"Rope Like Quinn"
Quinn Baker Kesler, 30, was called home on February 26, 2024, in Holden, UT. While we miss him dearly, we are comforted knowing he is serving on the other side.
Quinn was born April 24, 1993, in Salt Lake City, UT, the fifth of Greg and Allyson Kesler's six children. His family soon moved to Holden, UT where Quinn spent the remainder of his life doing what he loved: working outdoors on the family ranch, roping, raising horses, and establishing lasting relationships with people of all ages and walks of life.
Quinn always had a rope in his hand from the time he was a small child. He roped anything and everything in sight, even his foot during a particularly boring sacrament meeting. It didn't take long for him to establish himself as a skilled roper, and he entered his first championship at the age of nine. His first big roping win came during the National Finals Rodeo in 2015.
Quinn experienced a unique upbringing where he earned his education on the back of a horse. During his high school years, he was a three-time Utah high school state champion in team roping in 2009-11 and calf roping champion in 2011. He also was a four-time qualifier for the National High School Finals Rodeo. He was a Seminary graduate, an Eagle Scout, and served an honorable mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Omaha, Nebraska.
After his return, Quinn made the best catch of his life when he married Jessie Rae Hodson on August 8, 2015, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The couple met during high school rodeo and continued the shared hobby throughout their marriage. They were overjoyed when their daughter, Quincy Rae, joined their family on July 13, 2021. Quincy was the highlight of Quinn's life, and he was 100 percent invested from day one. He eagerly volunteered to change diapers or arrange ponytails, and the duo quickly became inseparable. "Pretty girl", as he called Quincy, was a constant at his side, and he rarely left her behind whether he was just going somewhere on the ranch or to a roping or rodeo. His new role as a father was an influential turning point in his life, and he never experienced greater joy or success than when he was with Quincy and Jessie.
Quinn served as a father figure, mentor, and friend to many. Just as he used to attract a crowd when he was roping (whether steers or just dummies), Quinn had the innate ability to draw people in. That was the only time he ever threw his rope wide: to gather as many people as he could. While he was so kind and made everyone feel welcome, he also had a personal touch that made you feel like you were his favorite. He established many one-on-one relationships that will be cherished by anyone privileged to know him. Among his family, he hands-down earned the title of "favorite uncle" from his adoring nieces and nephews and "platinum child" from his siblings.
Quinn was sarcastic, a lot of fun, and a joy to be around. He enjoyed chess, Mt. Dew, and had a secret talent for rapping. On any adventure, he had to be the driver and the DJ, often dropping a beat to one of his favorite artists, Lil Wayne. He loved all genres and often when he needed a moment to regroup, he could be found in his truck listening to music.
Hardworking and determined, Quinn was always learning. He sought every opportunity to grow his skills and improve things around him. There is no way to count the number of quality horses he raised, trained, and sold as he helped build Double Dollar Livestock from the ground up. His roping resume is also impressive. Quinn was a three-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier – twice as a heeler (2016, 2018) and once as a header (2021). He is one of only ten cowboys to ever qualify for both heading and heeling. He was also named the 2015 PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year. While competing in the Wilderness Circuit, Quinn qualified for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2016 and 2019 as a heeler and 2020 and 2021 as a header. He also qualified for the NFR Open powered by RAM as a header in 2022.
Despite all his professional achievements, the real legacy Quinn leaves the rodeo arena is that good cowboys still exist. In any situation, Quinn was always caring, generous, and Christ-like. He had a strong love for the Savior and continued to be a great missionary long after his official service ended. He was constantly sharing his testimony of the gospel, more from his actions than his words. If we could all learn to rope, and live, like Quinn, the world would be a better place.
Quinn is survived by his eternal companion, Jessie, and their daughter, Quincy. He is also survived by his parents, Greg and Deb Kesler, Holden, and Allyson Baker, Lehi; siblings Camille (Doyle) Brewer, Holden; Landon (Tawnya) Kesler, Holden; Nicole (Tyree) Pulham, Fairfield; Lindsay (Matt) Albrecht, Minersville; and Hailey Kesler, Fairfield. Quinn will also be remembered and loved by his many relatives, friends, fans, and the various communities on which he had such an impact.
A celebration of life will take place Friday, March 1 from 6-8 pm at the exhibit building at the Millard County Fairgrounds (187 Manzanita Ave, Delta, UT). Under the direction of Olpin Stevens Mortuary, funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2 at the Fillmore LDS Stake Center (25 S 300 W, Fillmore, UT). Viewing from 12:00 to 2:00 PM with the funeral at 2:30 PM. Internment at West Weber Cemetery. Interment will be at West Weber Cemetery (4590 W 950 N, Ogden, UT) Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM. The funeral stream will be available at this link: https://youtube.com/live/BmPa2SS3XaA?feature=share. Online condolences can be offered at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com.
