Denzil Scott Kirkham

Denzil “Scott” Kirkham, born September 7, 1955, in Brigham City, Utah, to Ronald De Wayne Kirkham and Ann Mae Wankier, growing up as the middle child between his older sister, Cherie, and younger brother, Lynn. Scott’s family relocated to Tempe, Arizona, during his early childhood, and spent most of his adult life in the area before moving to Saint George Utah, to live with his widowed cousin, Val until he passed away. A 1973 Tempe High School graduate, Scott married Debbie having two sons, Terry and Kelly. He later remarried Cathy, welcoming a stepson, David, and a daughter, Allison, into his family. Scott wasn’t just a family man, he also had passion for woodworking that ignited in high school shop classes, where he honed his skills in metalwork, drafting, and industrial design. A gifted carpenter, he constructed shelves, desks, beds, and even welded garage storage and a shed. His handyman talents left a lasting mark, with his creations dotting homes and spaces throughout his life. From a young age, Scott was captivated by the outdoors. In Tempe, he roamed washes, caught lizards and snakes, and fired his BB gun. This love for nature endured, as he cherished camping and hunting trips with loved ones at the Mogollon Rim and Superstition Mountains. Whether hiking or admiring a blooming flower or a horned toad on a rock, Scott found joy in life’s simple moments, often capturing them with his camera and sharing this appreciation with his children. Music was a constant companion in Scott’s life, whether blaring from the radio in his garage or spinning on records as he played pool. As an enthusiastic pool player, he joined a local league, spending weekends competing in team matches at local establishments, where he relished drinks, music, and camaraderie, and earning a few trophies along the way. Scott’s life embodied a simple philosophy: pursue your passions, embrace your interests, and find joy in the everyday. On June 21, 2025, Scott passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, adventure, and an enduring appreciation for life’s small wonders. He’s best remembered as working in his garage, radio humming, a faint trace of cigarette smoke in the air, tinkering on a project or savoring the Arizona desert breeze—a man who lived life fully on his own terms but always found a way to love. He will be greatly missed by the generations of people he was able to impact and those he invested in, especially his family.