Gerald Henderson Kinghorn

Our devoted, loving and patient husband and father, Gerald Henderson Kinghorn (Jerry) slipped his earthly bonds and entered God's greater glory on May 31, 2012 in the presence of his beloved family. Jerry was born in Salt Lake City on April 15, 1942 to Gerald Eakle and Marian Wright Henderson Kinghorn. His early years were spent living with his mother and adoring grandparents, Dr. David W. and Ruby Wright Henderson on Michigan Avenue in Salt Lake City while his father served in the navy. When his father returned from the service, the family moved to Davis County where he spent his youth. Scouting was an important part of Jerry's young life and he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated Bountiful High School in 1960. He served in the Navy. He was married, and had four children and was divorced. Jerry completed undergraduate work in Public Administration and Economics at the University of Utah (1963) and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Utah (1966). He practiced law for over 40 years in Salt Lake City emphasizing representation of private business, municipal, county and special district government entities and individuals. His early career included criminal prosecution and defense.

From 1975 to early 1978 Jerry was the Assistant County Attorney for Salt Lake County, Utah and from 1978 to 1981 he directed the Water Quality Management Agency for Salt Lake County, Utah. In addition he provided legal representation for private clients engaged in the largest federal-private land exchange projects in the State of Utah.

His diagnosis and rapid decline came as a shock to his family,business associates and clients. Jerry Kinghorn has been described variously as the best, most ethical, honest and hard working lawyer in Utah and offerings of thanks for countless hours of expert advice, counsel and immeasurable service have been expressed. The praise for his integrity and dedication to his profession and his clients expressed to his family since his sudden illness has been overwhelming but gratifying. He was loved, admired and respected by many, far more that he knew. At the time of his passing Jerry was a partner in the respected law firm, ParsonsKinghornHarris. He was a consummate professional but to his family he was just Dad. Jerry said his life began again when he met Maria Polychronis . They married on the banks of Corral Creek, near Sun Valley Idaho on July 1, 1978. Thus began a journey of love, dedication and mutual support. They rejoiced with the adoption of Alexander Theodore Kinghorn September1985 and the family was complete with the addition of Ian Michael Kinghorn December 1990. Alex & Ian treasure the memories of hours spent playing video games, watching baseball, football and basketball. About 20 years ago Jerry finally found "his" hobby and began scuba diving with enthusiasm and joy any time his busy schedule allowed. He traveled to many exotic locations such as The Cayman Islands, Indonesia, The Red Sea and Truk Lagoon. The most frequent and memorable trips were to Mexico and Hawaii. Jerry's sons both became certified divers and their last vacation as a family was spent on The Big Island of Hawaii diving, exploring and having their last water fight. Jerry's sons adored their Dad as he did them. Alex & Ian took turns in the days prior to his passing sharing in the care and nurturing of their best friend and role model right to his final breath. He was so proud of his sons.

He is survived by his wife Maria Polychronis Kinghorn, his sons Alex, South Jordan and Ian, Salt Lake City; his sisters-in-law Tammy Polychronis of Salt Lake City and Angie Nuneviller of Oakley, Utah. His brother David and (Ilene) of Centerville and sister Ann ( Ken)Steck of La Mesa CA plus many nieces and nephews who looked up to Uncle Jerry also survive.

Also surviving are daughters Kirsten Kinghorn-Wilcox, Cottonwood Heights, Kiffany Kinghorn, Bountiful, Krina Kinghorn-Morgart of Wyoming, his eldest son, Kennedy (Reta) Kinghorn. B.C. Canada, grandson Joseph Kinghorn Tracy.

A memorial service for Jerry will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at noon at First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City, 777 So. 1300 East, Salt Lake City Utah. Those wishing to express condolences may do so beginning at 10:00 am prior to the service. An informal reception will be held after the service to allow anyone who wishes to reminisce and celebrate the life of this gentle, peaceful, humble man, light refreshments will be served and all are invited. Rejoice for him that for the first time in 45 years he is no longer in pain. Cremated as requested. Remember him as we will skiing the slopes of Alta or photographing the fish and sealife he loved so much and rejoice for him that for the first time in 45 years he is no longer in pain.

Jerry loved flowers but his family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to the Women In Jeoprdy program of the YWCA of Salt Lake or KUER, KCPW or First Baptist Foundation. Finally the family would like to express their thanks, as they knew Jerry would want to Dr. Michael Sossenheimer for his dedicated care and friendship over many years, to Jerry's assistant Janelle Dannenmueller who made it possible for him to get away from his office and pursue his hobby, and to good friends, Tim and Alice Blackham who supported him through his illness.