1919 ~ 2017
Kenneth Jesse Nix, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully in Lehi, Utah, in the presence of his loving family on 17 March 2017. Kenneth was born to Jesse Henry and Leila Brady Nix in the pioneer farmhouse of his grandparents, Lindsay Anderson and Ellen Catherine Anderson Brady, on 23 December 1919. He grew up in Sandy, Utah and graduated from Jordan High School in 1937. Inducted into the Army on 12 February 1942, he married his sweetheart, Ruth Margaret Carlson, in a secret ceremony on 28 August 1942, a month before reporting to Officer Candidate School. Kenneth spent an honorable career serving his country, among other assignments, in Washington, D.C. (World War II), Châteauroux, France (Korean War), Nouasseur, Morocco, and Brigham Young University AFROTC (Vietnam War). Notable military accomplishments include the demonstration of British radar technology to the War Department and the first successful Army application of mobile radio with tactical aircraft. After his retirement in 1966, Kenneth developed and then taught the Junior ROTC program at Provo High School for nine years, reluctantly leaving his beloved cadets and the Junior Class to care for Ruth until her death on 14 November 1975. Kenneth remarried on 22 January 1977 to Patricia Patterson, sharing the next 40 years with her. Kenneth was active in the American Legion, serving as Commander in Orem for many years. He personally organized an honor guard for deceased veterans and participated in over 2000 such graveside ceremonies. He will be remembered as a true example of Christ-like charity and service. Throughout his life, he shared his time, love, and resources with those less blessed, calling everyone his friend and bringing his wonderful smile and sense of humor into the lives of all those he touched.
Kenneth is survived by wife, Patricia Patterson Nix of Orem, Utah, and his three children, Kenneth Carl (Myrna) Nix of Lehi, Utah, Bryan Jesse (Faye) Nix of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Suzanne Nix Fisher of Salt Lake City, Utah, and step-children, Zina Rae Engebretsen of Pasadena, California, Mark Eric (Lily) Engebretsen of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Kjell Paul (Rebecca) Engebretsen of Provo, Utah, as well as 18 grandchildren and 17 step-grandchildren.
The viewing will be held Thursday, 23 March 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Sharon Park 3rd Ward, 310 North 100 East, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be held in this same location on Friday, 24 March 2017 from 11:00-12:00 a.m., preceded by a viewing from 9:00-10:15 a.m. and a family prayer meeting from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. The graveside service will start at 3:00 p.m. at the Sandy City Cemetery, 7th East 90th South, Sandy, Utah.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 4, 2017
Roger Wimpfheimer
I had the great privilege of having Col. Nix as one of my AFJROTC teachers. I grew to love him. I haven't talked to him in years. I did try talking to him recently on the phone and he couldn't hear me. I salute you Col. Nix. I send my condolences to the family.
March 23, 2017
Terry Schow
Ken was one the stalwarts in the American Legion in Utah County for many years. He served as a Post and District Commander both for several years. His committment was without equal. Most proud to have known and served with Ken.
Terry Schow
National Executive Committee
The American Legion Utah
Retired Director
Utah Department of Veterans Affairs
March 23, 2017
Military
Louise Ann Carlson Stowell
Col. Nix was my Air Force ROTC Commanding Officer from 1973-1975 while I attend Provo High School. He was a very caring instructor, mentor, and friend. His heart was huge in the amount of devotion he gave to all of his students. The field trips to Hill Air Force Base and the Salt Lake City Air Traffic Control were topics that my late husband, Terry Stowell, and I spoke of often., Col Nix gave selflessly, giving his squadron the opportunity to train on the then State-of-the-Art Flight Simulator, which he paid for out of his own pocket. Col Nix took us to experience the actual feeling of flight in the gliders in Heber City, Utah, and also arranged for our squad to have rides in Huey helicopters which landed at the field west of Provo High School. To this day when ever I hear "For every action there is and equal and opposite reaction", I smile. It was one of the things he really impressed into our brains. I am proud to have served under Col. Kenneth Nix and learned so much from him that I took with me throughout the years. He and the late Sgt. Leroy Jacquart were my two favorite teachers at Provo High School. My love, prayers, and condolences go out to his family in their time of loss.
March 22, 2017
Chris Albach
Col. Nix was a great teacher and friend. He was very giving of his time and attended my commissioning ceremony at BYU as I was entering Air Force pilot training. As a teacher, I still remember things he taught me about aviation and air force history. I have shared these things with my own students over the years. Thank you, Col.
March 21, 2017
Sandra Dunkley
Pat we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. We really cherished both of your friendships while we spent so many years with you at SNOWBIRD. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We will really miss Ken. Our Love. Sandy and Mel Dunkley.
March 21, 2017
Rebecca Engebretsen
Ken was a blessing to all he knew. So grateful for the life he lived. Becca Engebretsen
March 20, 2017
Mandy Haws
What a wonderful man. He was amazing at captivating my small children and they like I enjoyed being around you.
March 18, 2017
Rick Schwartz
R.I.P. Col. Nix.. you were on of my favorite teachers at Provo High.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more