Kent C. Ericksen

If you have never salted a granny smith apple at each bite, you really need to try it. Kent C. Ericksen ("KC") passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on November 23, 2022, after enduring the effects of Alzheimer's disease for many years.

KC was born on February 27, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Max and LeIsle Ericksen. He was a middle child, with two older brothers, Gregory and Michael, and a younger sister and brother, Robyn, and Steven. He grew up in Bountiful and attended Viewmont High School. He met his sweetheart, Nancy Lynn Bushnell, during his high school years. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he labored in the Australia East Mission. Upon returning, he was married to Nancy in the Salt Lake Temple. He attended the University of Utah and pursued a career in business. Together, KC and Nancy had four boys: Justen, Jared, David, and Brett.

A man of many accomplishments, KC most often reminded his family of his status as the triple crown champion, holding simultaneous family titles in backyard croquet, HORSE, and bowling. A master of Shanghai Rummy, he frequently told his family members to "read 'em and weep" as he laid down his cards. As a four-time Eagle Scout who never sat in an Eagle's Nest, he knew a thing or two about the outdoors (and motivating boys). Also known as "the racquetball inferno" among family members, he became the Utah state doubles champion and enjoyed playing the sport for many years with friends and family. 

As an honorable mention to his accomplishments, as he would consider it, KC was a founder and the CEO of Orbit Irrigation Products and, along with his father, brothers, brother-in-law, and countless loyal and dedicated employees and partners, he worked tirelessly, traveling the world to make Orbit the largest manufacturer of retail irrigation products in the United States. He was an incredible innovator, holding 42 patents and many awards, including Utah Entrepreneur of the Year. He never stopped dreaming, thinking, setting goals, organizing, and looking for ways to improve-and he didn't stop until he achieved what he had set out to accomplish. He loved his employees and partners and considered them his friends. They felt a sense of ownership in the company, and he treated them with respect. He was a man of integrity and if he said he would do something, he did it. Without any obligation, if he knew something was right, he did it and nothing would deter him. In the early years of the company he founded the Orbit softball team and was the second baseman, winning many championships and enjoying time with his friends. Later, he rode on the Orbit cycling team where he raised money for charity and enjoyed competing with friends and family in cycling and triathlon events.

KC was not known for his sense of style and would often be seen wearing Crocs, knee-high socks, shorts, and a t-shirt. On occasion, upon misplacing his glasses, he bore no shame in wearing his prescription racquetball goggles with an elastic strap. He loved his gold Timex watch with the stretch band because it displayed the time of day-and he could easily stop by Walmart for a new one if he ever lost it. 

KC loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his sweet wife. He looked forward to time with his parents and siblings at their ranch in Flaming Gorge. He made a lifetime of cherished memories with his family there. He loved deer hunting with his dad, brothers and sons and prided himself in having never pulled the trigger, despite having multiple opportunities to shoot a deer. Unfortunately for many a pine hen, that was not the case when he was packing his 410 shotgun. He coached his boys in numerous sports, founded Northside Wrestling Club and served as President of Centerville City Baseball. He and his boys camped, hiked, fished, hunted, skied, searched for fossils and geodes, and traveled the world together. To the dismay of his four boys, he was the persistent author and tyrannical enforcer of the Saturday job list. Sunday was a day for worship, rest-and family meeting! 

KC was not fond of cats or chewing gum, both of which he fought to keep out of his yard and home. Through his enduring efforts he won, and delighted in, many battles but never the war. He was not a fan of rap music, ankle socks, cracks in his fingers, disorganization, garlic bread, marmots, most of Hollywood, except for Clint Eastwood, or warm embraces (unless shared with his mother, wife, or grandchildren). He preferred the distant, one-armed hug with a back pat with anyone else. He hated waiting in doctors' offices and often threatened to bill them for his time.

KC was the salt of the earth. He gave anonymously, doing his alms in secret. He visited the sick and elderly and had a soft spot in his heart for the less fortunate. He was first on the scene when help was needed. He loved others and he loved Jesus Christ. As a member of the LDS church, he served as Young Men President, High Counselor, Bishop, and as a missionary with his wife in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. He freely gave of his time and resources in the service of his fellow man and was truly an instrument in the Lord's hands. His was a life well lived and he will be sorely missed.

KC is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their children and grandchildren: Justen (wife Ashley, children Ellie, Alivia, Madsen and McKay); Jared (wife Emily, children Zach, Jett and Eliza); David (wife Britney, children Max, Ava, Lia, Ivy); Brett (wife Kylie, children Cohen and Everest); siblings Greg, Michael, Robyn and Steven; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. KC is predeceased by his father and mother, Max and LeIsle Ericksen, and many other family members with which he is now reunited.

Viewings will be held Thursday, December 1, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Friday, December 2, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Centerville South Stake Center, 270 North 300 East, Centerville, Utah. Funeral services celebrating KC's life will begin in the chapel at 11:00 AM. Interment services will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery. A luncheon for family members will follow at the Porter Lane chapel, 435 West 400 South, Centerville, Utah at approximately 1:30 PM.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love to support the Bountiful Food Pantry.
https://bountifulfoodpantry.org/donate-online