Crist Gene ”Buddy” Kennell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our “Papa”, “Dad”, “Dado”, “Grandpa” and irreplaceable friend, “Buddy”. His congeniality and devout friendship are what earned him his nickname. Growing up, he was everyone’s “Buddy”.          

Born on August 22, 1946, in Murray, Utah, Buddy was the second of seven children to Walter LeRoy Kennell and Emily Nelson Kennell.

He attended schools in Salt Lake City and Murray, Utah, graduating from the “old” Murray High School in 1964. After graduation while working at Kennecott, he enlisted in the Navy. He served his country during the Vietnam War, from October 1965 until his Honorable discharge in October 1969. Rank: MM3/E-4 as a Machinist Mate. He spent time aboard the destroyer U.S.S. James E. Kyes in the Philippines. After his discharge, he attended Salt Lake Community College where he earned his machinist certification.

Buddy and Ralphine Cabrera Cottrell were married in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 12, 1973. With their marriage, he gained an instant daughter, Kim, then 9 years old. They later added to their family having their daughter, Tiffany, June 6, 1975, and Son, Crist, July 30, 1977.

Buddy had successful careers at Kennecott Copper Mine and Tooele Army Depot. He and Ralphine made Sandy, Utah  their home for 44 years. They built a second home in Hurricane, Utah in 2012 and this is where they enjoyed retired life until his health started to decline after an unfortunate fall, where else, but on a golf course!

If you knew Buddy, you knew his absolute love of golf. Most outings and vacations included hitting a round at a course. Being a long-time “Murray-ite”, one of his favorite courses was Mick Riley. He also enjoyed spending time with family, loved to fish, collect buckets of found golf balls, listen to his favorite band, ZZ Top, play cards, play Keno at Mesquite, and was an avid Ute fan. He cooked the best pancakes, and lastly, we all know how much he loved his coffee!

He was a diligent worker, an athlete, a good teacher and coach and the best Husband, Dad and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Buddy is survived by wife, Ralphine; Sister, Carol Pino; Brothers, Walter Kennell and Kevin Kennell; Daughter, Kim Casey; Daughter, Tiffany (Phil) Turner; Son, Crist (Brittney) Kennell; 7 Grandchildren: Chase Wilkerson, Brooke (James) Moser, Holly (Enrique) Benevides, Michael Turner, Payton, Jaxon and Grace Kennell; 3 Great-Grandchildren: Ruby, Lila, Arabella and another on the way! (Holly).

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Emily, sisters Ellie and Kathy, and Brother “Herbie”.

Buddy received care at the Southern Utah Veteran’s home in Ivins, Utah and the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veteran’s Home in Payson, Utah up until his death. Buddy’s Family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff  for their care.

A Memorial service will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. (Dimple Dell Rd), Sandy, Utah, 84092, Friday February 7, 2025, at 11:00 am with a visitation prior from 10:00 -11:00 am. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens.