Kay Vallon Memmott

Kay Vallon Memmott was an incredibly handsome, accomplished, unpretentious and humble man with an extraordinary life. Born in Scipio, Utah January 25th, 1935, he was the eldest of eight children born to Seymour Karl and Margaret Alice Memmott. Although springing from small and humble beginnings, he became a monument of a father, husband, grandfather, brother and son with big dreams.

He worked hard on the family self-sustaining farm milking cows at the crack of dawn while still finding time to play a few pranks with his siblings. He was the big brother his siblings admired and attempted to emulate as he built a legacy of hard work, duty and responsibility.

He graduated from Millard High School in 1953 and moved soon after with his family to the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake where he became the “boy next door” to the love of his life, Sharon Lundberg. Sharon was the youngest daughter of seven born to George and Wilma Lundberg. She was only 13 years old when this dashingly good-looking stranger moved two doors down. She soon became bosom buddies with Kay’s sister Clara who brought her new friend home often. Suspicion soon grew that these frequent visits from Sharon were more about Clara’s charming older brother than about Clara! From secret love notes to holding hands at the movies, it truly was love at first sight. Although many girls had their eyes on Kay, it was Sharon that received his high school promise ring to wear around her neck.

Kay attended the University of Utah until receiving his mission call to the Eastern States Mission and set off by train cross country to the bustling city of New York to begin his two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As part of his mission, he was a Gadianton robber in the Hill Cumorah Pageant along with his fellow elders and served honorably for two years.

He married his sweetheart Sharon Kay Lundberg in the Salt Lake Temple November 21st, 1958 and was a devoted husband and faithful companion for 64 years. They were blessed in abundance with twelve children and created forever memories of stove-top popcorn, family games, card games, corn hole, croquet, horseshoes, paper routes, bread and milk, Whoppers, Millcreek Canyon, volleyball, Christmas mornings, pillow people, debates, slide shows, and quiet talks.

Kay received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in art from the University of Utah in 1962 while Sharon worked as a secretary with US Steel. He served in the ROTC and Army Reserve in service to his country and was a devout patriot. He was employed as a draftsman for a variety of companies until settling at HE Cramer Company. With his investment savvy and financial discipline, Kay was able to retire at age 50 while still supporting eight living children.

Kay was an exceptionally hard worker in his home, office and with his investment properties, and taught his children the value of work. He had a keen intellect and was well versed and well known for his eloquence in blessings, prayers and public speaking. His art was well
received earning blue ribbons for his talent, and his elegant and articulate handwriting made even the simplest letter a work of art. His eye for detail and demand for perfection was ever present in everything he put his mind to. He was the ultimate handyman being able to fix anything without any DIY videos to show him the way. He knew the value of money and was able to accumulate financial independence by sacrifice, selflessness and determination. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep his promise and duty to support his family.

Most importantly, Kay was a man of faith and integrity. Even during difficult times, he remained unwavering in his testimony and taught the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ through his stellar example to his family and all those he encountered. He never wavered in attending the temple regularly and keeping his covenants while serving in a variety of callings. He allowed his children to find their own paths without judgement or condemnation. He loved most of all spending time with his immediate and extended family with camping trips, California vacations, get-togethers, special events and occasions always injecting infectious laughter and a witty sense of humor.

Kay passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 3rd and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon and his eleven children: Kay Jr., Kim, Kristin, Kip, Keri, Kory, Kourtnee, Korrin, Katie, Kristopher and Kevin, their spouses, 54 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. He will be reunited with his lost son Kent who passed away as an infant.

The viewing will be held Sunday evening, February 12th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Grandeur Peak Ward located at 3640 E. Millstream Lane, Salt Lake City. The funeral will be held on Monday February 13th 11:00 a.m. with viewing from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at the same location. For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" button above. You must be logged in to your Zoom account to view.