Kenneth Dean Johnston

July 20, 1955 - March 28, 2022

Kenneth Dean Johnston, 66, of Hurricane, Utah, returned to his Heavenly Parents on March 28, 2022, fighting to the very end, in typical Kenny fashion. Kenny was born to a loving and hardworking mother, Gwendolyn Hansen, on July 20, 1955. Growing up in the small farming community of West Point, Utah, Kenny was taught from a young age the value of hard work, true friendship, an enthusiasm for life, and a commitment to his beliefs. As a student at Clearfield High School, he was known for his kind heart, rugged good looks, and brute strength, which helped him succeed both on and off the ball field. He was a leader and a multi-year all-state football and wrestling star and continued those endeavors as a student athlete in both sports at Utah State University. Upon completion of his first year of college, Kenny dedicated two years to the people of Milan, Italy, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was in Italy that he discovered two of his lifelong passions: the art of cooking and the joy of Christlike service. Soon after returning from Italy, Kenny met and married Jill Kirkbride in 1977. They made their home in Syracuse, Utah, where they raised their three children, Summer, Brock, and Spencer. Kenny loved being the “Candy Man,” working at Nestle Corporation as a sales rep, where he made lifelong friends, and spent much of his time serving in his community and church. In 1993, Kenny was named to the Syracuse City Recreation Hall of Fame for his dedication to coaching and his support of many sporting programs over the years. His service in the church was an integral part of his life. He spent much of his time serving in youth organizations and as a counselor in the Sandridge Ward Bishopric. In 2011, Kenny met and married the love of his life, Karri. They have spent the last 11 years in Hurricane, Utah, enjoying their life together and spending time with their growing families. After retiring Kenny decided to take on a part time job with the Hershey Corporation and continued his legacy as the “candy man” but was now known by all his great nieces and nephews as “Papa Candy”. He and Karri loved to travel and spent time during the summer with the family camping at Flaming Gorge and on Kolob where many campfire stories were told and fond memories were created. He loved a good game of golf and never grew tired of the competition or challenge. Kenny’s legacy of fierce loyalty and love for his family is an example to us all, and he will be missed. Kenny is surely enjoying happy reunions with his mother Gwendolyn Rivers, brother Michael Johnston, and granddaughter Emma Mortensen who preceded him in death, followed by a long walk with his canine pal and confidant, Jazz. He is survived by his sweet wife Karri, his children Summer (Micah) Young, Brock (Faye) Johnston, Spencer (Katie) Johnston, Kasey (Shawn) Stansfield, Brandi (Travis) LeBaron, Kortney (Kevin) Mortensen and Ryan (Brookayla) Olds, and his eighteen grandchildren. A viewing will take place at The Old Red Church, 274 S 100 W, Hurricane, on April 1, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and April 2, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral Services will be held on April 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the same place. Zoom link: https://bit.ly/kennyjohnston