Kent Tadashi Yano

Kent Tadashi Yano was born April 18, 1943, in Provo, Utah to Mas and Tomoko Yano.  Kent graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Political Science in 1965 prior to attending the University of Utah College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1968. Kent began his legal career at the firm Yano, Haynie, Nielsen & Moyle from 1968–1970.  He then served as Assistant Attorney General and Chief Counsel for the Social Services Department from 1970–1973. Thereafter, Kent became a prosecutor with the Deputy County Attorney’s Office form 1974-1975.  From 1975 through 2000, Kent entered private practice specializing in Family Law and Criminal Defense.  Over the many years of his career, Kent forged friendships and developed mutual respect with many colleagues and clients. 

In his personal life, Kent was a scratch golfer, fine fisherman, great chef, and had a fantastic sense of a humor. Although Kent was an only child, beginning at a young age he developed lifelong friendships. These friendships lasted more than 65 years, many of them with his schoolmates from Olympus High and through his career connections.  His friendships turned these men into his brothers and their wives into his sisters, and their families into his family, sharing their lives with him.  He shared his love for golfing, boating, fishing, cooking, and traveling with his beloved friends. 

On July 7, 1979, Kent married his ultimate equal in Donna Nickerson, and in that moment joining the crowd of his friends becoming a dad to his son Derek, and daughter Stephanie. He then began sharing his family with the lives of his friends that he cherished. By marrying Donna, he married into the Nickerson family, where he inherited family in the truest sense of the word, becoming a son-in-law, an uncle, and a brother. 

Kent is survived by his wife Donna Nickerson Yano, daughter Stephanie Yano Breeden (Ron), many loved uncles, aunts, and cousins, and in-laws of the Watanuki, Imada, Nickerson, and Yano extended families. 

Preceded in death by his parents Mas and Tommie, his son Derek, and other close family.  

The Yano Family wishes to acknowledge and express our gratitude to Dixie Home Care & Hospice for the gentle care to Kent and the kindness to his family. 

A Celebration of life will be on Monday, August 5, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. Graveside Service to be held Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 2:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with Kent’s family.