John Sylvester Kilpack

John Sylvester Kilpack, widower of Jerry Burningham, passed away February 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was quick to leave us after a short battle with cancer; he raced away from this mortal life just in time to spend Valentine’s Day with his sweetheart. John was born in Salt Lake City, UT, on July 24, 1936; he spent his childhood in Centerville where he worked alongside his father drilling water wells for the surrounding farms. A graduate of Davis High, John enlisted in the Navy, and served for four years. While stationed in San Diego, John married his high school darling, Jerry on September 22, 1955. She waited for him at port while his adventures at sea took him around the globe. After his service, the couple returned home to Utah and began their family, welcoming two sons. John enjoyed, hunting, fishing, and camping with his boys.  He shared his love of music with them; the radio was constantly humming with the rhythms of his youth. John worked at Sperry Univac as a Quality Control Supervisor for more than 30 years. Retired at 55, John and Jerry spent years traveling the country in their RV. His days in the Navy contributed to a lifelong wanderlust. The couple spent summers in Star Valley, Wyoming, playing endless days of golf and hanging with their life-long buddies and new friends. Winters were spent trekking across the southwest, from coastal California to the deserts of Arizona, and down south into Mexico.  The promise of a margherita, the love of his life, and a warm sunset were the only things John truly ever needed. He found fulfillment in the simple things. He was a doting partner who lovingly supported his wife through her own battle with Leukemia. The love shared between the two of them will not be forgotten by their family. It is a love not often achieved but always aspired for—the family takes comfort knowing the pair are forever united.  

John was a husband, brother, father, and grandfather; he leaves behind his two sons Kurt (Tammy) and Doug (Laura), his brother Lloyd (Mellanee), nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother (Lydia) and father (John), his sisters, Merle and Doris, and his wife, Jerry.

We will be celebrating John’s life at the golf course-where he liked it best. Friends and family are invited to cheers John and his legacy at a Celebration of Life at the Davis Park Golf Course in Fruit Heights, UT, at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 28^th.