Kent Merrel Aland
Kent Merrel Aland, age 75 of Sparks, NV, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2018 at Tahoe Pacific Hospital in Northern Nevada Medical Center, surrounded by family.
Kent was born on January 2, 1943 in Pocatello, Idaho to Phyllis Egli Aland (Zoppi) and Montee Levi Aland. He grew up in Montpelier, Idaho and graduated from Montpelier High School.
Kent attended Brigham Young University and served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South German Mission. Upon returning home, he met his eternal sweetheart, Sharon Chadwick, and the two wed November 18, 1966 in the Logan Utah Temple. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Public Health, then continued his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters in Hospital Administration.
Kent coined the family motto: “Service Above Self,” and lived this creed every day of his life. He served as a Commissioned Officer of the US Public Health Service before pursuing a career in hospital administration. After retiring, Kent served an LDS mission with his sweet wife to Rochester, New York, then served a humanitarian mission in Lima, Peru. Kent also served in various positions within the Church at both the ward and stake levels. Above all, his love for our Savior, Jesus Christ radiated throughout his soul. He led a life focused on living as the Savior did and teaching others to do the same.
Kent was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, camping, shooting and fishing. He was passionate about scouting and encouraged his sons to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He had a sweet, dimply smile and energetic personality that will be greatly missed. His duty to God, family and country was exemplary to all who knew him.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gerald. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon; their four children, Terri Barbuto (Mike) of Sparks, NV, Trevor (Avytte) of Alliance, NE, Troy (Lisa) of Reno, NV, and Tim (Jessica) of Moorhead, MN; his eight grandchildren who enjoyed living near him, TJ, Lexy, Taylor, Riley, Talia, Aria, Addy and Brynlee; and numerous extended family who loved and adored him.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 3rd at 10 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Red Hills Chapel, 570 E 4th Ave, Sun Valley. A private interment will be held at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, NV at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of La Paloma Funeral Home.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Northern Nevada Medical Center and Tahoe Pacific Hospital for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Perpetual Education Fund or General Missionary Fund of the Church.
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After God removes wickedness and suffering, the earth will be transformed into a paradise. Then people will be able to live forever in perfect health and happiness. God’s Word foretells: “[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”—Revelation 21:4.
In that new world, even dead ones will be brought back to life to share in those blessings: “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) That is why Jesus Christ could tell a repentant evildoer who expressed faith in him: “You will be with me in Paradise.”—Luke 23:43.
I hope these thoughts provide some comfort during this difficult time.