Kenneth Wayne Pearce
May 1, 1955 - September 6, 2023
Ken was born in Butte, MT in 1955 to Donna Golish. He was raised in Midvale, UT. In his later teen years, he began exploring a job as a commercial electrician for Grand Central. He worked there for many years. Through this journey as an electrician, he met the love of his life, Shawna. Shawna and Kenny were married October 13, 1974.
In 1978 Kenny started a career with the Salt Lake City Police Department. He was instrumental in the formative years of the SWAT team. His passion was motors though, where he was assigned for several different tours throughout his career. He continued to ride for the rest of his life. He worked his way through the ranks and retired as Assistant Chief of Police in 2012, after 34 years of service.
To know Kenny was to love him. He was always willing to help, and never asked for anything in return. He was always willing to help and teach anything he could, to anyone who was willing to listen. He often cleared the walks for his neighbors during winter, even while working several jobs. Whining and complaining were not in his nature. He was always willing to offer a solution, and it was often the best solution. Despite all he knew, he was always eager to learn new things and welcomed the opportunity. We don’t think the words “I can’t fix that” ever rolled off his tongue.
A long-time fan of Motown and soul, and an avid runner for decades, he was always trying to be a better golfer. He loved to spend his spare time at Lake Powell, where he raised his family. He knew “the lake” better than anyone, and it got so he no longer needed a map to navigate to some of the trickiest spots to get to. He just knew it that well. He also never passed up the opportunity to ski on glass. Even if all he got to do was drive the boat! He was always watching out for those around him, and he wanted to be sure everyone was having a good time. He was the rock that everyone could lean on, welcoming strangers as if they were family. If you had Kenny on your side, you were in good hands. He loved baseball and would regularly “stack cups” at Spring Training, Minor and Major league games with friends and family.
After retirement he lived his life to the fullest. He and Shawna took many trips through retirement. They took several motorcycle trips with close friends, traveling out of the country several times, climbing mountains and going hiking. He lived life to the fullest, even in winter where his mantra was “just waiting for Summer!”.
He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Shawna, daughters Sami and Mandy, son, Nick, 9 Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren, and his beloved Golden Retriever, Deuce.
A celebration of life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor October 13, 2023 from 6-8 pm.
“HIT IT!”
In Loving Memory
Our deepest condolences to Kenny's family. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to reconnect with my good friend this past year. He was also a master on the grill especially with a rack of rib's. His obituary say's it precisely and he never forgot his friends. I can vouch for that. Until we meet again my friend in that beautiful GTO on the road to heaven.
Good man of service, man of integrity. Well done Ken. Rest.
I met Ken when he arrived at SLCPD. I continued to observe him during his various assignments. I once asked him why he never applied for the Detective Division and he said "to much desk jockeying & paperwork"! During my last two years on the job, year 32 & 33, he was my Division Captain. I teased him everyday about his "desk job" comment but admitted he now had a very nice (big) desk! Ken had many positive parts to his character but one that stood out the most to me was the fact he never acted like he was better than anyone else, regardless of his assignment or rank. I offer my sincere condolences to his family.
I was so sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. I always enjoyed working with him. Ken had an amazing easygoing style that would put everyone at ease. He was a great police officer and even better man!
Kenny was like a brother to me. Got to spend many hours on the golf course, and on trips. He was a perfect match for my beautiful sister shawna.When he came to visit he always had to fix something...it was just his nature.Always told me to leave it alone or he would have to fix more things. He was younger but probably taught me much more than I taught him. To Shawna and all his family my heart breaks for you. Love you Sis hang in there
Always a smile of recognition and a brief chat those cold winter days on dimple dell trail my friend! I, riding the fat bike and you, usually with Shauna, walking that golden retriever of yours! Our dogs would play for a minute while we caught up! I'll continue those when the fall turns to winter for the two of us my man! What a special guy you've been and a great family friend you e been all these years!
Condolences to Kenny's family! I hadn't seen Ken since he retired but had the great opportunity of working with him for many years. Ken was one you could always count on and an inspirational fitness guy, who led by example. RIP!
Kenny was one of my sergeants when I was in the SLCPD in-house academy (after POST). I echo Don Bell when I say that Kenny always treated me with kindness and respect regardless of his rank, was always approachable, and gave invaluable advice when asked. I haven't crossed paths with Kenny since I retired the same year as he (albeit with many fewer years on the job), but it is easy to remember him and his voice. Enjoy the ride in the sky my friend!
Shauna and Family: I got to know Kenny when we both worked Narcotics for the SLCPD. Lots of fun times and can 't forget his many bandanas he would wear. Sometimes after work we would go for a beer at Lou's Bar. We would have a few beers ( pitchers), and talk about family work and life. He loved to play Pool and listen to the Juke Box. He was a very good Pool player and seldom lost. After he would win a game of Pool who ever was up next he would say RACK ''em GENO. Shauna I m pretty sure you gave us a few rides home. My condolence to the Pearce family. R.I.P. my friend i will never forget the good times.. Chuck Oliver
Shawna and family, My deepest condolences and thoughts to you for the loss of Ken. I'm saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. He was such an amazing man full of adventures, joy, laughter and love especially when both of you went on many motorcycle trips together in the USA and abroad. I wish I could attend the service but I'm not able to due to circumstances beyond my control. I'll be thinking of you all at this difficult time. Love and prayers,Doris Spear Orgill Klein
We, my wife Cathy and I, were sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was a great person to know and to work with. I met Ken shortly after his hiring at the East Precinct and impressed by his professionalism with difficult patrol calls. I shared office space with him shortly after I was promoted to a sergeant. He had been a sergeant long before me and he took time to point out circumstances which may affect my supervisory skills. I believe, without that guidance I may have made more mistakes that I had and for that I'll always be greatful. Years later, when we were both assigned to the detective division, he was my supervior. He without a doubt was one of if not the best supervisor I had ever worked with. He never interfered with any of the cases being investigated as other superviors would have. I had a great amount of respect for Ken. He could take a ribbing and not become angry by the ribbing. He was always supportive and a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed because genuine people like Ken Pearce are rare
I felt such loss to know Ken was not with us on the planet. It is a joy to hear about his pleasures with family and friends. What a wonderful experience it was to report to him as a civilian employee. Ken's sense of humor and respect for the work of others was a gift. I have done nothing but miss him since he retired. For every wonderful person I have lost so far in my life, it is carrying them forward in actions and memory that brings delight to all my sorrows. May you feel embraced by the gifts of his love & care for you - his most special beings - all your days. In his honor I read a special poem this morning at the start of day, Dirge Without Music by Edna St. Vincent Millay from Collected Poems 1928, 1955. I
Our hearts are broken for the Pearce family. The loss of one cool cat! Always a smile on his face. Over the decades as high school friends and as many years as neighbors, we cherish the little moments and memories. From riding his horse down the street, jogging or riding his bike, he would always take time for a visit. A life lost too soon. Gods speed our friend. Our love Always, Hugo and Lynn Rico
In loving Memory... Kenny was my friend, mentor and father figure to a very young and new SWAT team member (take a look at the photo I attached). He was always there, ready to guide, advise and support in any way he could. I learned more about how to be the best Police Officer I could from him than from any other person at SLCPD. My thoughts and condolences...
It has taken me a minute to come here to pay my respects to a man as great as Kenny. He was my 2nd dad for almost 40 years. Even though I'm probably the only human on the planet that he couldn't get up on the water, it didn't matter. He tried for hours and hours to get me up. But the one thing he was able to convince me of, is that after a long day on the lake in the hot weather, only a Coors light will do. It's a rule I'll live by forever. Kenny, you left this earth way too soon and way too fast! You will be so missed. You decided to leave one day short of 13 years after my dad. I hope you are both raising hell on the other side together. Love you and miss you already ❤️❤️
When we learned about Kenny's illness, we were shocked. Worse still was when we learned of his passing. I told Cindy every childhood memory from the time I was seven has Kenny in it. He was always there . . . truly a big brother to us kids. And though we haven't kept in touch over the years as life wends its way, I have deliciously fond memories of a Christmas party at our house in 1993 when Kenny took one of my holiday earrings out of my ear and popped it into his. And I remember how happy I was he was able to come to our wedding when we weren't sure he could since he was so new to the police force. Shawna, Ward and I want you and the kids to know how much we loved Kenny and looked up to him. He was such a beautiful person; we were all very lucky to know him. Blessed be, Ward and Julie
Kenny ( Crazy Legs Mountain Men ) my Motown friend and fellow softball teammate you will be missed my friend, my deepest condolences to Shawna and your family. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
In Loving Memory
