Jeffrey Dean Killpack's Obituary
The Force is strong with this one.
Jeffrey Dean Killpack (1971-2022) passed away peacefully at home at the age of 51 with his mother and step father by his side on December 13, 2022 after several years battling cancer.
Jeff was born on March 30, 1971 in Salt Lake City to Nancy Davis Killpack (now Kuiper) and J Duane Killpack - the second of six children.
Growing up, his family lived in several different locations in the Salt Lake Valley and as a result, he attended several schools: Jackling Elementary, Oakdale Elementary, Bell View Elementary, East Sandy Elementary, Mount Jordan Middle School, Clayton Middle School and finally, Highland High School where he graduated in 1989. He also attended the University of Utah as a chemical engineering major.
From childhood, Jeff had an inquisitive mind which sometimes got him into mischief. He loved exploring and physical challenges and excelled at almost everything he tried, including musical instruments (he played the tenor sax and accordion) and scouting (he earned his Eagle Scout at age 13). School was easy for him and even on his own, he actively sought knowledge. This love of discovery continued into his last days.
Above all, Jeff was passionate about - and excelled in - math and science. He was fortunate to pursue these in his career, working at several places in the chemical field before coming to Ceramatec, Inc. as an R&D Research Technologist. It was here he was really able to merge his creativity with his love of science - referring to his work as “art”.
While at Ceramatec, he co-authored a patent for post processing of heavy oil product streams, and was a member of two Innovation winning teams: Natural Gas Membrane Reactor in 2014 and Ship Fuel Desulfurization Technology in 2016. He also formed lasting friendships with some of his colleagues there.
When Ceramatec relocated out of state, he went to work for Northrup Grumman as a Senior Engineering Technician, performing QA and inspection of aspects of the manufacture of solid rocket motors. He remained there after his diagnosis until he became too ill to work, but also made some close connections in his 5 years there.
He met Tiffany Sanborn in the 2000s. While together, they had a son, Jachin, followed closely by his little sister Xanthie. Jeff’s children were the center of his universe and they meant the world to him.
From the beginning, he encouraged their love of learning - especially science. Jeff worked with them on their schoolwork wherever possible and looked forward especially to working with them every year on their science projects - going further in depth to really understand and thoroughly explore their topics. This was a great bonding experience for all. Jachin and Xanthie are both excellent students and good friends to each other.
Jeff also had a love for philosophical, political, and often controversial, conversation. He enjoyed the intellectual stimulation of debate, and although he often came across as harsh and tough, he had a good and generous heart and had a lot of love for his family and friends - especially for his children. Throughout his illness, he expressed gratitude countless times for all the caring and support he received from his family, friends, colleagues and hospital and hospice staff. He emotionally referred to the healthcare workers who cared for him as “angels on earth”.
Jeff is survived by his children Jachin and Xanthie, and by their mother Tiffany Sandborn; his parents, Nancy (Lee) Kuiper and Duane Killpack; his siblings: Jennifer (Reinard) Killpack-Knutsen, Greg Killpack, Andrew (Becky) Killpack, Debra (Jeff) Christensen, Benjamin (Amanda) Killpack; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his uncles Barry, Darwin and Garth.
A special thank you to Tiffany for all her time, care and unceasing patience following Jeff’s diagnosis; his hospice nurse Christi, social worker Teresa and his Oncologist, Dr. Shortridge for their gentle and compassionate care; his boss, James, who supported him in work and as a friend as his health declined; and his chaplain, Hilarie, a particularly special angel, who was a wonderful comfort to Jeff in his last days, as well as her continuing comfort to his family.
In honor of Jeff’s love of science, his family is hosting an open house style memorial in the classroom at the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City on December 26, 2022 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm. Light refreshments will be served and parking vouchers can be retrieved at the front desk. (Directions to find the classroom to follow, or ask at the front desk).
We will greatly miss our dad, son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, colleague. Rest in peace - we love you.
(... got you last)
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