Hilton "Kent" Burch

Mesquite, Nevada - Hilton Kent Burch passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. He was born January 9th, 1941, in Heber City, Utah to Hilton Leetham Burch and LaVon McKnight. He married Mary Caroline Heffner on June 16th, 1960, in Beaver, Utah.

Dad always lived life to the fullest, he had a passion for anything with an engine. This propelled him into his career as a diesel mechanic. He worked as a mechanic for construction companies before starting his career as a heavy-duty diesel mechanics instructor at Utah Technical College in SLC, UT. He taught for several years and during this time he earned his bachelor’s degree and master's degree from Utah State University. In the early 80’s he bought into CH Dredge, a small trucking company where he ran the shop. When he was done with that, he went to work for Freightliner of Utah in their wholesale division where he bought and sold used semi-trucks. When he and mom decided to retire, they relocated to Mesquite, Nevada. Retirement agreed with him, but he always had to be doing something, so he and a partner developed a couple of pieces of land on which he and mom were able to build their dream home. Throughout his life he was known as a very shrewd but very fair businessman.

He had many hobbies throughout his life. He raced Jeeps and served as President of the Intermountain Sand Drag Association. He joined the Bountiful City Jeep Posse and served faithfully with them for several years. He was an avid hunter and boater, there were many fond memories spent on the mountain or at Lake Powell. He built a beautiful cabin where him and mom spent a great deal of time. This is where he developed his love for snowmobiling. After selling the cabin he enjoyed taking the RZR out and exploring the desert. Upon retiring he decided that he needed something to help occupy his time, so he took up golf and quickly developed a love for the game. Some of his closest friendships were forged on the golf course. He loved nothing more than to drain a long putt on the 17th or 18th hole and take the “WAD” from whomever held it. He enjoyed his trips to Oregon to fish for halibut, cod or crab.

When we were young, he worked two jobs to support his hobbies and make sure we had what we needed. He was a great example to us all. He taught us many lifelong lessons, especially the value of hard work.

He was very lucky to have 3 very special ladies in his life. Our mother Mary whom he spent 46 years with before her passing. After her death he met Donna Whittemore and spent 14 years with her before she passed away. He then met Judy Sylte, and they spent the last 3 1/2 years together. We owe her our deepest gratitude for taking care of Kent these past couple of months.

He is survived by his children Kristin Burch Jones (Blair Noble) SLC, UT, Michael G. Burch (Joy) Kaysville, UT, Brent H. Burch (Gary Archuleta) Santa Rosa, CA; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and brother Richard Burch (Connie) Mesquite, NV. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Burch; father, Hilton Leetham Burch; mother, LaVon McKnight; and brother, William Burch.

A viewing will be held at Star Mortuary in Mesquite, NV on Wednesday March 19th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A viewing will also be held at Heber Valley Funeral Home in Heber City, UT on March 21st from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM. Services will follow beginning at 1:30 PM. Interment will take place at the Heber City Cemetery.