Kitchener Head

1932 - 2025

Our father, Kitchener Edward C Head, was born 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 in Victor, Idaho, with family at his side, leaving behind a rich legacy of love.

He 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 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 15, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. At 16, he left school to help support his family and went to work 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 sixteen-year-olds, but through our father's persistence he was taken on, becoming the last sixteen-year-old ever to be hired.

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

Three months after their marriage, during the Korean War, Kitchener enlisted in the Utah Air National Guard. He was stationed at George Air Force Base, and he and Sonja moved to Victorville, California. This is where their first son, Kitchener Paul, was born.

After completing his service, Kitchener 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. There were weeks when he slept no more than ten hours in total.

His determination and hard work were 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 the whole family, from the very young to the very old, so he chose general practice, again completing his training at the top of his class.

It was during those demanding years of medical school and training, four more children joined the family: Derin Lee, David Mathew, Jennifer Lynn, and Rex Edward.

In 1961, Kitchener and Sonja moved their young family to Teton Valley, Idaho, where he soon became affectionately known as "Doc". Two more daughters, Ruth Louise and Helen Marie, were born there, each at his hands.

He practiced medicine in Teton Valley for 26 years, including 21 years as the only doctor within a 45-mile radius.

With his encouragement and support, 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.

With Marian at his side, he practiced the full spectrum of an old-time family doctor -not only treating sore throats, but also managing complex health issues and devastating ranch and farm injuries, performing emergency surgeries, and sitting with families during their darkest moments. They delivered hundreds of babies, with some expectant mothers traveling many miles to deliver at Teton Valley Hospital because of their skill and compassion. Dad even cared for cats, dogs, cattle, and horses. The family station wagon was the town ambulance. During winter storms, county snowplows sometimes had to carve a path to patients in need.

Many still remember Kitchener, not as Dr. Head, but simply as "Doc," a man they trusted with their lives and the lives of their families.

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

Kitchener served 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. He held various church callings, including teacher, counselor in the bishopric, Young Men�s President, and Stake Young Men's President.

If he sounds like a superhero to you, you are right. He was. He was a living legend.

The life he led was rewarding and full, but difficult and demanding, not only for him, but for Sonja, as well. He attributed any and all of his success to her and her unwavering support. She was truly exceptional.

The family dream he and our mother built together has flourished with 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.

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

During an interview in later years, he was asked what made Teton Valley so special. He paused, looked across the land he loved, and said, "Well, 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; 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 90 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 28, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. A second viewing will take place on Saturday, November 29, 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