Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kim Duffin Obituary
Our dear brother, uncle, and friend, Kim Duffin, passed away in his sleep early Sunday morning November 4, 2012. Kim was born April 22, 1955 in Salt Lake City to Lloyd and Helen Duffin and graduated from Skyline High School in 1973. Kim earned bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Environmental Science from Westminster College in 1977 and a master's degree in Arts Administration from the University of Utah in 1983.
Kim's passion and profession was art. Kim served as the Assistant Director of the Salt Lake City Arts Council for the past 25 years and as a program manager at the Utah Arts Council for four years. He devoted his life to serving artists and arts organizations. He was also on the board of the Utah Aids Coalition, the Utah Wilderness Alliance and many other nonprofit groups. Along with his service to the community, Kim will be lovingly remembered for his insatiable desire for chocolate, his adventures in the deserts of Southern Utah, his thoughtful and deliberate way of speaking, his clever sense of humor, delightful sarcasm, and his devotion to his cat, Monkey.
Kim is preceded in death by his parents and his mentor and sister-in-law Robbie Duffin. He is survived by his brothers, Tom, Kirkland, WA; Chris (Cyndi), Chandler, AZ; Rick (Sue), Kingston, WA; and his nephews Michael (Heather), Swanzey, New Hampshire and Mark (Jann Degnan), Brooklyn, NY.
Heartfelt thanks go to the caregivers at Woodland Park Rehabilitation and Care Center and CNS Hospice for their kindness and care of Kim these past several months.
Please join Kim's family and friends in celebrating Kim's life Saturday, November 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Art Barn, 54 Finch Lane, Salt Lake City. A brief remembrance will begin at 5 p.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Salt Lake City Arts Council 54 Finch Lane SLC, UT. 84102 for a commissioned dedication to honor Kim.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kim Duffin
Hannes Eichmann
April 15, 2018
Very sad to find out, that Kim passed away - six years later. I was his tourguide on the Westminster choir-tour to Europe in 1975. We became friends, met in Denver a year later traveled a couple of Caribbean Islands in 1977 to Iceland the following year. Lost track, but not memory of a fine, humorous and amiable friend. RIP.
.
December 1, 2012
.
Jill Foulger Christensen
December 1, 2012
To Kim's family, this is your long lost cousin, Jill. I learned of Kim's death from our cousin Don Jeroloman, to whom I am so grateful for keeping me in the loop. I was very sad to hear about Kim, instantly recalling childhood memories I had long forgotten. Please accept my sincere condolences and send love to you all.
Judi Peddersen
November 18, 2012
I was very sad to learn of Kim's death. He was such a kind a gentle person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jan Lawrence
November 13, 2012
Many years ago I had the pleasure of working with Kim while we worked to get the Percent for Art law passed. I think of him and others in that group every time I see beautiful artwork in the state owned buildings and spaces throughout the state. Kim was such a lovely person, someone you loved at the first moment you met him. I am so sorry for the loss and the pain his family is feeling. The arts community has lost a light. Godspeed Kim. You lived a life worthy of very few.
joan Cowles
November 12, 2012
If there was ever a soul of light, that was Kim. He'll be sorely missed.
Amy Newman
November 12, 2012
It is with great sadness that I learned of Kim's untimely passing. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and loved ones. Kim and I were close friends in high school and spent many hours together studying, laughing, and sharing. We also knew each others families well. Like Kim, his mother was a wonderful person, who passed too early. Kim sang beautifully at my wedding and then I, unfortunately, lost touch with him. I knew him as a kind, generous, and thoughtful person, with enormous musical talent and artistic sensibility. His resume is rich with his contributions to the Utah arts community. He enriched the lives he touched both professionally and personally. I miss him greatly.
November 11, 2012
I met Kim at Westminster College and we sang together in the Westminstrels there. When I needed a place for me and my cat Frank Kim offered up his grandmothers house where he was living. He was a great person and a wonderful friend. He will be missed.
Shelley Hunt
November 11, 2012
The last time I saw Kim we danced. I will miss him. He was a good and kind soul.
Donna Forbes
November 11, 2012
I met Kim at Westminster back in 1973. We sang together in concert choir and madrigals. Our madrigal group, the Westminstrels, went to Europe in 1975 to perform in Vienna, Austria. Those college years were full of good times! I lost touch with Kim over the last several years. He was a dear friend.
Michele Pearson
November 9, 2012
We sang together in high school choirs, and Kim always impressed me with his talent, humor, insight, and compassion. Rest in peace!
Elaine Anderson
November 9, 2012
Kim was a wonderful, treasured friend. I am so upset to hear of his passing. I hope it was peaceful. My deepest sympathy to the family for this great loss.
Though I knew Kim over 40 years ago and no longer live in Utah, my memories are fond & unforgettable. Backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon, working together in the Governor's Planning office, many adventures in the mountains, insightful talks, but most of all ----laughing until our sides ached! What a bright light --- he will not soon fade from my memory. Soar high, dear dear friend. You were loved!
Cindy Schoeck
November 8, 2012
I am so sad to hear of Kim's passing. He was a good friend and kindred spirit during our college days at Westminster. Kim always made me laugh and we had many good times together. He called me about a year ago when I lived in Illinois and we caught up with each other. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed.
Jean M Wright
November 8, 2012
Kim did a fellowship during the 70's State Planning Coordinator's office -- I knew him there. Twas the *shopping cart races* that I will never forget. No, I didn't, but he did and got all buggered up from a crash; and had many stories. Sweet, sweet man.
Patti Besselievre
November 8, 2012
To Kim's family and friends -
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I have fond memories of our days in the youth group at Wasatch Presbyterian Church.
Rachel Peddersen
November 8, 2012
Rest in Peace Kim Duffin, you will be missed in the Salt Lake Arts community. You were inspiring, thoughtful, and cared deeply for artists in that city. You hired me at my first arts related job and exposed me to a greater world than I knew. Thank you, and may you fly with the best looking cowboys out there.
Shauna Cook Clinger
November 7, 2012
Sending my sincere condolences to all of Kim's loved ones.
Kim-–bright light. I will miss you. Thank you for your support, help and friendship throughout the years. My life is richer for having known you.
Bob Lux
November 7, 2012
To all who knew Kim, we were fortunate to meet, get to know and enjoy Kim's company many years ago when he was a teenager. Even then, his appreciation for his friends, compassion for those with difficulty, and understanding of the world and its complexity were not only evident but forming a basis for his future contributions to people and their lives. We are sad to learn of his suffering and death, but from the many comments already posted know that he achieved a "fullness of life" that translates to his contributions to others. Thank you, Kim, for making the lives of your colleagues and friends that much richer and fulfilling.
Bob & Linda Lux
Kerri Buxton
November 7, 2012
Kim was so supportive, even when I encountered difficulties with logistics. I always felt warmly embraced as part of the art community by Kim, and I will miss that very much. My heartfelt condolences to his family and his many friends - and mine.
meg averett
November 7, 2012
I am so sorry to learn of Kims passing. He has been a good friend for over 30 years. We stayed in touch off and on for years. I will miss his laugh and all the memories we had.
carolyn coalson
November 7, 2012
I had the pleasure to know Kim Duffin through an exhibit
I had at Finch Lane and through all the many shows that
he put together. I found him a kind, caring, witty man.
My condolences to his family He will be greatly missed
Kirstin, Sean, Oscar, Wilhelmina Graff
November 7, 2012
Kim was a wonderful person: funny, kind, courageous, bawdy, and wise. We'll always remember his beautiful and mischievous smile. To his family: Kim was a beloved friend and we share in your loss. Take care.
Jenkyn Powell
November 7, 2012
Certainly one of the finest people I have ever known. He was such a great support to all the artists that ever worked with him at Finch Lane (which I did on several occasions). I always enjoyed talking & working with Kim. His spirit was bright and Kim was a joy to be around. Rest in peace my friend.
Ann Poore
November 7, 2012
Kim was such a witty and generous person and an essential presence in our community -- both to the arts and as an example of a life well and courageously lived. It's hard to grasp that he is no longer with us. My thoughts are with his family.
Jimmy Miklavcic
November 7, 2012
The Utah arts community flourishes because of the energy, love and passion that Kim poured into it. His spirit will be a part of everyone's creative inspiration for years to come.
Mark Gilmour
November 7, 2012
I'm really sorry to hear that Kim has passed on. He was such a great guy. I will always remember those times when I would go over to the Art Barn to visit my good friends Casey and Robert. Kim's wonderful humor and quick wit were unmatched. He was one of the nicest people I've ever met. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Duffin family and the Art's Council. He will be sorely missed.
Denise Playford
November 7, 2012
I am sorry to hear of Kim's passing. He took me to the senior prom all those years ago and has always had a very fond place in my memories and heart. My deepest sympathies and prayers for his family.
Debra Burrington
November 7, 2012
Kim was such a wonderful person and friend. I am saddened by his passing and send my condolences to his family.
Lance Olsen
November 7, 2012
Such a good man, such a support of the arts. We're going to miss you like mad, Kim.
Theresa Darveaux
November 7, 2012
I'm just so heartbroken...Kim has always been a friend but during the greatest crisis in my life, he reached out to me and we became very dear, close friends. I'll forever appreciate the part of my heart & soul he came to occupy and now owns. Rest in peace my sweet man. I will always have wonderful memories of you! ~T~
Kathryn Cowles
November 7, 2012
I also worked with Kim years ago. He always went above and beyond the call of duty, helping our small U of U reading series to apply for grants we didn't even know existed and to receive money and space. He was truly dedicated to the arts in Salt Lake City, and I know many, many people like me will miss him from afar and remember the wonderful things he did for us.
Lupe Anaya-Gibbs
November 7, 2012
I offer my condolences to Kim's family. I had the privilege of working with Kim some years ago and got to know him as a kind, gentle and beautiful person. I also enjoyed his great sense of humor and appreciated his love and knowledge of the Arts. May he find beauty in his final destination. I will miss him.
Martha Klein
November 7, 2012
One of the kindest, loveliest people I've ever known. He lived his life with grace and humor. It will be hard to realize he's gone.
Lisa Condie
November 7, 2012
I am broken hearted to be so far away....I am so sad to get this news. Kim was in my first grade class, and my friend throughout all the years that followed. We shared many laughs, many tears, talks, more laughs and cocktails...May his gentle spirit rest in peace. I love you, KALD.
Steven Fawson
November 7, 2012
I first met Kim 25 years ago when he first joined the the Finch Lane and I have enjoyed his disarming good nature and quiet professionalism. He made going to the gallery an added pleasure. He was always respectful of the artists with whom he worked and made all of the mess of exhibitions easier. Susan Beck and I visited Kim 2 weeks ago but I didn't know that it would be the last visit. I would like his family to know just how much Kim was loved and respected in the Art community. He will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Kim Duffin's name
Memorial Events
for Kim Duffin
How to support Kim's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kim Duffin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
