Kyle David Mortensen

Kyle David Mortensen was born on the 30th of July, 1985 and died in a snowboarding accident on the 7th of March, 2023. He spent his childhood in La Crescenta, California with his parents David and Patricia Mortensen and his sisters Tiffney, Amber, Nicole, and Kaitlin. Kyle played football at Crescenta Valley High School and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas, Texas.  He attended and graduated from Brigham Young University, where he made his most enduring friendships and met his wife, Clarissa Harris.  They were married on the 8th of September, 2012. Their first son Finn was born in 2015, followed by Ronan in 2018 and Kieran in 2022. Each of Kyle’s sons inherited his cheerfulness, his boisterousness, and his broad, bright smile. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in a variety of callings including Gospel Doctrine Teacher.

As a child, Kyle’s favorite ninja turtle was Raphael. As an adult, his favorite subject was the history of ninjas. Gummy bears, or indeed any form of gummy candy, would not survive long in his presence. Kyle enjoyed outdoor sports, surfing the beaches of Southern California and hiking and snowboarding in the mountains of Utah. He had a determination that meant he became not just competent but excellent at any task he turned his mind to. He never gave up on a job he had committed to finish, and had a remarkable ability to roll around any problem in search of a new solution. Kyle’s versatility and creative mind helped him whether he played a guitar, told a story, composed music, or insisted on repairing major household defects until they were perfect. This determination sometimes tipped over into a stubbornness that was still endearing because of his cheerfulness and good intentions; and when he was at his most obstinate, Kyle was also at his most admirable.

In 2020 he published the novel Sons of Yokai: Mists of Iga, a stirring work of historical fiction about two battle-hardened yet good-hearted warriors who mentor the sons of their friend and teacher after he is killed defending their homeland. This novel was the product of approximately nine years of meticulous research and craftsmanship, and Kyle’s personality, wit, and singular sense of humor can be found on every page. The story he has left behind will never stop giving readers a chance to connect with him.

Kyle’s lifelong ability to make and keep friends means that despite this grievous loss, none of his loved ones are grieving alone, and there are many, many people to keep his memory alive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 13th March, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 825 East 500 North, American Fork, Utah. Services will be streamed and can be accessed by clicking on the following link the day of the service https://youtube.com/@americanfork22ndward66

A scholarship fund for Kyle’s three young sons has been established by the family. Donations may be directed to Kyle Mortensen’s Memorial Scholarship Fund.