on the Governor's Affordable Housing Committee, the Federal Home Loan Bank Advisory Council, the Key Bank Advisory Board, National Historical Preservation Award for the Eccles Home and most recently served on the Advisory Council for Ascend Alliance and Weber State University. He was also involved in several Republican committees, and helped fundraise for many campaigns from local state Senators to Governors and United States Congressman and Senators. During the last courageous year of Jim's battle, he received two life time achievement awards from the Affordable Housing Management Association and National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. To add to his unbelievable nobility he received a prestigious and well deserved honor of having a senior housing complex named after him, by Utah Non Profit Housing Corporation, "The James E. Kier Apartments" in Salt Lake City. James E. Kier was a Giant of a man, truly one of a kind, and he will be missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife, Norma; two sons, Steve (Tammy) Kier and Scott (Lora) Kier of South Ogden; and three daughters, Bonnie Kier-Herrick (Steve Herrick), Kimi Kier-Noar (Patrick Noar) of South Ogden, and Kara Kier-Goering (Brant W. Goering) of Oregon. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one on the way. My Dearest Jim, I will be missing you and loving you until we meet again. You are on a special journey now although you promised to wait for me. We were soul mates and raised five wonderful children together, founded three companies and could handle just about anything life handed us. I am a better person from loving you, knowing you, and having been loved by you. I will love you forever and always until we meet again. Love, Norma Jim and Norma would like to thank Dr. Alton Wagnon, Dr. Carl Gray, Dr Robert Moesinger and their wonderful staff of nurses and also the wonderful nursing staff at Ogden Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the Layton Lindquist Mortuary Chapel, 1867 Fairfield Road, Layton. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 140 North Tyler Avenue, Ogden, and Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary. A Graveside service will follow at Lindquist's Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the James E. Kier Memorial Fund to be used to continue his legacy of community involvement, in care of Key Bank, 3565 Harrison Blvd. Ogden, Utah, 84403. Email condolences to the family at lom@lindquistmortuary.com