Kurt Russell Hanks Sr.
(January 21, 1955 - April 6, 2019)
Kurt Russell Hanks Sr. passed away peacefully the morning April 6th in his Sandy home, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his son Kurt Jr., and his daughter Kristina, along with his mother Anne Hanks and his siblings David Hanks, Kathy Hanks Polumbo, Paul Hanks, and Pamela Hanks McClure.
Kurt was born January 21, 1955 in Tacoma, Washington, to Russell Howard Hanks and Anne Jelte Hanks. As a young man Kurt was driven and willing to do whatever it took to accomplish his goals, becoming a Radiology Technician at St. Mark's Hospital to put himself through Pharmacy school. He attended the University of Utah and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He not only left the University of Wyoming with a degree, but with two lifelong friends, Robert Shiepe and Harry Godlewski.
Kurt was a pharmacist for over 30 years, with rural hospital pharmacy being a field he loved the most. He worked with a variety of hospitals and was always able to make lasting friendships with those he worked with. Kurt loved working throughout Wyoming and Utah, and especially loved when he was able to combine his love for flying with pharmacy when he worked in Moab, Utah. Rural pharmacy was such a good fit for Kurt and his love to drive in the mountains, he never once complained about driving back and forth from Evanston or Vernal, rain (mostly snow) or shine.
Kurt was also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the message of the gospel with all his heart. He enjoyed all capacities of service in the church, from serving as a stake missionary in Las Vegas to serving as a High Priest in Utah. Although Kurt moved fairly frequently, he always found a home with his ward family and appreciated their amazing friendships.
Above all Kurt was an indescribably incredible father, brother, son, and friend. He made his family, especially his children, his first priority in all of his life decisions. He had a calmness and peace about him that, combined with his uproarious sense of humor, made those who got to spend time with him feel cared about while simultaneously being in stitches from laughing so hard. Family parties and gatherings were always his favorite way to spend his time and he made it a priority to get to as many as he possibly could. He loved his children with an unparalleled intensity and consistency that will stay with them throughout their lives. His joyful presence is one that will be felt throughout the lives of anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, but also one that will be deeply missed.
A viewing for everyone who knew Kurt will be held Friday, April 12, 2019, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) Sandy, UT 84092. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with a family viewing from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Please feel welcome to come celebrate the life of a truly loving man, whether you got to interact with him for only a moment or for a lifetime.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rocky Mountain Chapter of The ALS Association in Kurt's name. This was an organization that helped him immensely and continues to do great work. If you would like to forward the card that comes with any honorary donation, please feel free to email them to kurtrhanks@gmail.com and his family will be able to view them.
It is with great appreciation that the Hanks family wishes to express their gratitude to Bishop Tracy and the Hidden Valley 3rd Ward for their devoted service to Kurt and his family. It was a truly amazing experience.
