Karl Richard Hirst

Karl Richard Hirst, 64 of Orem, Utah, passed away unexpectedly due to complications of Atrial Fibrillation, Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Karl was born in Provo to Frank and Cyntha Hirst, the oldest of 3 boys. He grew up in Orem, attending Cherry Hill Elementary, Lake Ridge Jr. High, graduating from Orem High School in 1977. Karl grew up swimming on the Dolphins swim team and wrestling in High School. His family enjoyed visiting National Parks, the Uintahs, and trips to their cabin at Fish Lake.
Karl and Kathy met in high school and would be celebrating their 47th anniversary next month. Together, after graduating, they went to Logan where he earned his Bachelor of Science at Utah State University in wildlife biology. He later completed his Master's Degree.
Their daughter Chelsi was born before they left for college, Shaun was born while in Logan with Nathan to follow 4 years later.
Karl began his law enforcement career at the Orem Dept of Public Safety in 1983, retiring as a captain after 23 years, returning in 2021 as interim chief. After leaving law enforcement Karl began his career with Orem Recreation for the next 18 years. He was very proud of his accomplishments there which included sports programs, pickleball courts, many parks, and most of all the new Fitness Center. His mom was instrumental in building the original one, he carried on her legacy building the best facility in the county.
Karl was an avid outdoorsman and wildlife advocate. He hunted big game around the world and was especially fond of hunting pheasants, quail, and ducks on his farm in Vale, OR. He served on wildlife RAC committees and a 6-year appointment to the Wildlife Board of the State of Utah advocating for wildlife and outdoorsmen.
Traveling was also their passion. Karl visited 23 national parks, and he and Kathy traveled to 17 countries together - including Mongolia, South Africa, China, and Peru. Their last big trip was to Iceland to see many places related to Karl's heritage. They've enjoyed numerous hikes and bike riding together.
His family was always important to him. Karl will always be remembered as the quintessential family man. His three children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren always knew he loved and was proud of them. He and Kathy coordinated family trips to the Hirst Family Cabin, Lake Powell, and other locations multiple times a year. One family favorite was a trip to Oceanside, we are beach people.
His favorite family pastimes included teaching grandkids to wake surf, testing cliff jumps before he'd let anyone else jump, and making extra-large (tumbleweed) bonfires. Karl gave all his boys the amazing gift of a fishing trip in Alaska in 2019, the grandsons will always cherish the memory of trapping crabs with him. Family dinners on Sunday were the highlight of his week, especially if he was BBQ-ing. Wrestling for donuts has always been the grandkid's favorite game, we can't figure out how he lost all the time.
Karl had Kathy have 3 children, Chelsi Lyn (Ryan), Shaun Karl, and Nathan Karl (Ashley). 10 grandchildren Samantha (Dallin), Bailey, Ashlynn (Tony), Coleman (Ella), Jaxsyn, Preslee, Abigail, Greyson, Paxton and Reese. Four greats, Rhett, McCall, Bexley and Hadley. Also survived by brothers Paul (Christine), Robert (Lorri), and many nieces and nephews. His parents Frank and Cyntha preceded him in death.
A celebration of Karl's legacy will be held for friends and family at the Timpanogos Hosting Center, Provo Canyon. Saturday December 28th from 6-8:00 pm (open house), casual dress, NO ties allowed. Orem PD tribute ceremony in honor of Karl at 6:45.
In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been set up to provide sports opportunities for underprivileged children. Donations can be made here. https://givebutter.com/karl-hirst