Arrangements made by
Walker Mortuary - Payson
587 S. 100 West
Payson,
UT
84651
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http://www.walkerfamilymortuary.com
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Tel. (801) 465-3846
Memories & Candles
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“Dear Elder Mortensen's Family,
We were heartbroken to hear about Elder Mortensen's passing. Our little family only knew him from our stop at Cove...
Read More »
”
1 of 32 | Posted by: Larry Jeffs Herriman, UT
“Dear Julie, Roger, and Paul & Families, and Darla & Family~
We are shocked and so very sorry about the passing of your father,...
Read More »
”
2 of 32 | Posted by: Nelson & Lucy Jones Nephi UT
“Roxane, Neil, Fern, and extended family members: I want to express my condolences at the tragic loss of your dear brother Kay. I remember Kay as a...
Read More »
”
3 of 32 | Posted by: Karen Carlston Prisbrey UT
“We both wanted to express our condolences to your family for the loss of your father. We are friends of Pam and Roger and want to let you all know...
Read More »
”
4 of 32 | Posted by: Mark & Justine Anderton
“Darla,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
love, Christine Parker (Dillard)
”
5 of 32 | Posted by: Christine Parker ( Dillard) UT
“I was saddened to hear about this tragedy. During my younger years of being around the Mortensen household I learned a lot of important things...
Read More »
”
6 of 32 | Posted by: Craig Harvey Lindon, UT
“My very sincere condolences and love to all the family. I retired from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept. in 1992. Kay and I always...
Read More »
”
7 of 32 | Posted by: Paul Berrett Orem, UT
“We will miss you very much Kay! We will keep your fmaily in our prayers always!
”
8 of 32 | Posted by: Scott and Amanda Frantz UT
“Dear Mortensen Family,
I sent the story of Dr. Mortensen's death to my son, Kip Jensen, who lives in Fruitland, Idaho. I thought Kip may have...
Read More »
”
9 of 32 | Posted by: Pat Jensen West Jordan UT
“Dear Mortensen Family,
I and no fewer than 10 of my colleagues in Research and Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and...
Read More »
”
10 of 32 | Posted by: Randy Barron Riverton UT
“Dr. Mortensen was my favorite professor at BYU; he taught me in the early 90s. He loved to teach and tell stories in class that were relevant to...
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”
11 of 32 | Posted by: Bryan Ganz Stillwater OK
“Dear Darla & family, How saddened we are by this terrible turn of events in your lives. We will cherish our fun & fond memories while...
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”
12 of 32 | Posted by: Jim & Peggy Parry UT
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you very much. Thanks for everything you do for our community.
”
13 of 32 | Posted by: Scott & Juleen Evans UT
“My husband and I were both students of Brother Mortensen at BYU. We both appreciated his wisdom as well as his love for his students. While I was...
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”
14 of 32 | Posted by: Michele and Luke Nigliazzo MO
“To Darla and family: We were devastated to hear about Kay's untimely death. We enjoyed our time together at Cove Fort. We appreciated the help you...
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”
15 of 32 | Posted by: Pam and Brian Mottishaw
“I knew Kay all of my life. We attended school together, were in the Army together, and were close friends during high-school and at Snow College....
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”
16 of 32 | Posted by: Wesley (Gene) Cox UT
“He was a farmer with a PhD, the best kind.
He taught my Father in law in his first year at BYU and he taught me the year before he retired. My co...
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”
17 of 32 | Posted by: Garth Mason Springville UT
“I have many fond memories of Kay because I worked with him, hunted with him, and he supplied our family with beef. My fondest memory of him,...
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”
18 of 32 | Posted by: David Anthony Orem, UT
“I was so shocked to hear about this. I too live in the Payson Canyon area and never dreamed of something like this happening. My God be with his...
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”
19 of 32 | Posted by: Dena
“Dear Mortensen Family:
I'm very saddened by the tragic death of this choice man.
I know that his spirit is in Paradise, which is comforting.
...
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”
20 of 32 | Posted by: Ed Beatty St. George UT
“I just want to share my condolences to the family. I did not know Kay or his family personally, but I jus wanted to express my deepest sympathy to...
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”
21 of 32 | Posted by: Heidi Dana
“Professor Mortensen was my materials teacher in my first year in the program in college. He made me laugh every single class. With me there were 2...
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”
22 of 32 | Posted by: Sarah Scott American Fork UT
“Kay was one of my professors at BYU in the 1970's. I had him for Metallurgy, Statics and Strength of Materials, Machine Design I and Machine...
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”
23 of 32 | Posted by: David Hendrickson Riverton UT
“In 2003 I tried to get into the ME program at BYU and fell short of some of the requirements. Dr. Mortensen mentored me and helped me to be able...
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”
24 of 32 | Posted by: Aric Turner Seattle, WA
“Everybody if you can, light a candle on behalf of Kay Sherman Mortensen on Saturary November 21, 2009. Keep him and his family in your prayers.
...
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”
25 of 32 | Posted by: Kent & Pamela Wing
“I was in Dr Mortensens Machine Design class the first year he taught at BYU. It was the most enjoyable, entertaining and valuable class I had in...
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”
26 of 32 | Posted by: Lynn Kerby Herriman, UT
“" Kay well always be remembered in the Maple Dell Ward, he gave wonderful lessons in his High Priest Group, before him and Darla went on a mission...
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”
27 of 32 | Posted by: Kent & Pamela Wing Payson UT
“I wish you my condolences at this time. I was a student of Professor Mortensen in his last 1-2 years of teaching. He was one of my favorite...
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”
28 of 32 | Posted by: Eric Zollinger Pittsburgh PA
“Kay was my friend, mentor and my teacher. I met him at BYU, where he helped me understand and make sense of Machine Design and Metallurgy. This...
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”
29 of 32 | Posted by: Lynn Thackeray Payson, UT
“I was in Dr. Mortenson's class when I was courting my wife. My pals and I came up with this great analogy that matched the annealing process for...
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”
30 of 32 | Posted by: Joseph Jackson Woburn, MA
“Kay you will be forever missed by our family. We know that things dont always make sense but we promise to be here for your family just like your...
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”
31 of 32 | Posted by: Amanda Frantz
“I have wonderful memories as a young boy when my family would go snowmobiling with Dr. Mortensen and his son. Years later he was the Professor in...
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”
32 of 32 | Posted by: Guy Crockett - Louisville, KY
Kay Sherman Mortensen was brutally murdered in his home on Mon., Nov. 16, 2009. This world is a less interesting place with Kay’s passing. He leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, teaching, farming, patriotism, and a fervent testimony and love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Kay was born to Sherman and Roxie Mortensen in Ephraim, UT on July 6, 1939. He was the oldest of siblings Roxane, Niel, Lee (deceased), and Fern M. Caka. Kay spent his youth helping his father farm, raise sheep, and hunt. He developed a love for the land, farming equipment, and raising livestock. He continued this avocation throughout his life, raising cows and crops in Utah County. Kay graduated from Snow College, Utah State University, and finally from the University of Utah where he received a Ph.D. in Metallurgy. After working a few years in industry, Kay became a faculty member at Brigham Young University where he taught courses in manufacturing design, engineering technology, and mechanical engineering. He was a well-known and respected scholar and teacher for over three decades at BYU, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students alike. His lectures were known for not only their scholarly content, but his farming and other stories that piqued the interest of students and illustrated practical application for the principles he taught. Kay believed in self-preparedness, both spiritually and physically. He loved to talk and debate issues with colleagues, friends, and family, and loved to make his ideas and opinions known especially on topics like global warming and politics.
Kay was married to Hermona Anderson. They had four children: Roger (Pam), Julie Farnsworth (Mark), Janet (deceased), and Paul (Corina). Kay later married Darla Pectol Jones, the love of his life. Darla and Kay spent the last 18 months on a mission for the LDS Church at Cove Fort Historical Site in the Utah Provo Mission. They were released from this service three weeks ago. The mission experience was the highlight of their lives, and fulfilled his life-long desire to serve a mission.
Kay is survived by siblings, children, two-step children, Brady (Vanette) Jones and Tara (Darren) Hunsaker, nieces and nephews, and eleven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held in the Payson South Stake Center (711 S 600 E) on Sat., Nov. 21 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm at the Walker Mortuary (587 S 100 W, Payson), and from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to the service on Saturday at the Stake Center. Kay will be interred in the Ephraim City Cemetery.
Only the main photo has been provided by the family or the funeral home.
Dear Elder Mortensen's Family,
We were heartbroken to hear about Elder Mortensen's passing. Our little family only knew him from our stop at Cove Fort at the beginning of October. He was so fun to visit with as he described the fort and shared with us his knowledge and kind spirit. He kept the attention of our three children throughout the entire visit and they listened to him intently as if he was a familiar grandpa. He was so enthusiastic about his mission extending from 6 months to 18. We feel fortunate that we were able to learn from this fine missionary. His influence will carry on with our family and countless others he guided as a missionary, professor, and friend. May his good life comfort your family.
Sincerely,
The Jeffs Family
Posted by: Larry Jeffs Herriman, UT Dec 22, 2009
Dear Julie, Roger, and Paul & Families, and Darla & Family~
We are shocked and so very sorry about the passing of your father, grandfather, husband, step-father, and step-grandfather and the vicious and insane manner in which his life was taken. We hope the murderers will be apprehended soon and put to justice. We send our deepest condolences to each of you.
Sincerely,
Posted by: Nelson & Lucy Jones Nephi, UT Dec 22, 2009
Roxane, Neil, Fern, and extended family members: I want to express my condolences at the tragic loss of your dear brother Kay. I remember Kay as a hard worker with a gift of gab, always in a hurry to get things done and move on to the next project. Sincerely, Karen Carlston Prisbrey, granddaughter of Ben and Dora Carlston, former neighbors of your parents in Ephraim.
Posted by: Karen Carlston Prisbrey Gunnison , UT Dec 22, 2009
We both wanted to express our condolences to your family for the loss of your father. We are friends of Pam and Roger and want to let you all know you have been in our prayers. We hope that you are comforted and strengthened at this hard time by the Holy Ghost. May God be with and bless you all.
Posted by: Mark & Justine Anderton Dec 22, 2009
Darla,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
love, Christine Parker (Dillard)
Posted by: Christine Parker ( Dillard) Salt Lake, UT Dec 22, 2009
I was saddened to hear about this tragedy. During my younger years of being around the Mortensen household I learned a lot of important things that I still remember to this day. Kay was always generous with his time and knowledge. My sympathy goes out to the Mortensen family.
Craig Harvey
Posted by: Craig Harvey Lindon, UT Dec 22, 2009
My very sincere condolences and love to all the family. I retired from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept. in 1992. Kay and I always enjoyed each others company. What a pleasant and uplifting guy to be around. May our Heavenly Father comfort you as only He and our Savior can. My heartfelt feeling to all of you. Paul Berrett
Posted by: Paul Berrett Orem, UT Dec 22, 2009
We will miss you very much Kay! We will keep your fmaily in our prayers always!
Posted by: Scott and Amanda Frantz Spanish Fork, UT Dec 22, 2009
Dear Mortensen Family,
I sent the story of Dr. Mortensen's death to my son, Kip Jensen, who lives in Fruitland, Idaho. I thought Kip may have taken a class from Dr. Mortensen, since Kip studied mechanical engineering at BYU. The following is the answer I received from Kip, and I thought it was something you might like to read. I am so sorry for your loss.
"Yes, I did take one class from Dr. Mortensen. It was a Materials Sceince class. Interestingly, just a couple of weeks ago I was thinking about the most memorable and significant classes I have taken in my life. Those that have truly changed my thinking and altered my view of life and the world. You probably would not think it, but this class was on my "Top 5" list.
Here is my list:
1. Physics (Junior year, High School)
2. Teachings of the Living Prophets (2nd year undergrad, BYU)
3. Lean Thinking (2-day class, taken 2 years ago)
4. Operations Management (1st year MBA program, BYU)
5. Material Science (2nd year undergrad, BYU)
Dr. Mortensen was a good man. Sad to get this news."
Posted by: Pat Jensen West Jordan, UT Dec 22, 2009
Dear Mortensen Family,
I and no fewer than 10 of my colleagues in Research and Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Intellectual Property at Bard Access Systems in Salt Lake City were fortunate enough to have been students of Dr. Kay Mortensen at different times during his long and fruitful tenure at BYU. The terrible and shocking news of the events of his passing has in fact moved quickly throughout BYU engineering alumni.
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences at this incredibly difficult time. I am truly shocked and saddened by his passing. However, the more abiding feeling is one of profound gratitude for having known and been profoundly influenced for good by such an interesting man. Till we meet again Brother Mortensen.
Randy Barron
Engineering Manager, Research & Development
Bard Access Systems
Posted by: Randy Barron Riverton, UT Dec 22, 2009
Visitation:
November 20 2009
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Walker Family Mortuary of Payson
587 South 100 West
Payson, UT 84651
Visitation:
November 21 2009
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Payson South Stake Center
711 South 600 East
Payson, UT 84651
Funeral Service:
November 21 2009
11:00 AM
Payson South Stake Center
711 South 600 East
Payson, UT 84651

