David Gordon Kent

David Kent, 73, passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Smithfield, Utah, surrounded by his loved ones on July 9, 2026.

David Gordon Kent was born on November 12, 1952, in Lewiston, Utah, to Edna Hawkins and Cecil Earl Kent. He grew up in Lewiston, Utah, attending Lewiston Elementary & Junior High. He graduated from Sky View High School and attended Utah State University. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dave was always a talented, hard worker. He earned his first bike by mowing lawns, then used it to deliver newspapers. He enjoyed agriculture and construction work, before becoming a river guide in the Grand Canyon.

He married Barbara Scholes on December 15, 1978, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a log home in Smithfield and raised a family of six children.

Dave worked for several cabinet shops before starting his own successful cabinet installation business.

Dave loved the outdoors and shared his passion with family and friends through memorable river rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and backcountry skiing trips. An avid cyclist, he and Barbara logged thousands of miles every year on their tandem bicycle.

Dave was a kind, generous, loving, and devoted husband and father. His time with us was shortened by Alzheimer’s. He lost most of his ability to communicate but never stopped saying, "Thank you."

His mother, father, two sisters, and one brother preceded him in death. He is survived by five sisters, his loving wife, six children, and 12 grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the Smithfield Cemetery on July 13.