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Sean D. Reyes
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Attorney General Reyes’ Statement on Passing of Kay L. McIff

September 21, 2020

Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes issued the following statement on the passing of former state judge and legislator, Kay L. McIff:

“The legal system suffered two great losses this past week. America is now without the brilliant mind of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Supreme Court and Utah mourns the loss of a remarkable public servant in former state judge and legislator, Kay L. McIff. 

“Judge McIff served his country and community in many significant ways. As a young man, he wore the uniform of the United States Army before attending Snow College, graduating from Utah State University and obtaining his juris doctorate degree from the University of Utah.

“After a successful legal career in private practice, he was elected the top prosecutor and lawyer for multiple counties in the role of county attorney. He then enjoyed a long and distinguished career on the Utah state court bench. He capped his public legal career as a member of the Utah House of Representatives—highly respected on both sides of the aisle.

“Along the way, he demonstrated great commitment to building and strengthening higher education in Utah. Judge McIff was appointed to the State Board of Regents and the boards of Snow College and Southern Utah University, where he chaired the Board of Trustees.   His community service extends far beyond these achievements.

“Even more impressive than all his accomplishments in private practice and public service was the life he lived as a husband, father, friend and spiritual leader to so many.

“On a personal level, he was an inspiration for me to pursue a career in law. He was bright, wise, prudent, principled and always a gentleman—whether in court, during a floor debate or simply at lunch asking about my family.

“Judge Kay L. McIff lived a life of significant consequence and will be deeply missed.”