Forrest Hunter "Grumps" Burnett

Forrest Hunter Burnett, kinetic artist, retired businessman, and resident of Alpine, Utah, died December 2, 2025 at the age of 82. Forrest, son of Howard William Burnett and Vera Olsen Burnett was born on February 9, 1943 in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Salt Lake City when Forrest was nine years old to start an equipment rental company, Rent-It Center, Inc.

Forrest graduated from Olympus High School and he served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He also went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah. It was there, at a ballroom dance class, that he met and fell in love with Maureen Lees. The couple married on March 25, 1967. They first made their home in Holladay, and later in Sandy where they raised their children, Chad and Becky. They eventually designed and built their dream retirement home in the beautiful hills of Alpine.

Forrest worked at Rent-It Center since he was a child. In due course, he took over the business from his father, and it was under Forrest's leadership that the business really grew and thrived. However, business was not his true passion. Rather, Forrest's keen intellect and curious mind led him to pursue many creative outlets. At first, he explored photography, built and flew remote control airplanes, and became a HAM radio operator. A little later, he obtained his pilot's license, built two experimental airplanes from scratch and completely rebuilt a certified airplane, went back to school and became an A&P aircraft mechanic, helped save the Skypark Airport, built a hotrod, and started an aviation panel company. Finally, upon retirement, he built an innovative workshop in Alpine. This is where he was able to truly tap into his ingenious prowess and fully immersed himself in the world of clockmaking and kinetic art. Everyone that has an opportunity to experience his "creations" is delighted by his combination of whimsy and mechanical genius.

Forrest was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting in Wyoming, Alaska, and Utah. It was during a hunting expedition in central Utah that he discovered and fell in love with the "red rock country" near Capitol Reef National Park. Thus, in the mid-1980s he built a cabin and developed a small ranch near Torrey. Twin Springs Ranch became a special gathering place for family and friends. Forrest maintained that building the cabin was one of the best decisions he ever made, and his family wholeheartedly agrees.

Forrest may have appeared to be a "grumpy hermit" and it may be true that he sometimes used this persona to avoid some social interactions. This guise earned him the name "Grumps" rather than Gramps when he became a grandfather. Despite his seemingly gruff exterior, Forrest had a kind and giving heart, and countless individuals have benefited from his quiet generosity. His softer side was particularly evident as he cared for his beloved wife during the last few years of her life.

More than anything else, Grumps loved and cared about his grandchildren. He thought about them every day and often tracked their adventures on his phone.

Forrest is preceded in death by his wife, Maureen. He is survived by his twin sister Diana (Jim) Meyer, son Chad (Holly) Burnett, and his daughter, Becky (Roger) Mickelson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Zachariah Burnett, Izabella "Bella" (Justin) Rees, Joshua Mickelson, Daniel Mickelson, and Sabrina Burnett.

Per Forrest's wishes, there will be a small, private family service. If you would like to honor Forrest, consider toasting his memory with some Lay's Stax, a Diet Pepsi, or a bowl of ice cream (eaten with a fork). More importantly, go out and help someone in need or find a way to express your own sense of creativity.

To view some of Forrest's artwork, visit his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kineticstuff1/videos