Kendell Heman Hyde

A bright star fell with the peaceful passing of Kendell Heman Hyde at home on Thursday, August 22, 2024. He spent the day before surrounded by all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Born in beautiful Afton, Wyoming, on March 10, 1935, to Althera Gardner (Allie) and Hillary Heman Hyde, Kendell brought with him an adventurous, playful, competitive, and curious nature. He had three younger siblings and many aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby to guide him, play with him, and always offer a game or competition of some sort. Being raised in a small community, he learned early to work, be tough, and handle less than favorable circumstances. His nature was calm, curious and even tempered. Upon finishing high school at Star Valley High where he played football, he moved to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming and play football there. 

On one of his breaks home, he met a lovely fellow teacher of his mother's, Beverly Gee, and was smitten. They began dating and the following spring they married on June 11, 1958, in the Idaho Falls Temple and went back to Laramie together. Thus began a relationship of abiding love, grand adventures, loyalty, and fun that was to be shared for the next 62 years.

Upon graduation and the birth of David in Laramie, they moved to Bountiful, Utah, where Kendell continued his Masters degree in Mathematics at the University of Utah and added Greg to their family. Finishing his degree, they moved to Laie, Hawaii where he taught Math at the Church College of Hawaii (now BYU Hawaii), was a foreman in the pineapple fields in the off season of teaching and welcomed Janice into their family. When they moved back to Bountiful, he finished his doctorate at the U of U and the growing family planted their roots in Ogden where Kendell taught Mathematics at Weber State College. Here Becky was born and completed the troupe.

Family was a central part of Kendell and Beverly's lives--their philosophy was family first. Kendell was known for daring the kids to try going off, over or around an obstacle, ledge or whatever was nearby. He played with the kids, supported their sporting events, took them on fun trips...he was an intentional father. He enjoyed combining his time with the family with his love of sports. They often attended Weber State sports (he had season tickets for football and basketball for 54 years) and Utah Jazz games (he had season tickets for 30 plus years). He was endlessly supportive of his family through their setbacks and successes; the only indicator of disapproval being "that look".

As important as family, the gospel of Jesus Christ mattered deeply to Kendell. He was a mix of deep loyalty and willingness to serve, and also open and willing to look and study to find answers to controversial issues. He quietly and uncomplainingly served in many ward and stake callings. He did what was needed with a smile and a good attitude. As a young man, he served a mission to Ontario, Canada. With Beverly, he was a service missionary in Jakarta, Indonesia, and then an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple.

Growing up with his mother's gardens and flowers, he too was a great gardener and grew lush plants that he and Beverly would then can or dry into fruit leather. He was a beekeeper, a windsurfing instructor, a juggler, a great coin collector, a family history guru, an author of small books containing his thoughts and observations for that particular year (covering topics from Gustav Klimt to genetics). Besides his numerous interests, Kendell was sentimental. He was always for the underdog and developed lasting relationships with people all over the world: he came home with two refugees from Viet Nam that he supported. Kyle has remained a member of the family. There were many others he considered family from around the world including, Sabrina, Lena, Boim, Charles, Jastus, Marty and more. He didn't barter for goods as he traveled feeling that he wanted to help instead of take. He wouldn't want this last part known as he downplayed his awards and acclaim, never referring to himself as "Doctor". In many ways, he was a man before his time. 

Surviving is his and Beverly's children, David (Rosemary), Greg (Tanya), Janice (John) Wallentine, and Becky (Rob) Matasic; 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Jane (Roy) Rayback and John (Carola). He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly and his sister, Judy.

Kendell has gifted us with a heritage of love of God, fellow man, courage, and kindness. There were many kinds of love in his life, and he was open and accepting of each. May you go with peace knowing that you were seen, loved, and appreciated...until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Aultorest Memorial Park.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Kendell’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.

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