Kenneth Lee Killpack

Our devoted and loving husband, Dad, and Opa, Kenneth Lee Killpack, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, surrounded by his wife, seven children and many loved ones.

Born October 1, 1931, in Provo, Utah, to Lovell A. and Hazel F. Killpack, Ken was the third of seven children. He attended BY Academy in Provo. After high school at age 17, he enlisted and served in the US Navy during the Korean war on the USS Princeton from 1950-1954. He then served a mission in the previously called France Mission which included parts of Belgium, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He attended BYU and the University of Utah. On November 1, 1957, he married Doris Romboy in the Salt Lake Temple, and said she was the most incredible woman he had ever met. He was a dedicated member of the church and graciously served in any capacity he was asked.

Ken was quiet and unassuming. He knew the value of hard work. He had multiple jobs early in his marriage and made many sacrifices to provide for his family. Ken was devoted to ensuring his children had opportunities to pursue and develop musical talents, sports, arts, and education. He attended many performances, games, and events to support his children and grandchildren.

Working for the Bureau of Mines, Ken had opportunities to travel to Washington, D.C. for meetings. During a few summers, he packed up the family with a tent trailer in tow, and drove across the country, staying in campgrounds along the way. On a limited budget, he planned wonderful opportunities which created forever memories for the family to see the country.

In his younger days he worked for the US Forest Service, where he developed a great passion for the outdoors. Ken loved camping, hiking and backpacking. For many summers he carefully planned and organized backpacking adventures to take any of his willing children to join him for week-long trips in the Uinta mountains. Topo maps were unrolled and trails were carefully and extensively planned. The mountains were his happy place.

He loved photography, and would spend quiet hours in his darkroom developing beautiful memories and moments he would share with his loved ones. He also loved his beautiful Akita, Sierra, who was his four-legged friend for many years.

Ken was brilliant and could repair practically anything. He loved figuring out how things worked. From cars to household appliances, he would research and then repair, and became a self-taught and indispensable genius handyman.

Ken had a kind and loving heart, and graciously and selflessly helped care for his family all of his life, even until his final days. He was a devoted father and husband and will be missed immensely. Until we meet again.

The family is extremely grateful for the kindness and expertise from doctors Tom Miller, Santosh Reddy, and their teams, for the care they gave Ken.

Ken is survived by his wife, Doris, and children: Leslie Smith (George), Linda Cook (Steve), Daniel (Patricia), Greg, Shelley Pierce (Jon), Bruce (Camille), and Andrea Reynolds (Trey), along with 16 grandchildren and 22+ great grandchildren, and his sister, Myra Prince.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lovell Albert Killpack and Hazel Foote Killpack; five siblings: Lovell Killpack, Garth Killpack, Marilyn Meldrum, Weston Killpack, and Elaine Johnson, grand-daughter Heather Twede, and great-grandson Alexander Twede.

A private family service is being held. In Ken's memory, spend time with your loved ones, go for a hike in the beautiful mountains, or do something kind for someone.