Kent Lamond Carter, born on May 1st, 1962, was surrounded by his family and close friends as he passed unexpectedly through the veil into loving hands on the other side on December 4th, 2020 at the age of 58. On his 3,098th check in at Vasa Fitness in Spanish Fork, he finished his final rep on the bench press as well as his mission here on Earth doing what he loved most.
He grew up in Los Angeles. His family moved to Spokane, Washington at age 13. It was during his high school years in Spokane that he made lifelong friends and has maintained those friendships throughout the years. As they met each year for the annual Hoopfest, these cherished friends became more like brothers.
At age 19, Kent served an honorable mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Following his mission, he attended Brigham Young University and received his bachelors degree in Business Information Systems. BYU holds a special place in his heart because it was there that he met his future wife. On August 19, 1988 he married Carolyn Melissa Wright. They were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple in 1989. Throughout the following years, they were blessed to welcome four daughters and one son into their family.
Due to his large stature and BYU attire, he was often mistaken for a coach or police officer. When asked his occupation his response was, “I’m just a computer geek.” He was taken on as an intern at Novell his senior year of college, then offered full-time employment on the day of his graduation. He served as an honorable and valiant employee there for the 25 years following. The opportunity was presented to work for Adobe for the past 2 years and he has traveled internationally throughout his career serving many in various nations.
His family’s first home was in Spanish Fork. He took great joy in the wonderful friendships he made there that lasted a lifetime.
Kent always dreamed of living in the mountains amongst the deer and wildlife that he loved so much, and was able to make that a reality as they built a home and moved to Elk Ridge in the year 2000. It was there that they raised their family and discovered that there was more to the area than just the natural beauty of the landscape. Kent would often express his love for the ward members and neighbors. The friendships he made there changed his life.
His life was one of service and Christlike love for every person with whom he came in contact. He had a natural ability to connect with the youth and served wholeheartedly in his Young Men’s calling for many years. Many of the young men he served have voiced gratitude for the strong impact he made on them which motivated them to live up to their full potential. Serving with the young men was his passion. He cherished every camp out, every activity, and every one-on-one interaction. He found great joy in celebrating other’s accomplishments and you would often find him close by or in the crowd, eager to cheer you on. He served in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the Lord and took opportunity to serve wherever needed, whether he was Elder’s quorum president or self-appointed ward “mover.” His service did not end on Sunday. He enjoyed his weekly temple attendance with his wife and seized any opportunity to reach out and offer kindness.
His love for the youth ended up merging with his love for sports. He coached youth volleyball for over 14 years and loved every minute of it. The opportunity he had to coach with his great friend Chris Crippen formed a bond that was tighter than volleyball spandex. “Crip-Dawg” and “Kendo” were the dream team mentors who’s coaching went beyond the game. He was always a supporter, one who cheered from the sidelines as a coach, along with cheering from the crowd as a friend. He was known for expressing how proud he was of others’ accomplishments. Whether you knew him well or not, his encouragement was freely given.
His excitement for life was infectious. He was eager to spend time with friends and family, whether it was gathering everyone for a BYU football game or making sure he made it to the annual family reunion at Carpinteria Beach. He lived big and dreamed big. One of his biggest dreams was to build a cabin in Scofield where he could share his love for the outdoors with anyone who wanted that experience.
You would often find Kent in the kitchen or on the grill whipping up various delicious meals. It was the first thing he would offer a visitor. Anytime his grandchildren came over, it always brought a smile to his face. They were addressed by the names of “Shrimpie,” “Shrimper,” or “Munchkin.”
Kent had a lifetime love of bodybuilding and working out. He had the opportunity to compete in various bodybuilding competitions throughout the years. Many in which he would take first or second place. In response to praise, he would shrug his shoulders and say, “not bad for an old guy.” Despite his many attempts to retire, he continued to do just “one more competition.” His most recent accomplishments were taking 1st place in his category at the local Springville Naturals contest and taking 2nd in Vegas at the USA Naturals.
Despite his tough exterior, he had a soft, kind heart. He passed from this life doing what he loved surrounded by heroes who loved him. Kent has always been a provider and protector to his family and they take comfort in knowing he will continue to fulfill and honor that role from the other side.
His family loves him very much and looks forward to a joyous reunion.
Kent is survived by his wife Carolyn and his five children-Jill (Craig Butler), Cami, Nicole (Skyler Rammell), Justin, Ashley; his 3 grand- “shrimpers” (Miles, Isla, Haven); his father Wilson Clive Carter; siblings-Todd, Mark, Burt, Shelly, and Lisa. He is preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Miriam Doak Carter, his father-in-law Willis Richard Wright, and nephew Seth Carter.
A public viewing will be held at the Walker Funeral Home in Payson, Utah, on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. A private family service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Elk Ridge 4th Ward, 259 East Alpine Drive, Elk Ridge, Utah.
Friends and well-wishers are invited to join through a livestream service, the link will be available at the bottom of this obituary at this website (www.walkermemorials.com).
A private interment will be at the Salem City Cemetery following the service.
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12 Condolences for Kent Lamond Carter
Condolences(12)
Kari Hale says
December 8, 2020 at 4:58 amLove you all! Thanks for supporting him through all his volleyball coaching.
Davee & Emma Gilbreath says
December 8, 2020 at 9:50 amOur thoughts and prayers are with you. We have fond memories of family reunion on the beach.
Juston Mortenson says
December 8, 2020 at 4:24 pmKent was a great friend. I worked and played volleyball with him while he was at Novell, and even after he left he would still travel down to Provo to play. He loved the sport of volleyball and body building and will be missed greatly by all of us that would meet at lunch time to play.
Farewell my friend.
Daniel Oreno says
December 8, 2020 at 11:21 pmKent, you were an inspiration and a great friend. Work and the gym wont be the same without you. Im going to miss you buddy.
Matt Horton says
December 9, 2020 at 4:29 amCarolyn, I don’t really know what to say…it was such a shock to find out yesterday after returning from my 3rd Friday weekend.
I sat by Kent the last couple of years at Adobe and we had some fun times there together and with the others in our row. He was always nice, always generous with his time and willing to help whenever needed.
We know he loved you. He had your picture proudly displayed on his desk and spoke of you with affection whenever someone asked about your picture.
He will be sorely missed by our team at Adobe. I’m happy to have known him even if for a couple of years and will glad to have fond memories. We’ll keep you and your family in our prayers.
Best,
Matt
Kirk Penrose says
December 9, 2020 at 10:50 pmI am in complete shock. We met when I started at Novell and moved into the Spanish Fork ward back in 1995. Kent is one of the very best people I have ever known in this crazy world. He is unique in a very positive way. I’ve never known anyone as positive, upbeat, and willing to help as he has been. I have really missed seeing him at work the last two years. He saw the best in people and was so inspiring. This side of the veil is certainly a bit dimmer. I’m sure he will continue to shine through from the other side and be a powerful influence to his family and friends. Prayers from me for Carolyn, their children, and all of their family. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Steven Rife says
December 10, 2020 at 3:31 pmI appreciated his kindness, smile and friendship. He always had a positive comment. Years ago, our families were experiencing a Florida vacation after a work event. We just happened to be staying in the same hotel. Shortly after our arrival, one of our children got sick and we ended up making a trip to the emergency room. Kent and his wife, without hesitation, took in our other children. They bonded to Kent almost immediately, and they have never forgotten that experience…. to this day, they still talk about how much fun they had! I think the hours they spent with Kent and his wife were more memorable than their time at Disney World! (Hahaha). I can still see in my minds eye, Kent making a flying/diving leap over one hotel bed to another and my kids just laughing to almost tears. I loved working with Kent at Novell. He was really good at what he did. He was always present and in the moment. It never was about him…. it was ALWAYS about others. What a great man… what a great example!
Laura G says
December 11, 2020 at 3:21 pmI only had the pleasure of meeting Kent one time at Our Company Christmas Party – Carolyn, you have a special place in my heart and you and your family have been heavy in my thoughts! My comfort cove over you and your loved ones during this difficult time. – Laura G
Paul says
December 12, 2020 at 5:23 amHey Carter Family,
As so many have said, Kent was and is a shining light. His smile and love for others is contagious. So sorry he has left us so soon but I really believe he was put on this earth to teach the rest of us by his example. So Christlike and positive even during discouraging times. My fondest memories will be us being next door neighbors in SF and how we were going to build a sand volleyball court connecting our properties. Volleyball was such a big part of our friendship and setting each other up for the sweet hit. It’s as if he benefited more by his teammates’ enjoyment than his own. It was also fun to be silly with Kent too! Embarrassing our kids by singing and popping/locking to old school music. They eye rolls from the kids were priceless.
Please know of our love and support from the Lemon family. Such a shock to hear. Our prayers are with you.
Greg and Carmen Castle says
December 12, 2020 at 5:35 pmSending our love and hugs to my Carter family. Your dad was a lovely man so kind hearted.A gentle soul.He will forever Be in our hearts. With the Lord be with you all. Love the Castle family
Susan Chapman says
December 12, 2020 at 7:45 pmI was one of Kent’s gym friends and just watched the service real time from home. I just loved Kent so much and have talked to him every day for I don’t know how many years. We always had a great chat and my heart is so broken as well. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his brightness with all of us. These last months have been a bit challenging but Kent was one person I could count on to offer joy and kindness each day and I really appreciated him for that. Much love.
Rhett Carter says
December 14, 2020 at 4:12 pmKent lived with us when I was young and he was a student at BYU. He taught me how to workout which I still do consistently to this day. He also taught me how to remove a knife from an attacker with my barehands lol.
We coincidentally ran into him in Las Vegas last year while celebrating my Dad and Moms (Gary and Loretta) 50th wedding anniversary. I am so grateful that I got to see him and I will always treasure the memories that I have of him especially when he lived with us in my
childhood home right down the hall from my bedroom.
Sending my love and prayers to all of you.
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