Kenneth Edward Tomlinson

Kenneth Edward Tomlinson, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on October 31, 2024, just days before his 76th birthday. Ken spent his final days at The Ridge Assisted Living in Holladay, Utah, where his charming spirit brightened the hearts of many as he fought a brave battle with Dementia.

Born on November 5, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, Ken was raised in the small community of Alamosa. Growing up in Alamosa laid the foundation for a life committed to family, values, and service. He cherished his relationship with many relatives and cousins in Alamosa especially his cousin Blake Parker. Ken often reminisced about the time they spent together hunting and fishing and riding his beloved horse Champ.

Following graduation from Alamosa High School in 1966, Ken dedicated two years of his life to serving an LDS mission in the California, North area. Here, he formed a lifelong bond with his mission companion, Lowell Johnson. This friendship became a pivotal moment in Ken’s life as he would be instrumental in introducing Ken to his future wife Linda Mckinlay. Ken returned early from his mission to help care for his sister, Loretta, who was dying from cancer.

Ken’s educational pursuits took him to Brigham Young University in Oahu, Hawaii, nurturing a lasting affection for the islands—a sentiment he would carry throughout his life. After Lowell and his girlfriend Shawna Flint introduced Ken to Linda Mckinlay, they wrote letters to each other during his mission and after returning continued a brief courtship. Ken would commonly drive down from Rick’s College on the weekends and would take Linda for a Hires Big H at the local Hires Drive Inn.

Ken and Linda were married on a beautiful spring day, May 7, 1971, in the Salt Lake LDS temple, sealing a union that would last 49 years, until Linda’s passing. After marrying, Ken and Linda settled down in Layton, Utah where they raised five wonderful children: Jenny, Chris, Kelly, Casey, and Patrick. After retirement Ken and Linda moved to Clinton, Utah. Ken made some wonderful friends in the LDS Ward he attended there.

Ken concluded his educational pursuit by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix through night classes and weekend studies amidst working full time and a busy family life. His career began with numerous roles in accounting, followed by a long-standing position as an auditor for the IRS. Upon retirement, Ken embarked on a fulfilling 18-year career at Continental Airlines as a reservation agent, an endeavor he cherished as it enabled beloved family trips and adventures, particularly multiple trips back to Hawaii.

Ken’s religious devotion was a cornerstone of his life. As a dedicated member of the LDS Church, he served in various capacities and maintained a steadfast commitment to his faith through the last days of his life.

In his later years, Ken spent many mornings lap swimming and walking his loyal companion and best friend of 11 years, his dog Lacy. Ken loved a good country western show in the afternoon (John Wayne preferably) and always started the day with The Price Is Right. In the last few years of his life he was happiest when getting out for a burger or Mexican food with his daughters and listening to music while taking a drive up in the mountains.

Ken’s personality was characterized by his resilience, gentle nature and kind heart. He was a dedicated, hard worker. A constant and selfless provider who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Family meant everything to him. He enjoyed the simple things in life and knew what was important. He devoted his life decisions and cherished time to caring and providing for his wife and children and his legacy will continue to guide those who knew him.

May our sweet cowboy find eternal peace and happiness in the reunion with his loved ones awaiting his arrival. We will forever love and miss you dad.

 Ken was preceded in death by his father, George Tomlinson; his mother, Violet Tomlinson; his sister, Loretta Tomlinson; his wife, Linda Tomlinson; and sons, Christopher and Patrick Tomlinson. He is survived by his daughters; Jenny Sherman (Marty), Kelly Tomlinson, and Casey Lippincott (Eric), five  grandchildren; Jacob and Jaxon Sherman, Monroe and Milo Lippincott, and Brendon Hoskin (Tasha). As well as one great-grandchild; Easton Hoskin.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at The Ridge Cottonwood Assisted Living and his compassionate and amazing hospice care team—Rachel (nurse), Tammy (social worker), and Tera (Chaplin)—for their support and love through Ken’s final journey.

Services to honor Ken’s life will be held Friday November 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Layton Lindquist’s Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary prior to the service. Interment to follow with the dedication  of the grave at Lindquist's  Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Ogden, Utah.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the fundraising efforts for Steel Robinson, grandson of Ken’s cousin, Rhonda, in his fight with brain cancer. Venmo: @WestynR

The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Ken's Obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com.

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