Kay S. Cornaby

1936 ~ 2013
Our husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Kay S. Cornaby ("K"), 77, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2013, surrounded by his family, after gallantly enduring several years of declining health.
K was born on January 14, 1936 in Spanish Fork, Utah to Hilda Stoker and Sterling Arthur Cornaby. He is the oldest brother to two sisters. After graduating from B.Y. High, he began his studies at Brigham Young University. Those studies were put on hold to honorably serve in the L.D.S. East German mission from 1956-59. Post mission, he graduated in 1960 with a B.A. in Chemistry from B.Y.U. K then returned to Germany for three years where he served as an Army Counter Intelligence officer, toured with a friend as a concert pianist, and studied international law at the University of Heidelberg. He continued his love of the law when he returned to the U.S., graduating from Harvard Law School in 1966.
While at Harvard, his sister introduced him to Linda Rasmussen. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on July 23, 1965. Together they raised five children whom K counted as his greatest accomplishments.
After law school, K and Linda moved to New York City for three years where he practiced international and intellectual property law on Wall Street before moving his practice back to Salt Lake City, Utah. Eventually, he joined the law firm of Jones, Waldo, Holbrook & McDonough as a partner. He retired in 2012.
K served as a Utah State Senator from 1977-90 (Majority Leader 83-84). He was a real leader known for his integrity and ability to reach across party lines. He was an Honorary Colonel for the Utah Highway Patrol. His passion for civic and community service continued as he served on many boards, including: National Commission on Uniform State Laws, Center for the Study of Youth Policy at the University of Michigan, Utah State Judicial Conduct Commission, Utah State Sentencing Commission, Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Federal Court ADR Panel, Martin Luther King, Jr./Human Rights Commission, Harvard Alumni/Law School Associations of Utah, Council of Legal Advisors to the Republican National Committee, U of U Graduate School of Social Work, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah, Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau, Utah Symphony & Opera Company, and KUER-KUED Public Television and Radio.
Though he received countless awards and honors during his career, his children will remember him most for his quick wit, quiet strength, unconditional love, and unwavering commitment to his family, community and church. A faithful member of the L.D.S. church, he served in many capacities, but found greatest joy in his callings as a teacher.
Survived by his wife, Linda; his children Alyse (Kyle) Christensen, Derek Cornaby, Tara (Eric) Cornaby Perreca, Heather Cornaby, and Brandon Cornaby; eight grandchildren; and his sister, Gayle (Reed) Petersen. Preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Suzanne Tanner.
A viewing will be held on Sun., Dec. 1, from 5 -7 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, SLC, UT. Funeral Services will be held on Mon., Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Olympus Hills Ward, 4176 Adonis Drive, SLC, UT, with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the L.D.S. Missionary Fund, the Utah Highway Patrol, or KUER-KUED.