Gerry Kenner

Gerry Harvey Kenner peacefully passed from this mortal life on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 83 years of age. Born to Gwendal and June Kenner in the Cottonwood Maternity Hospital, March 2, 1937, Gerry spent his first years living in Magna, Utah, a place he was destined to return to several times throughout his life.

Despite deficits to his hearing and vision since birth, Gerry was a determined student graduating from Cyprus High School and subsequently enrolling in the University of Utah.  Over the ensuing 15 years, Gerry went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, a Master of Science Degree in Zoology, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Anatomy.

Gerry worked as a bioengineer at University of Illinois-Urbana and Clemson University. He held the ranks of Assistant and Associate Professor respectively. While at Clemson, Gerry earned an additional Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical & Computing Engineering. The remainder of his career was spent back at the University of Utah where he worked up the ranks to Assistant Professor of Radiology and pursued research in the areas of Computer Programing, Image Analysis, Orthopedics, Retrospective Dosimetry, Osteoporosis, and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.

For all his efforts in and enjoyment of academia, Gerry found his greatest personal joy and satisfaction in his marriage to the love of his life, Lorna Gay Lazenby and being father to his sons David and Doug. Both graduates of Cyprus High Class of ’55, it was twelve years before Gerry and Gay truly met and began dating. On May 23, 1968 they were joined in matrimony and began a 38 year sojourn together. Gay’s passing in 2006 from Leukemia left Gerry bereft yet grateful for every moment. In the wake of her loss Gerry shared, “In my 20s I remember feeling lonely a lot. And then I met my Gay. And we had 38 years together. And now she’s passed on. And I am often alone. But I am never lonely and I look forward to being with her again when my time here is up.”

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gwendal and June Kenner, his sisters Beverly Kenner and Norma Druce, and his beloved wife Gay.  He is survived by his brother Lynn (Ann) Kenner, his sons David (Gwyneth) Kenner and Doug (Jennifer) Kenner and his five grandchildren, Whitney, Joshua, Rachel, Emily, and Morgan.

Graveside services only will be held 11:00 Saturday, May 30th at Pleasant Green Cemetery in Magna, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Primary Children’s Hospital: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/give