Sterling Kay Goodwin

Sterling Kay Goodwin, age 37, passed away on December 22, 2021 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a courageous, six month battle with cancer, surrounded by friends and family.

Sterling was born on September 21, 1984 in Ogden, Utah to Rex and Mary (Rich) Goodwin. He lived in Manti, then moved to Pleasant Grove,

where he attended elementary school and was fiercely guarded by his two big brothers. He went to Orem Jr High and hung out in his mom’s backroom as the best teacher’s aid ever. He was now the big brother to a sister and 2 more brothers who worshiped the ground he walked on, until their sibling rivalry became their norm. He was involved in track and cross country at Mt. View High School and never gave up, even when the going got tough. He graduated high school with his associate’s degree and attended UVU for a year. He then served an LDS mission to Latvia, where the people and members loved him and his sweet personality. He earned his medical assistant certificate and returned to the University of Utah where he graduated with a degree in exercise science. He attended Mid-Western University in Glendale, AZ and graduated as a Physician Assistant. He excelled in his courses and was a very quick learner, always going above and beyond what was required.

He worked for Medallus Medical Urgent Care for 14 years. He worked in American Fork and Draper as the medical director and Physician Assistant. He exuded excellence in all of his work endeavors and provided unparalleled patient care. Sterling had a heart that often extended to family who were also friends and friends who were like his family. He was adored by his many nieces, nephews and friends. He achieved more in his short life than most people do in their entire lifetime.

In 2012, Sterling met the love of his life, another Physician Assistant, Darrin Cottle. They were a perfect match and were married June 19, 2018. They bought a home together in Millcreek and lived life to the fullest. They loved their dogs, Penni and Bourbon, who journeyed with them most places.

Sterling and Darrin enjoyed traveling all over the West in their “Trailor Swift”, going to Broadway musicals, hiking, snowboarding and skiing, cooking and dinner nights with friends, Disneyland trips with Sterling’s family, and adventuring around the world. The two of them accomplished much together and traveled extensively, never passing up a moment to enjoy nature and adventure.

Sterling is remembered as the cute little boy who had white hair, the brightest smile and deep blue eyes. He is remembered for his goodness and kindness to others and his contagious personality. He treated everyone like his family with his consideration and thoughtfulness. He was concerned with the details to make everything just right. He always included others and was empathetic to those who were struggling. He was a friend to everyone and they knew his friendship was genuine. Even in very stressful times, he could make people laugh and forget their own worries. He never complained and even at the last hour of life when asked, he answered, “I’m OK”. Sterling was truly a one of a kind individual.

Sterling is survived by his loving spouse, Darrin Cottle, Millcreek, UT; his parents, Rex and Mary (Rich) Goodwin, Pleasant Grove, UT, siblings: Stewart (Meghan), Highland, UT; Chandler (Camille), Pleasant Grove, UT; McKenzie (Michael Struthers), San Antonio, TX; Coulson (Amelia), Seneca, SC; Parker (Rebecca) Pleasant Grove, UT and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing and celebration of life will be held Friday January 7, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT. All friends and family are welcomed and encouraged to join with us to memorialize our beloved Sterling.