Longtime Central Kentucky equine insurer Sylvester Kiger Jr. died in Lexington on Dec. 8 at the age of 86.
Kiger began his career in the equine insurance business in 1962 when he was invited to join the Kentucky Insurance Agency by Leslie Combs II. He was associated with Fasig-Tipton for many years and started his own agency with Jerry Parks, the Kiger-Parks Insurance Group in 1984. He continued with Kiger Insurance until his death.
Over the years, he insured Kentucky Derby, Oaks and Breeders Cup winners and two Triple Crown winners – Seattle Slew and Affirmed. His clientele included many well-known actors and sports figures.
Born to Sylvester Kiger and Edna Mae Nikirk Kiger, Syl Kiger was a graduate of Henry Clay High School in Lexington. He was inducted into the Henry Clay Hall of Fame in 2018. Following graduation, he worked at the Lexington Public Library and moonlighted at Bluegrass Billiards until 1962. He volunteered for the U.S. Army and was stationed at Thule Air Base in Thule, Greenland, as a Computer/Radar Specialist.
Kiger was political coordinator for Kentucky House Speaker William G. Kenton, who introduced legislation establishing the Kentucky Horse Park. He also served on the Lexington Fayette County Human Rights Commission, the Lexington Public Library Advisory Board, as President of the Underwriters at Lloyd's Agents Association and the Central Kentucky YMCA Men's Club. He was a featured speaker in the “Davis Bottom History Preservation Project” sponsored by the Kentucky Heritage Council.
As important as any of his official recognitions however, Syl is known for his many acts of kindness toward the less fortunate in Lexington, especially those in the inner city.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy Lowe, children Kige Hayes Kiger and Cassie Kiger (Jackson), and a special niece, Olivia Lowe.
An event for family and friends to gather in the spring to honor his life is planned. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Central Kentucky YMCA or a charity of your choice.
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