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KAY MORTENSEN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for KAY MORTENSEN
Bruce Midgley
December 2, 2009
I was a student of his during the 70's. He was my master's faculty advisori in the 80's. I valued him as a great friend. The world will be a lot greater if we had more people like him - a man of great and steady character.
Bruce Midgley
Ed Stevens
December 1, 2009
To the Mortensen Family,
I was a student of Dr. Mortensen's in the Mechanical Engineering department around 1994. I really enjoyed the way he was enthusiastic about engineering, and shared stories that would relate to what we were studying. He told us about a crash investigation he did, and how he was able to determine the failure mode by looking at the marks on the metal parts. I found that very interesting, and decided to take other related classes, and eventually get a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at the George Washington University.
I’ve worked as a NASA engineer for 15 years now, and have been able to have some amazing experiences because of my education and initiative. I’ve been part of the team that designed, built, tested and flew small satellites and solid rocket motors for the manned space flight program. I credit Dr. Mortensen, and the other professors and students who worked with me to help me understand and get through those tough years as a young married student, and land my first real job with NASA.
Thank you for sharing such an amazing man. I was blessed by being one of the lucky people who know and love him.
Sincerely,
Ed Stevens
Sr. Project Engineer
NASA Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Program
ATK Launch Systems
Brigham City, Utah
November 24, 2009
To the Mortensen family,
I was a metallurgy student of Dr. Mortensen in the early 80's. I have since gone on to do a lot with my career and have spend most of it in senior management at various companies. It is interesting that of all the classes that I took at BYU, Dr. Mortensen's class is the one I remember the most. I remember all those crazy stories and analogies he told us and the technical content behind them. I remember his enthusiasm for a subject that was boring to most but fascinating to those of us that had the honor to attend his class. To this day, people at work come and talk to me about metallurgy issues, even though I only took one class. They think of me as somewhat of an expert in this area, though I never officially spent any time in the metallurgy field. I realized in the last few days that this was because of Brother Mortensen and his incredible teaching capabilities. I will always be grateful to him for this and pray for comfort to his family.
Duane Hawkins
VP, Deputy Supply Chain
Raytheon Missile Systems
BYU, Class of 1984
Blaine Burnett
November 23, 2009
To Kay Mortensen's loved ones,
I add my condolences on your great loss. The only comfort I take is in knowing the loss is temporary.
I'm sure there were many other contributions of which I am unaware, but to me, he was a consummate professor. I very much enjoyed 'sitting at his feet' to learn about metallurgy, materials science, and machine design. Although that was over 30 years ago, I have vivid memories of his enthusiasm for learning, his competence on so many subjects, his inspiring stories of real-life experiences, and his natural ability to combine all truth as being spiritual. I remember him telling us about his master's thesis, wherein accurately predicted the surface density of the moon, just before the astronauts landed there. After some practical experiments, he shut himself in a room for a couple days to work out the theory. He was a great inspiration to me.
"Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection." I'm sure he will continue to teach and inspire others, on the other side of the veil.
May you be comforted during your temporary separation.
Sincerely, Blaine Burnett
Dell Allen
November 23, 2009
Kay was one of my good friends. We taught together at BYU and co-authored a lab manual. We had a very enjoyable new year's eve party together with our families. I helped recruit him to BYU, and recognized his keen insight, intelligence and experience.
Wanda and I send our condolences and very best wishes to the family. We are confident that Kay is in a better place where love abounds.
Larry Jeffs
November 22, 2009
Dear Elder Mortensen's Family,
We were heartbroken to hear about Elder Mortensen's passing. Our little family only knew him from our stop at Cove Fort at the beginning of October. He was so fun to visit with as he described the fort and shared with us his knowledge and kind spirit. He kept the attention of our three children throughout the entire visit and they listened to him intently as if he was a familiar grandpa. He was so enthusiastic about his mission extending from 6 months to 18. We feel fortunate that we were able to learn from this fine missionary. His influence will carry on with our family and countless others he guided as a missionary, professor, and friend. May his good life comfort your family.
Sincerely,
The Jeffs Family
Marcy Shern
November 20, 2009
Darla, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Kay on the front step of a neighbors and the sparkle you both had in your eyes was magic. I'm so grateful that you both found each other and know that your love for each other is eternal. I love you so much and hope that you will feel comforted and loved during this time. Marcy
Curt Dahl
November 20, 2009
Dear Darla,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of your dear husband. I know the happiness you have had with him and I'm grateful you have had the time together that you have. I remember meeting Kay just one time in my office, but seeing you two together brought me great joy. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this tender time.
Jerry Coil
November 20, 2009
Mortensen Family,
Dr. Mortensen was a Professor of mine in the late 70's. Hearing of his death is tragic and unimaginable. I will never forget how he brought metallurgy and the Gospel together, and out of everything I learned during my years at BYU it was what I learned in his classes that I still remember most. He was tough on his students and demanded the same from himself. The world has lost a great man and my sympathy and prayers go out to your family during this time.
November 20, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with your family.
November 19, 2009
Kay was my friend, mentor and my teacher. I met him at BYU, where he helped me understand and make sense of Machine Design and Metallurgy. This began a 25 year friendship. We shared many of the same interests and were in the same ward for years. He invited my wife and I into his home. He was loving and kind, and would do anything for a friend. The world is a much colder place with his passing.
God rest your soul, Kay.
Lynn Thackeray
November 19, 2009
Kay was my friend, mentor and my teacher. I met him at BYU, where he helped me understand and make sense of Machine Design and Metallurgy. This began a 25 year friendship. We shared many of the same interests and were in the same ward for years. He invited my wife and I into his home. He was loving and kind, and would do anything for a friend. The world is a much colder place with his passing.
God rest your soul, Kay.
Karl Mellor
November 19, 2009
Pam and Roger, we were so shocked to hear about this horrible tragedy. Some of our coworkers were under the mistaken impression that Kay and I didn't get along. The truth is we got along quite well and had a healthy respect for one another. I liked the fact that you always knew exactly where you stood with Kay. You have our deepest sympathy and most sincere prayers during this difficult time.
Ralph & Cheri Finlinson
November 19, 2009
As good friends of Roger and knowing of the love he had for his dad, I know he will be greatly missed.
Our heart felt prayers will be with you all.
Pat Armstrong
November 19, 2009
Dear Darla,
I was shocked and saddened when I received word on Tuesday morning about Kay's tragic death. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I pray you will find peace and comfort in the memories of the time you and Kay had together. Both times I visited you at Cove Fort I left with a strong confirmation of the love you had for each other. I know the Lord will bless you with the strength to get through this difficult time.
Bryan Ganz
November 19, 2009
Dr. Mortensen was my favorite professor at BYU; he taught me in the early 90s. He loved to teach and tell stories in class that were relevant to the topics we were studying in mechanical engineering and material science. Dr. Mortensen cared about his students and made time for them during and after class. I visited him in his office on multiple occasions, and he often joked that the higher ups were trying his patience by keeping him in such a small office. I agreed, as Kay had so much to offer his students including his valuable time and life experiences. Dr. Mortensen was interested in his student’s lives, so much so that he took an interest in my budding ambitions to make and design home stereo speakers. He encouraged me to purse my dreams. After helping me with some theories on loudspeaker design, Kay asked me and a fellow student to build him some nicely veneered home stereo speakers that had a boosted midrange and top-end frequencies to compensate for his time spent well spent with firearms and explosives. Dr. Kay Mortensen was the first customer from over 50,000 customers who have purchased one of my home and personal audio designs. Thank you Kay for helping me and hundreds of other students follow our dreams. May God bless your wonderful family and friends, and help them find peace through their faith that you are well, smiling and telling stories of faith, hope and happiness to thousands of eager listeners. May God bless all of your loved ones, protect them, watch over them, let them feel of your love for them, and let the Holy Spirit testify to them that they will be with you again.
Alison Moore Smith
November 19, 2009
Kay was in the old Orem 27th Ward where I grew up. We were all so sorry to hear of the sad circumstances of his passing.
Our sympathies to all his family
Jim Doxey
November 19, 2009
Darla & Family,
Dr. Mortensen was one of my prized professors at BYU in the early 80's. I loved to hear his stories and I know he loved to teach. He was kind to me and I'm sure he was pivotal in the lives of many students. He was a good example to all and I really appreciate the way he was able to bring real life stories into the classroom. I'm saddened to hear of his passing but will be praying and thinking of you and the family at this time.
November 19, 2009
Darla - We were so saddened to hear the news about Kay's passing. This is a difficult time for you, but know that our prayers are with you. We will forever remember the wonderful tour we enjoyed at Cove Fort with the two of you as our "special guides"! You touched the hearts of many as you served in this capacity. May these memories bring you comfort and may you know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will always be with you. We love you, Darla, and express our love and sympathy to you at this time. Love, Dave and Elizabeth Wilson
November 19, 2009
Dear Darla - Jan and I are shocked and so saddened at the passing of Kay. We very much enjoyed visiting with both of you when we stopped at Cove Fort for the expert guided tour you gave us. It was obvious to both of us how happy you were serving the Lord and how happy you were being married to each other. Please accept our sincere sympathy and heartfelt sorrow at this time. Jan and Anne Bagley
November 19, 2009
Darla,
Sending our deepest sympathy from our hearts and souls. This has to be one of the most difficult periods in your life. We know that the Lord will give you the strength and courage to deal with this--focus on your wonderful memories and remember that he is at your side. We are here for you if you need anything at all!
Much love,
Larry and Margo Bonnette
November 19, 2009
Dear Darla & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
we will always remember you & Kay and the good times we had at Cove Fort.
Sincerely
Leland & Darlene Barnes
David Hendrickson
November 19, 2009
Kay was one of my professors at BYU in the 1970's. He was a great guy and very interesting. He was such a good teacher I can still remember some specific information he taught in my classes that I refer to over 30 years later. As the obituary relates, I can even remember some of the stories he told of his experiences and how they related to engineering. When PC's were first coming on the scene, he and I would always enjoy playing with them. I remember him mentoring me while writing engineering programs for the Commadore PET computer in BASIC. This was pre-Microsoft. I loved the way he also brought the Gospel into his understanding of science and engineering. I was very heartbroken to hear of his passing and how it happened. I offer my condolences to his family. He is and will be sorely missed. May God bring comfort to his family and all who knew and loved him.
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