Kent Duane Curtis

Kent Duane Curtis, age 79, passed away on April 27, 2026, in Bountiful, Utah. Born on February 17, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Otis Lilburn Curtis and Maxine Dorothy Maxwell, Kent lived a life of service, dedication, and love for the people around him.

Kent married Mary Ann Nielson Curtis on November 19, 1983, and together they built a family that brought him great joy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children Scott (Amanda), Stephanie (Brian), and Marika (Aaron); his grandchildren Willow, Anora, Fox, and River; and his siblings Carolyn, Rich, and Dave. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Maxine; Gary Curtis; and Colleen Bennett.

Kent served as a police officer at the University of Utah for over 36 years, retiring at the rank of Sergeant. During his career he served as a regional representative for the Utah Peace Officers Association, and after retirement he continued to serve the organization as its office manager. He was honored to serve as Venue Commander for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics. He also served as a sharpshooter in the National Guard.

Kent had a deep and lifelong love for Snoopy and the Peanuts comics. For years he brought smiles to those around him by drawing Snoopy scenes on his children’s lunch sacks and on the whiteboard of the University of Utah Hospital emergency room during his late nights on patrol. He had a soft spot for dogs throughout his life, including the family dogs Midnight and Scruffy, and he loved and was loved by many others over the years.

A devoted University of Utah sports fan, he held season tickets to football, gymnastics, and basketball for over 42 years, a testament to his unwavering loyalty to his Utes. Some of his fondest memories were made on the softball field, where he played alongside his brothers Rich and Dave while their father coached them, a tradition that shaped his love of the game for the rest of his life.

He served for many years as a Stake Athletic Director, dedicating countless hours to scorekeeping softball and basketball games for his ward. He enjoyed movies, word games, art, planes, math, and travel. Kent was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, always good for a laugh whether it was a well-timed joke or one of his signature “Kent-isms.”

Kent was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many capacities over the years as a Scout leader, a Primary teacher, a member of the Sunday School presidency, and as a High Priest. His service to his faith community was a reflection of the generous and giving spirit he carried throughout his life.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Monument Health for the exceptional care they provided Kent over several months. The family also extends their deepest thanks to the staff of Western Peaks Specialty Hospital, whose kindness and compassion toward Kent and his family during his final days will never be forgotten.

Kent left behind more smiles, more laughs, and more love than most could hope for in a lifetime. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services
Evening Viewing
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
3065 S Bluff Road, Syracuse, Utah 84075

Daytime Viewing & Funeral Service
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Viewing: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Funeral: 11:00 AM
3065 S Bluff Road, Syracuse, Utah 84075

Interment
Memorial Mountain View, Cottonwood Heights, Utah