Kirk Westlund

1943 - 2025

Kirk David Westlund

1943 ~ 2025

West Bountiful, UT-On August 3, 2025, Kirk David Westlund peacefully traded in his earthly tent for a much comfier spot in heaven (probably somewhere with great golf courses, alpine skiing, and unlimited prank opportunities). He passed away at home after a long battle with post-surgical complications-and, let's be honest, a stubborn back that finally won after years of negotiations.

Kirk was born on August 20, 1943, in Centerfield, Utah, to Clay and Sybil Westlund-clearly the prototype for all Westlund mischief to follow. He was the eldest of three boys-Kirk, Ron, and Steve-which meant he set the tone for pranks, patriotism, and perfectly timed sarcasm. The family eventually moved to Illinois, but Utah always called him home-and not just because it had better skiing.

Kirk served a mission in the Eastern Atlantic States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he discovered a lifelong love for service, the Gospel, and befriending just about anyone with a pulse. Shortly afterward, he joined the Army and became a Post Engineer in Germany.

But the most important mission of all? Meeting his sweetheart, Helen, while still in uniform. It was love at first sight-at least for Kirk. Helen was charmed by his hot Mustang and his heavenly recitation of all 13 Articles of Faith. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 12, 1970. The day after the wedding, Kirk famously declared, "I golf!"-a warning, a promise, and an unbreakable vow. Helen joined him on the greens soon after, and they never looked back.

Together, Kirk and Helen weathered many trials (and a few disastrous camping meals) before being blessed with two amazing kids, Dax and Breck. His kids were the center of his universe-Kirk was an avid fan and former player for the University of Utah football team and could likely have coached the team from his recliner.

Kirk was an outdoorsman, thrill-seeker, and bow-hunting enthusiast. His birthday conveniently lined up with the opening of bow-hunting season every year-something he claimed was divine planning. He loved fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, Jeeping in Moab, and organizing epic camping trips. If you were lucky enough to be on one of these trips, you know there was always laughter, at least one prank, and about 37 new honorary family members by the end of the weekend.

His most infamous camping moment? Lighting a smoke bomb under his mother-in-law's outhouse. Yes, he survived that. No, we're still not sure how.

Kirk's charisma, goofy grin, and gentle kindness made everyone feel at home. Even complete strangers somehow left knowing his entire life story, three dad jokes, and that time he accidentally launched a golf ball through the neighbor's window (allegedly).

Kirk was employed by Great Salt Lake Minerals, Sinclair Oil, and Allstate. In later years, one of his favorite jobs was driving a school bus for the Davis School District. No surprise, he kept his bus spotless and made each child feel like a rock star. Students showered him with cards, treats, and possibly PTSD from kindergarten field trips. Kirk was the calm in chaos, the voice of reason, and the guy you'd call when you had a flat tire or needed a life chat on the porch. He was a devoted husband, epic dad, unforgettable grandpa, and an all-around top-shelf human being.

He now reunites in heaven with his parents, Clay and Sybil; brother Ronald; in-laws Melvin, Olive, and Perry Fifield; grandsons Jaxon and Eli; and his faithful four-legged sidekick, Kylie the dog.

He leaves behind his sweetheart Helen; his brother Stephen (Vicky); his kids Dax (Megan), Breck (Clark), and Jinger (Penny); and his cherished grandkids: Savanna (DJ), Luke, Libby, Noah, Daisy, Tyler, Jesse, CJ, Carson, and Hazel. Also, many extended family members and honorary Westlunds too numerous to count.

Services:

Viewing: Sunday, August 10, 2025, 6:00–8:00 PM

LDS Chapel, 810 N 800 W, West Bountiful, Utah

Funeral: Monday, August 11, 2025, 11:00 AM

West Bountiful Stake Center, 1930 N 600 W

Interment to follow at Bountiful City Cemetery

Luncheon: Immediately after at the Stake Center

Services will also be available via Zoom for those joining from the far reaches of Earth-or Moab.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."