Obituary of Kreg Isaac Kirkham

Kreg Isaac Kirkham, 84, passed away on November 1, 2018 with his family by his side. We are comforted when we envision the reunion which occurred as he entered the next phase of his journey. Although losing him is hard, the final hours of his life were spent with his children and closest relatives reminiscing fondly, and we will cherish that forever.

Kreg was born on February 17, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to James Arno Kirkham and Sylvia Ucillia Gudmundsen. He was raised in Centerville and attended Davis high school. He went to BYU where he received his PhD in Social Psychology. He started his career working for the Bureau of Land Management, and spent most of his career as a licensed substance abuse counselor.

Dad was in the US Army and served our country in Korea. Although Dad did not talk much about war, we always admired his bravery. He carried a small card in his wallet all of his life which listed the code of conduct for the Armed Forces of the United States. It says in part, " I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense… I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.”

He married Carolyn Thomsen on September 12, 1958 in Salt Lake City and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 19, 1971. Carolyn proceeded him in death and we knew there would not be much time apart. Our mom fell in love with dad’s red hair when they met at a singles activity as youth. This year would have been their 60th wedding anniversary.

His greatest treasure was his five children which he nicknamed “My 5”: Becki (Scott) Clayson, Alan (Lauree) Kirkham, Janette Kirkham, Kendall Kirkham, and Colleen (Curtis) Fisher. He has 12 grandchildren, four great-grandkids, and another on the way. He called all his favorites “Bug”. He always stood in the driveway and waved when his kids drove away. Although Dad would never intentionally miss a call from his children, we all knew it was impolite to call between 5-6pm when M.A.S.H. was on…

Dad loved watching Notre Dame football and liked to tell stories of his unrealized dream of playing fullback for the team and jokingly claiming to be the reason “Rudy” was written. He was an avid Utah Utes fan and enjoyed attending games and tailgating. He also loved being outdoors, California beaches, the rugged beauty of the Southwest, politics, and a good cup of coffee.

He loved and missed his brothers, Thad and Jim so much, often telling stories of long road trips, camp outs, and their dreams of being cowboys.

He loved to go out for breakfast and made friends in the restaurants he visited. We are sure there will be a void at Jim’s family restaurant. He also loved the Sunglow Café in Spanish Fork, Black Bear Diner, and loved the staff at Mi Ranchito.

The family would like to thank Huntsman’s Cancer Institute for the wonderful care that was provided during his final hours.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11 am at Anderson and Sons Lone Peak Chapel located at 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, 84003. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Please share a memory at andersonmortuary.com.