Dr. Brent Kennedy

December 11, 1946 - July 27, 2024 In Loving Memory

Sandy, UT-

Dr. Brent Kennedy peacefully passed away in his sleep on July 27th. With his passing we lost one of the most intelligent jokesters around. Brent was a man of many things- a real anomaly in so many ways- and an incredibly accomplished one at that. Against so many odds, he rose to the top of all things he set out to achieve in his lifetime.

Some of his successes include attaining prestigious acronyms like DDS and MD, earned through programs at Case Western Dental School, St Luke's Hospital in Cleveland, the Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, and Hahnemann Medical School. With his prolific education and training he continued on, both in practice and as a teacher, to be a true pioneer in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial and Cosmetic Surgery. Other impressive accomplishments are published author, lecturer, teacher, fly fisherman, as well as an avid car, food, and wine enthusiast.

The list could go on and on, but he would be the first to tell you that his most significant achievements of all are the well earned and established titles of dedicated husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and caring son and brother. His love was fierce in all the best ways, and was something all of his family members and friends were so lucky to have in their lives.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Gay, daughters Michelle (Travis) Maak, Keri (Carter) Young, his 4 grandchildren Aiden, Abigail, Hailey, and Coen, as well as his sister Shannon Kennedy.

His wit, dry sense of humor, and sarcasm will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in Peace and Love BK. May your brilliance and humor continue on through all that knew you.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family will be holding a private celebration of life in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Jul. 29 to Aug. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Brent Kennedy

Sponsored by Cannon Mortuary.

8 Entries

Mandyjean Broadbent

November 16, 2024

Dear Gay, Michelle and Keri,

I´m so sorry to hear this news. Melanie and I were just talking about your family and the wonderful memories we made. Much of our conversation turned to your husband/dad. He was a mighty force of intelligence, sophistication and family. My deepest condolences for such a loss.

Alberico sessa

October 16, 2024

Dr. Kennedy was my mentor, I spent a year with him that I will never forget nor will I ever be able to repay what he gave me. There are so many like me - he gave so much to his profession. Thank you Brent. I think of you often and my year in salt Lake.
Alberico Sessa, MD

Erik J. Nuveen, MD, DMD

October 16, 2024

Dear Gay and Family, I will miss him eternally. To think that without him, my life would be entirely different. He routinely saw the good in people and enabled them a similar opportunity to rise above the chaff. A great teacher, educator, surgeon and master of his craft. He will never be forgotten. Certainly not be me. I am blessed to have been affected by his presence.
Sincerely, Erik Nuveen, MD, DMD

Mary Zahasky ( formerly Detton)

August 10, 2024

Gay, I was sad to hear of Brent´s passing. My thoughts & prayers to You, your girls and family.
Remembering Loving Memories,
Mary Zahasky (formerly Detton)

Kaye Jorgensen

August 5, 2024

Dear Gay,
We send our love to you and your family at this very tender time. We were so sorry to hear of Brents passing.
Brent was definitely one of the best! He was always kind, funny, thoughtful and literally the smartest kid in our 5th grade class which is when we became friends. I still remember when he fell in love with you. You two were the most adorable couple, whenever he looked at you it was with such love in his eyes. What a special love you shared.
After losing touch with you guys it was a delight to find you lived just a couple blocks from us and our friendship was renewed. We always loved spending time with you and Brent.
I don´t have your phone number but would love to reach out to you in a more personal way. My number is 801-403-9123.
We send our love and deepest sympathy.
Bruce and Kaye Jorgensen

Steve Owens

August 1, 2024

To Gay and Brent´s family: I had the pleasure to act as Brent´s lawyer many years ago. He was warm, kind, and gentle. Three great adjectives for a life well lived. My love to you. Steve Owens

Larry Taylor

July 30, 2024

Dear Gay and Family,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Brent's passing! My friendship with him was a special part of my life! From the exciting times we shared in Phoenix and Sigma Nu, shocking everyone with our outlandish pranks and proposals, from me hanging from the tree in our yearbook photo to our crazy fake drive-by shooting in front of all the cops having dinner at Denny's. River Rafting without knowing what we were doing! Trying to get the most out of life that we could. Then reconnecting years later for our love of special cars!

My heart goes out to you and family! Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you!

With love,
Larry

Mark A. Knibbe, MD,DDS, FACS

July 30, 2024

I was Brent´s first fellow in his facial cosmetic fellowship program, which was the first of its kind in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Brent was truly a pioneer in this field. He was a great teacher and a great example of a kind and caring surgeon. Patients loved him. He and Gay were so great during my year there. My thoughts go out to his family and friends who have lost such a great person. Mark A. Knibbe, MD, DDS, FACS

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