C Kent Bennion of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away January 25, 2020, at age 91. Born June 11, 1928, to Marcus Leslie and Ella Petersen Bennion. He was the youngest of five children. He married Rinda Romney on December 15, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. She passed away in 2008. In 2009 he married Janice Oliphant Betts who survives him. He is also survived by four of his five children, Cal (Vicki), Lori (Jay) Washburn, Cheryl (Dan) Norvell, and Karen (Rick) Munoz. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife Rinda, and daughter, Beth (Mark) Jensen. His life was a model of kindness, love, service, and faithfulness.
Kent grew up on a farm in Granger, Utah. He served in the US Airforce during the Korean conflict. He graduated from the University of Utah and then earned his Master's Degree from Long Beach State. He taught high school in Southern California and then became an education administrator for the State of California and later at the US Office of Education of Washington DC.
Kent's life was centered on family and church service. As a youth he served a mission to Northern California. Later in life, Kent and Rinda served missions together in Carsbad, California and Nauvoo, Illinois. Among other callings, Kent served as a Bishop in Buena Park, California and Alexandria, Virginia. He also served in the stake presidency in Concord, California. He was a counselor in the San Diego Temple Presidency. He also served as a Patriarch and as a Sealer and worker in several LDS temples.
Kent loved music, travel, and warm weather. He had a passion for reading and study, especially history and family history. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. His example of steadfastness and faithfulness will stand as a legacy for them.
Funeral services will be held Saturday February 1st at 11am at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A Street Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing is scheduled from 9:30 to 10:45 prior to the funeral.
