Longtime University of Hawai`i Hilo employee Kelly Leong, who spent over 25 years as the athletic department sports information director, passed away on April 6, 2019, at the age of 58.

Most recently, Leong was a project specialist with the division of student affairs, a position he held since 2016. Previously, he was the first full-time sports information director for the Vulcans, assuming the post in the fall of 1989.

"Kelly gave almost three decades of his life to Vulcan Athletics and our program", said UHH athletic director Patrick Guillen.  "I am truly grateful for his service and know he made an impact on students with his caring demeanor.  In my brief time of working with him he was always willing to lend a helping hand especially when it came to students.  Rest in Peace Kelly."

During his time as sports information director, Leong oversaw the publicity of 13 UH Hilo athletic teams. He also served on the Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame committee, worked on corporate sponsorships and negotiated radio rights for the department.

He was also very active in officiating local high school basketball games, serving as the vice-president of the Hawaii Island Sports Officials Association.

Leong graduated from the University of Hawai`i in 1989 with a degree in journalism.

"Kelly's contributions in providing unique learning experiences for countless students and the lifelong relationships he developed with student-athletes will have a lasting impact on the many lives he touched," said University of Hawai`i Hilo interim chancellor Marcia Sakai.

"On behalf of the entire UH Hilo community, I extend my deepest condolences to Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, along with the rest of Kelly's family colleagues, and friends."

Kelly is survived by Alyson and their sons Ethyn and Jye, his father Norman and step-mom Nita, and brothers Eric and Russell and his family.

A Celebration of Life is set for Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Vulcan Gymnasium.