Kent Llewellyn Fillmore
February 20, 1954 - July 1, 2013
Kent Llewellyn Fillmore died in his sleep of an apparent cardiac arrest on Monday, July 1, 2013, in Portland, Oregon at the age of 59. Who could imagine such a great heart would be stilled so soon?
Born February 20, 1954 in Portland to Edgar LeRoy and Anna Louise Petty Fillmore, Kent and his family later moved to Indianapolis, then Chicago and then to LaHabra, California, where he went to high school. Kent attended BYU, Utah State (where he was the original owner of "Barking Dog Painters") and the University of Utah, where he graduated with a law degree. He married Martha Pierce in 1984. They remained good friends after their divorce, giving their best to their beautiful daughter, Ariel Wynne Pierce Fillmore, the light of Kent's life.
Kent’s interests were many and varied: law, politics, philosophy, aikido, hot springs, music, chess, fishing, gardening, art and calligraphy. He will be remembered for his political blogs, his storytelling, his sense of humor and his good heart. Kent spent his last few years in Portland, Oregon, where, as always, he surrounded himself with love. He spent three days a week caring for toddler twins Abby and Lincoln, the children of his nephew Ben Fillmore and wife Ann. Most recently, his wonderful friend Lynn Fitch brought great joy to his life.
Kent is survived by his daughter Ariel; brothers William and Jeffrey; half-sibs Terry and Sharalyn. Numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews survive him, many of whom are now sharing “Uncle Kent” stories about tie-dye parties, Capture the Flag and the best way to restore a VW bus. He is also survived by Colleen the dog and Zola Bean the grand dog. As nephew Mike put it, “He was our long-haired, crazy, bearded Superman fighting for truth, justice and the American way.”
A private memorial will be held Wednesday, July 10th, at 10:00 a.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com.
In Loving Memory
We send our love and thoughts to you. From tye dye parties to visits at the farmer's market, we are so grateful that Kent was in our lives. Ariel- we send you a big hug. Irene, James, River, and Maeve Haggerty
Irene and James Haggerty
Logan, UT
You were truly one of a kind. I will never forget nearly sacrificing my first year of law school to do the "Freshman Follies" with you, where you played God and now you get to play with God. All my love, George
George Ventura
Salt Lake City, UT
Sorry to hear about the passing of Kent. He always seemed "Larger than Life" so it came as a shock to me. I went to High School with Kent. I have many good memories about the time with him. God speed Kent. You know we will miss you!-Gary
Gary Young
Encinitas, Ca
Please forgive a stranger for extending my sincere condolences ... for selfish reasons, I simply wanted to. Starks Funeral Parlor took care of my brother when he passed away too soon and today I was looking for another soul who is in the care of the Starks family. I happened upon this beautiful tribute and beg your pardon as I could not help but be drawn in. "...how could a heart so big ... and many of whom are now sharing ?Uncle Kent? stories about tie-dye parties, Capture the Flag and the best way to restore a VW bus" Ohhhh, such a loss, such a loss. My love is with you as you grieve. May his memory be eternal.
Wendy Nelson
SLC, UT
He was one of my oldest friends. I knew him for over 25 years. He made huge impacts on my life as I am sure he did for many. I am so sorry Ariel. All of my prayers and love go out to you and your family. He will never be forgotten. Nick
Nick Dell
Salt Lake City, Ut
I have told the "Cub Scout story" countless times. The chain of souls touched by Kent and the Fillmores introducing my brother, Rob (Buzz) to the LDS Church boggles the mind. Thank you Kent for touching lives of so many people. My sympathy and love to his family.
Maggie Godwin Steward
Santa Barbara, CA
My deepest sympathies to all family and friends. Kent was my boyhood friend and I can't believe he is gone so early. I will ever be grateful to him for introducing me to the LDS Church and all that has meant in my life. God bless you all.
Rob (Buzz) Godwin
Woodland Hills, CA