Kitchener Edward C. Head

1932 - 2025

Our father, Kitchener Edward C. Head, was born on March 20, 1932, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, to Lawrence Nephi Head and Ireta Alder Cahoon. He was one of three boys and the third of four children. He passed away quietly on November 18, 2025, at his home with family at his side, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and learning.

Our father taught by example how to live with honesty and integrity. He showed us how to work hard and play hard, to always do our best, and to lead with love, compassion, and generosity. He taught us how to love, honor, and respect our mother, whom he dearly loved and longed to be reunited with. Most importantly, he taught us how to love the Lord. The lessons we learned at his feet-during his final years, days, and hours-will be treasured forever.

Kitchener spent his childhood in Cardston, Alberta. At age 15, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.

At 16, he left school to support his family and worked at the Kennecott Copper Mine in Bingham Canyon. It was shortly after World War II, and returning veterans filled the workforce. Kennecott no longer hired 16-year-olds, but through our father's persistence, he was taken on-becoming the last 16-year-old ever hired by the company.

On April 2, 1951, Kitchener married Sonja Joan Olson in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple, sealed by Joseph Fielding Smith. He considered that day the most important and happiest of his life. Their marriage was a remarkable partnership built on faith, devotion, hard work, and shared purpose.

Three months later, he enlisted in the Utah Air National Guard during the Korean War and was stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, where their first son, Kitchener Paul, was born.

After completing his service, he returned to Utah and began a grueling period of working full-time night shifts at Kennecott while attending the University of Utah during the day. Many weeks, he slept no more than ten hours. During this time, four more children joined the family-Derin Lee, David Mathew, Jennifer Lynn, and Rex Edward.

His determination was rewarded when he was accepted into the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he graduated first in his class. Although heavily recruited by numerous specialties, his heart was set on caring for families-from the very young to the very old-so he chose General Practice, where again he completed his training at the top of his class.

In 1961, Kitchener and Sonja moved their family to Teton Valley, Idaho, where Kitchener soon became affectionately known as "Doc." Two more daughters, Ruth and Helen, were born in Driggs-both delivered by our father himself.

He practiced medicine in Teton Valley for 26 years, including 21 years as the only doctor within a 45-mile radius. He practiced the full spectrum of rural medicine-delivering hundreds of babies, performing surgeries, treating devastating ranch injuries, and sitting with families during their darkest moments. When no veterinarian was available, he treated cats, dogs, cattle, and horses. During winter storms, county snowplows were sometimes dispatched to transport him to patients in need.

At his encouragement, Marian Durtschi, a nurse anesthetist he worked closely with, pursued advanced training and became the first Nurse Practitioner in Idaho. Together, they formed one of the most respected rural medical teams in the region. Expectant mothers traveled from hundreds of miles away to deliver at Teton Valley Hospital because of their skill and compassion.

Despite the demands of medicine, our father was deeply devoted to his family. He and our mother attended football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, and drill-team competitions throughout the state.

He served for many years as Scoutmaster, leading adventures to Table Rock, Alaska Basin, and the Wind Caves. For every young man who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, he led a trip to Southern California and Mexico-an experience many credit with changing their lives.

Our father loved Teton Valley deeply-its mountains, rivers, and wheat fields, but most of all its good, honest, hardworking people.

The family dream he and our mother built together has flourished: seven children, 33 grandchildren, and 91 great-grandchildren, all of whom he considered his greatest accomplishment. He often reminded us that no wealth on earth compares to family.

Many still remember him not as Dr. Head, but as simply their "Doc," a man of strength and unwavering dedication.

During an interview in later years, standing beside a jack-and-pole fence on his ranch, he was asked what made Teton Valley so special. He paused, looked across the land he loved, and said: "Just look at it. I have been honored to live here. I'll die here, and I'll be buried here."

And so he will.

Our father was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sonja Joan Olson Head; his parents; his sister, Helen Dahl; his brother, Lawrence Head; his son-in-law, Michael Rodriguez; and his great-granddaughter, Lexi Gilland.

He is survived by his seven children: Paul (Gale) Head, Derin Rodriguez, David (Lori) Head, Jenny (Mike) Larsen, Rex (Melodie) Head, Ruth (Corey) Rammell, and Helen (Brent) Jones; his brother, Grant Head; 33 grandchildren; and 91 great-grandchildren.

With much love and gratitude, the family would like to thank Mary Davidson, Dad's devoted, angel hospice nurse. She went well above and beyond her duty in caring for and loving our father.

A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 225 North 1st Street, Driggs, Idaho, on Friday, November 28th, from 5:00-7:00 PM. A second viewing will take place on Saturday, November 29th, from 9:30-10:45 AM, with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 AM.

Service may be viewed at www.flammfh.com/obituary/kitchener-heade