Rex Charles Kennedy

Rex Charles Kennedy, father, grandfather, coach, law enforcement officer, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. Throughout his life, Rex was known for his strength of character, quick wit, and gift for storytelling. Whether through his family, his profession, his coaching, or his friendships, Rex believed that a life well lived was measured by the people whose lives were made better because you were there.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Charles R. Kennedy Jr. and Ruth Scofield Kennedy, Rex was raised primarily by his mother and spent many summers in Jackson, Michigan, with his grandparents and beloved Great Aunt Anne. From an early age, he developed a love for the outdoors, hunting, wildlife, conservation, books, and travel. He often spoke fondly of traveling across the country with his mother, learning to navigate roads and maps long before GPS existed—experiences that fostered the independence and curiosity that remained with him throughout his life.

After graduating from Birmingham Groves High School in 1965, Rex moved to Utah to attend the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in history with a minor in political science. He later enjoyed a distinguished career with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, serving nearly three decades and retiring as a Sergeant. He was respected for his professionalism, fairness, discipline, and dedication to his community.

One of Rex's greatest passions was youth football. Beginning in 1980, he devoted nearly 37 years to coaching and mentoring young athletes through the Alta Hawks football program. Alongside his lifelong friend and coaching partner, Bob Taylor, whom he regarded as a brother, Rex helped shape generations of young men and their families. Although he helped lead Alta Hawks teams to eight championships between 1981 and 2012, he considered the lasting relationships and life lessons shared with his players and fellow coaches to be among his proudest achievements.

Outside of coaching and law enforcement, Rex was a passionate student of history, an avid collector of books and Americana, and a lifelong enthusiast of sports cars. Through his business, Primarily Paper, he combined his love of history, antiques, advertising, and collectibles with an extraordinary memory for stories and historical detail. He also raised tropical birds and fish, supported wildlife and conservation efforts, and served with organizations including the Tracy Aviary Advisory Board and the American Federation of Aviculture.

A devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rex participated in missionary and humanitarian work in Russia and Ukraine during the early 2000s. He valued the friendships and service opportunities those experiences provided and believed deeply in building connections across cultures.

More than any title or accomplishment, Rex valued family and friendship. He shared a long marriage with Jane Kennedy, the mother of his children, and later found enduring love and companionship with Lucy Adamson, the love of his later life, to whom he remained deeply devoted throughout their decades together.

Rex is survived by his longtime partner, Lucy Adamson; his son, Shane Kennedy; his daughter Laura Tuson and son-in-law Brett Tuson; his daughter Sarah White and son-in-law Chris White; his grandchildren, Caden Tuson, Kennedy Tuson, Samantha White, and Maximus White; Lucy's daughter, Mechelle Adamson, and grandson, Bryce Harvey Jr., whom he loved as family; his stepmother, Rebecca Kennedy McConnell, his half siblings, Phillip Kennedy and Linda Kennedy Handy; his lifelong friend, coaching partner, and brother-in-spirit, Bob Taylor; along with many extended family members, friends, former players, and coaching families.

Rex often said, “We are the legacy that we leave behind.” His legacy lives on in the strong families, enduring friendships, and countless lives he touched through his mentorship, service, and example.

A viewing will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah 84092.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m following a second viewing at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 S. 700 E., Sandy, Utah 84094.