Merrell Kaye Valentine
December 4, 1935 - January 2, 2019
Merrell Kaye Valentine
Kaye, an avid obituary reader, was born December 4, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Merrell and Hilda Mason Valentine. He grew up in Salt Lake City, and joked about attending South, Granite, and East High Schools, but married a girl from West High. Kaye had many talents: he could build anything, including their family cabin in Midway where they spent much of their time, loved to work on old cars, knew every road, alley, and telephone box in the Salt Lake Valley, could spot a wrench in the road from a mile away, was a collector and had an incredibly dry sense of humor.
Kaye met Susan Jane Halton while building a swimming pool at her neighbor's home. They were married November 19, 1955 in Elko, Nevada. They have 3 daughters; Sydney Valentine Stuck (Keith), Susan Valentine, and Stephanie Valentine-Cook (Les). Kaye never complained about being the only man in the house, he raised his girls to be independent and taught them the importance of knowing how to change a tire, never having less than a half a tank of gas in your car, and that chairs have four legs for a reason. Kaye worked for Mountain Bell for 38 years, retiring at a young age to become a full-time papa to Cole Cook, Andrew Stuck, and Adison Cook.
Kaye is survived by loving wife Sue Valentine, daughters and their spouses, and grandchildren; in-laws: Sheronne Valentine, Sheryl Halton, Linda Sevey, and Margaret Littlefield; many nieces and nephews and their children. Kaye was preceded in death by siblings: Barbara Valentine, Elaine Brown, and Dale Valentine; granddaughter Zoe Valentine-Cook. The family would like to thank the employees at the Kolff Dialysis Center for putting up with Kaye's antics, their wonderful neighbors who affectionately referred to him as the Mayor, and special friend Kris Peterson for their weekly Tuesday outings.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 5:00 pm ~ 7:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
We will miss Kaye so much. So many wonderful family memories. He was my only relative that loved auto racing as much as I do. I loved sitting around drinking a beer and talking about racing. I also have a great memory of taking him on The Tower of Terror ride at California adventure. Let's just say he never let me forget about it (not his favorite experience). Now he can have a beer with my dad and Syd.
Kellie Shea
Long Beach, CA
Kaye has been my good friend since High School, over 65 years. Kaye still owes me for when my '51 Mercury beat his' 50 Chev at the drag strip. We used to double date & often going to the Rainbow, Saltaire, Lagoon & Sunset beach plus many outings to drive-in movies. Kaye taught me how to blow into my telephone when it quit and it seemed to make it work. All our kids grew up together always going to each other's homes. We will continue to have our breakfast get-togathers w/Sue and we will always miss our good friend Kaye.
Ronald Maxfield
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Dear Sue, We send our condolences to you and your family on Kaye's passing. We are blessed to know you. Love, Linda and George Pearson
George and Linda Pearson
nan, nan
The world has truly lost a beautiful soul. I had the opportunity and distinct pleasure to care for Kaye at Kolff Dialysis. His sense of humor and quick wit made him an instant favorite. I haven't had the chance to care for him much in recent years, but did get to care for him when he was admitted to the hospital recently. It was as if no time had passed since the last time I cared for him. Wishing peace and love for his wife, Sue and his daughters and their families. Hold tight to the beautiful memories.
Christina Peacock
Salt Lake City, UT