Kim Thain Dopp

Kim Thain Dopp (aka Kim Hall)
Kim T. Dopp passed away at home in Murray, Utah, on July 7, 2025, from heart failure at the age of 70, with his son Kellen and soulmate Colleen by his side.
Kim fought a courageous 25-year battle with heart failure. In February 2000, he was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy and placed on the heart transplant list. He participated in a drug study that significantly improved his heart function, defying doctors' expectations that he wouldn't survive long without a transplant. Since then, Kim underwent multiple heart procedures: two stent placements, three ventricular ablations, three different ICD pacemakers, and a CardioMEMS sensor implant. Determined to preserve his "original equipment," Kim embraced every cutting-edge technology and treatment available. It's remarkable to think he spent over a third of his life living with heart failure. He was resilient, strong, and endlessly determined.
Born in Salt Lake City on May 22, 1955, Kim was adopted by Nathan Joseph Dopp and Charlotte Thain and raised in Logan, Utah, alongside his adopted siblings Skip, Sherry, Debbie, and Clint.
Kim graduated from Logan High School in 1973, where he was active in the marching band, orchestra, and award-winning stage band, which went on to win a national competition in Mobile, Alabama. He also played baseball and football during high school.
In February 1974, Kim earned his Eagle Scout award. At Utah State University, he served as Entertainment Editor for the Student Life newspaper in 1975.
Kim married Gretchen Hall in 1978; although they later divorced, they remained friends. In 1981, he married Loreen Shepherd, and though they also divorced, they continued their friendship. From that marriage, Kim gained a stepson, Jesse Barbour, and a biological son, Kellen Thain Dopp. In 2001, Kim married Deborah Darger, his beloved "Schmoopie," who sadly passed away from cancer in 2004. In 2014, Kim connected with Colleen Witt Hilton and they shared a committed partnership, considering themselves as devoted as any married couple. Through this union, Kim gained a stepdaughter, Kimberly Hilton Thorne, and a granddaughter, Lilly, who adored him.
Kim developed a passion for golf in junior high and went on to work at several golf courses, including the prestigious Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. He often won prizes in tournaments.
A talented musician, Kim played keyboards in many bands over the years, including Cold Comfort Farm, Runnin' Blue, Steelin' Back, Blue Blazers, Southern Thunder, and Heywire. He appreciated many genres of music, with a particular love for progressive rock and the blues.
In 1987, Kim earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Journalism from the University of Utah. He also attended the Ron Bailie School of Broadcasting. As "Kim Hall," he worked at several Salt Lake Valley and Ogden-area radio stations-KPRQ, KRGO, KZAN, KKGB, Y-98, and KSOP-serving in many roles including on-air host, Program Director, Music Director, copywriter, editor, and commercial scheduler. He interviewed many celebrities, including a 16-year-old Taylor Swift.
Starting in the late 1980s, Kim became the voice behind countless commercials for Deseret Book and related companies. He recorded hundreds of radio spots and audiobook product intros over nearly two decades.
He also took up bowling and achieved a perfect 300 game in 2008.
Kim was a devoted sports fan. His favorite teams included the LA Dodgers-he was thrilled with their World Series wins in 2020 and 2024-and the Green Bay Packers, especially when Jordan Love, a Utah State alum, became quarterback. He also loved Utah and Utah State football and gymnastics.
A Christian, Kim and Colleen loved watching The Chosen together. During his final hospital stay, Kim asked Colleen to quiz him on the New Testament.
Kim had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs. He welcomed therapy dogs into his hospital room and never missed an opportunity to chat with pet owners about their dogs. In Kim's eyes, all dogs were good dogs.
Kind and gentle, Kim had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. He made fast friends of strangers and had a special gift for bonding with children-his secret was simple: "Talk to them like they're adults." Throughout his career, he served as a mentor to many young adults.
Kim is survived by his son Kellen (Casen Anderson), partner Colleen, stepson Jesse, stepdaughter Kimberly (LeGrand), granddaughter Lilly, brother Nathan "Skip" (Sandra), sister Debbie, and former spouses Loreen and Gretchen. He is also remembered fondly by close friends Scott MacKnight, Krag and Cheryl Marshall, Dave Wark, Roger Smith, and Kenny Hodges. He was preceded in death by his wife Schmoopie, his parents, sister Sherry, brother Clint, and friend Johnny Pitcher.
The family wishes to thank the University of Utah medical professionals for 25 years of exceptional care, as well as Community Nursing Services for their support in Kim's final days.
A celebration of Kim's life will be held in a meet-and-greet style on Sunday, August 24, at the Murray Armory (246 E. Myrtle Avenue, Murray, Utah). Doors open at 5 p.m. and guests are welcome to enjoy a buffet dinner inside, and live music and tributes in the courtyard.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter in Kim's memory.