Keith Cannon Dutson returned to his heavenly home Friday, December 3, 2021. His body is whole again and reunited with his parents, siblings and so many dear family members and friends.
Keith was born June 28, 1949 in Santa Monica, California to Keith Clinton and Lucy Cannon Dutson. After Keith’s father passed away in an airplane accident, his family moved back to Salt Lake City. He grew up in the Avenues near grandparents and cousins. His extended family played an integral role in his childhood. He often reminisced about childhood memories with his cousins.
After graduating from West High School, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia, Sydney Mission. Following his return, he served as a firefighter in the Air National Guard while attending the University of Utah. He married Phyllis in the Salt Lake Temple in 1973. They lived in Missouri, Montana, Washington and Utah.
Keith and Phyllis lived in the Seattle area for 24 years, raising their 4 children. He became an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners, especially enjoyed listening to Dave Niehaus call the games. One of Keith’s favorite places was the doughnut shop and the end of the main plaza at Pike Place Market. If you ever visit the market, get a dozen donuts and eat them in memory of him.
He was a dedicated family man who loved his God, family, and country deeply. It was common to hear the Tabernacle Choir music ringing through the house, as Keith loved listening and attending choir performances. He and Phyllis consistently, faithfully and joyfully participated in their church choir both in Farmington and Seattle. Keith loved Christmas music. Christmas caroling with friends became a yearly tradition. He could also sing TV show theme songs and quote old TV commercials.
The smell of delicious hot breakfast in the morning or of homemade bread baking in the oven meant Keith had been in the kitchen making food for his family, or friends. Salmon on the grill, stir fry in the wok and popcorn were a few favorites. Not only did Keith cook delicious food for his family and friends, but he was handy with car repairs, home maintenance, and had a strong passion for airplanes. He could identify any kind of aircraft on the ground or in the air. Keith LOVED watching the Blue Angels each year at SeaFair in Seattle.
Keith served many outside his home, as well as his family. He had a solid testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He also served random strangers with his friendliness and ability to remember names. He knew the names of many employees at his favorite grocery stores, gas stations and the local Costco, especially at the sample stations—Shout out to Mike and Hilda!
Despite Keith’s physical challenges in the later years in his life, he didn’t let it interfere with his time as a husband, father and Papa. He and Phyllis attended grandchildren’s sporting events, school plays, and piano recitals. The grandboys quickly changed baseball season to pizza season, because Nana and Papa always brought pizza after games for a treat.
Unfortunately, Keith’s brief battle with Covid-19 left many hearts heavy. He did his best to fight, now his body lays peacefully to rest where he can be free from the physical burdens he lived with for many years.
He is survived by his wife, four children, their spouses, 6 grandchildren and many in-laws and cousins.
Viewings will be Friday, December 17, 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday, December 18, 9:00-10:30 am with funeral services following at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 1395 S 200 E in Farmington, Utah. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
For those who wish to view the recording of the services may do so here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_ZXwW11lA7NVOHD35Ux-in3_atBlzaB-gi0EdguNveXMrHUle1hgr9ppJ2-v94Rz.JmBgCncq7WUwu0wS
To download, click the download icon in the upper right-hand corner.
In lieu of flowers, please make someone’s Christmas a little brighter or contribute to a local charity. #LightTheWorld
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world-2021/what-is-light-the-world
Beautiful memories of Keith in your lovely obituary! We are grateful we have stayed in touch since you and Keith left Seattle. You have been and are important to us. We love you
Carol and Russ
I was surprised to learn of Keith's funeral. I tried to sign in with Zoom after Kristi told me. It didn't work with my Facebook or Google information. I didn't know what the other site was. I have known Phyllis since she was a young woman. I love her and her family. It is hard to lose a loved one, but it is always a consolation to know they are free from pain and will be welcomed by loved ones who passed through the veil before them. Keith's mother-in-law and father-in-law were our best friends. Monte might be there to welcome Keith, also.
We were saddened to hear of Keith's passing. What a beautiful service, and fitting tribute to Keith. We will always treasure our association with your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Phyllis,
I am profoundly sorry to learn of Keith's passing.
My deepest sympathy.
I had the privilege of knowing Keith.
He was a kind man who will not soon be forgotten by those who kew and admired him.
With love,
Hilda
Dear Phyllis,
Thanks for coming bye and letting me know of the passing of my dear friend. I will miss his visits.
He was always genuine. I knew he cared about me and was always concerned about me. He always
let me know when Salmon was on sale and would share his secrets on how best to cook it. Of course
it had to be wild and not farmed. I enjoyed watching the 2 of you and the great respect you had for each other. You truly looked and acted like best friends. Please don't be a stranger. I am truly sorry for your loss
but it will only be for a short time. Come by when you need a pick me up. God will be with you.... I promise.