In WIAA Class 4A boys basketball, Tim Kelly’s success was unmatched.
He’s the only coach in state history to lead different programs to multiple WIAA championships — three at Curtis High School and two at Lincoln of Tacoma.
When he retired nearly 17 months ago from Curtis, he left with 581 victories — most ever in the 4A ranks.
And for nearly half of his 32-year coaching career, Kelly battled Stage 4 prostate cancer, which he died from Monday at his home in University Place. He was 65.
Kelly, who retired after the 2024-25 season, said the physical damage cancer had taken on his body was too much to handle, especially his mobility.
“It was physically challenging,” Kelly said in a private setting with a couple of reporters at the time. “It really came down to — I wasn't able to coach like I'm used to coaching."
Kelly won his three 4A championships at Curtis in 2013, 2022 and 2023. Prior to that, he led Lincoln to back-to-back 4A titles in 2001 and 2002.
His five career 4A titles is tied with Garfield’s Al Hairston for most in Washington state history.
In 2010 — a year before his cancer diagnosis — Kelly became the youngest inductee into the WIBCA hall of fame.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Gini; and his two daughters, Annie and Katy.