Darwin Killpack

Darwin B. Killpack passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 15 at the age of 85.  Darwin was born in Great Falls, Montana to Reva Christensen and William Budd Killpack.  His family moved to Lewistown, Montana, where he graduated from Fergus High School.  He was proud of his Montana roots and returned often. He moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah, where he earned a teaching degree and competed on the swimming team.  He earned the first All-American honor for the University, and was inducted into the University of Utah’s Crimson Club Hall of Fame.  He taught and coached swimming at Cyprus High School for 26 years, winning 12 boys’ and 3 girls’ State titles and positively influencing many young lives.  His swimmers earned 17 All-American honors, and he was twice named a National Swimming Coach of the Year.  He married Patricia Diekman in 1956, and they had four children.  He married Maxine Holt in 1987 and is much loved by Max’s children and grandchildren.  Everyone called him coach; to grandchildren he was Grandpa Coach. He enjoyed camping, fishing and playing pool, and he became an avid follower of politics.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine, and his brother, Barry.  He is survived by his four children: Michael (Tonnie) Killpack, Corey (Kathy) Killpack, Kristen (Joe) Pereira, Shelly (Kevin) Bush; Stepchildren: Pam (Mark) Curtis, Joy (Russ) Barrus, Charlotte Bartlett, Duane Tanner; Brother: Duane Killpack; Sisters: Kolene Briggs and Arva Steele; 21 Grandchildren and 23 Great-Grandchildren.

Viewing: Fri. Nov 25, 6-8 pm at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 West 2700 South in Magna

Viewing/Funeral: Sat. Nov 26, viewing at 10-10:45am followed funeral services at 11am, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3450 South 6400 West, West Valley City. Internment at Valley View Memorial Park following the funeral services.