Kent Edward Christensen

Kent Edward Christensen

1934 ~ 2024

Kent Edward Christensen passed peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 11, 2024, after a brief illness.

Kent was born on December 6, 1934, in Provo, Utah, the fourth son of Lorenzo Alma Christensen and Marie Margaret Schwartz. He was raised in Provo, where he attended Maeser Elementary School, Farrer Jr. High School, and Provo High School. At the suggestion of his mother, Kent took up photography, most likely after she grew weary of his boyhood mischief caused by boredom. His talent with the camera developed quickly, leading to his role as the photographer for the school newspaper and yearbook. He maintained this hobby throughout his life to the delight of his family and friends. During his youth, he spent countless hours fishing with his father on the Provo River, Strawberry Reservoir, and Fish Lake, Utah. He also loved cooling off at Big Rock in Provo Canyon, hiking and camping in Rock Canyon, building model airplanes, and daydreaming about the magic of flight.

After high school, Kent attended Brigham Young University for one year and was active in the ROTC program. In the fall of 1954, his lifelong dream of flying was realized with his acceptance into the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet Program. He was in the last class to train in the North American T-6 Texan, which he loved. He also trained in the North American T-28 Trojan and the Lockheed T-33 T-Bird. Kent graduated with Cadet Class 56R on July 14, 1956. He spent the next four years flying the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, assigned to the MATS Pacific division based at Travis AFB, California, and Hickam AFB, Hawaii. It was during this time that he developed a deep love for the islands of the Pacific. Kent transported everything from household goods to a hydrogen bomb and participated heavily in the buildup for the Vietnam War. During the long flights crossing the Pacific Ocean, Kent began studying electronics and music reproduction. This, plus access to many budding electronics manufacturers in Japan, allowed Kent to assemble what was most likely the first stereophonic hi-fi system in the Hawaiian Islands.

Kent was discharged from the Air Force in 1960 and moved to Albuquerque, NM, where he attended electronics school. After graduating with a two-year degree, he moved to California and worked as an electronics technician at Scientific Data Systems, which was later purchased by Xerox Corporation. After this, he became an electronics development lab manager at Douglas Aircraft. Among the many projects he worked on, he was most proud of being on the team that developed the backup navigation computer for the Apollo Space Program. It was at Douglas Aircraft where he met and fell in love with a key-punch operator named Marilyn Newman.

Kent and Marilyn were married in September 1972. The following year, he completed his tenth year of employment at Douglas and was awarded a three-week European vacation. After this slightly delayed honeymoon, Kent quit Douglas, and they moved back to Utah. He then re-enrolled at Brigham Young University, this time completing a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, graduating in 1977. Shortly after graduation, he began working for Evans and Sutherland in Salt Lake City as a customer service technician, repairing graphics design computers until his retirement in 2000.

Kent and Marilyn moved to Highland in 1978, where they raised their two sons and enjoyed living in a peaceful small community. Kent deeply enjoyed having a workshop where he could unwind, utilizing his great talent for woodworking and clock making. Throughout his life, he spent countless hours camping, fishing, golfing, dirt biking, skiing, and shooting. He felt most at peace while enjoying the great outdoors, particularly at a beloved family spot at Fish Lake, Utah. He had an affinity for the autumn season, which often took him to the mountains of American Fork Canyon.

Kent brightened the lives of those who knew him with his gentle charm and lovable sense of humor. He cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. When asked about the happiest moment of his life he replied, “Raising Don and Eric. If I could go back and do that part again, I would!” His sons were the pride of his life and when anyone wanted to know the secret to raising such neat boys, he would quip that they, in fact, had raised him.

Kent will be dearly missed by his loving family. He is survived by his sons Eric (Marsha) Christensen and Don (Mallory) Christensen, as well as his three young grandchildren: Sybil (10), Ty (7), and Ren (4). Kent was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years Marilyn, his parents Lorenzo and Marie, and his three brothers Doyle, Don, and Jack.

A private viewing will be held at 9:00 am on Thursday July 18, 2024, at Warenski Funeral Home in American Fork: 1776 N 900 E, American Fork, UT 84003.

Immediately following, the interment will take place next to his wife at Highland City Cemetery where a private graveside service will be held. A celebration of Kent’s life will be held for friends and family in the fall. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Kent are invited to donate in his name to their local Veterans Home.

Kent Christensen will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend. His stories, wisdom, and the warmth of his company will be deeply missed by all who knew him.