Kent Ferguson Larsen

Kent Ferguson Larsen, 91, of Orem, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 after a two-week rapid decline in his health related to heart damage. After watching him celebrate his 70th wedding anniversary alone in December, Kent's family was pleased he could be reunited with his sweetheart on Valentine's Day. 

Kent was born on August 5, 1933 in the home of his parents, Leslie Raahauge Larsen and Norma Elizabeth Ferguson Larsen of Spanish Fork, Utah.

In 1950, Kent was one of 300 young men who participated in the 6th Annual Utah Boys State at Camp Williams. He was elected in a primary to represent his party as candidate for Governor. While ultimately “nosed out” by the opposing candidate, Kent’s achievements were honored. He was elected and served as Student Body President his senior year at Spanish Fork High School, where he graduated in 1951.

Kent married Marquitta A. Campbell of Springville on December 1, 1954. Their first home was in Orem, where in 1956 they welcomed their daughter Lorie into the world. They moved to Seal Beach, California in 1957 along with two of Kent’s brothers, and establish themselves as service station owners or operators. Kent and Marquitta purchased a home in Huntington Beach in 1958 where they spent the next 17 years growing their business and their family. They were eventually blessed with two more daughters, Sharon and Jayne, and one son, Les. 

They returned to Utah in 1975 and re-established themselves in an Orem home after purchasing the service station on 400 North in Orem--just east of the Hale Center Theater, formerly known as Larsen’s Fast Gas and selling gas under various supplier names (i.e. Exxon, Tesoro, and Amoco). They added a convenience store to their station in 1992. After retiring, Kent and Marquitta turned day-to-day operations over to their son Les and his wife Mia, and spent more time each year in their Las Vegas, Nevada home and their Manila, Utah home (near Flaming Gorge). The family eventually sold the service station in 2009.

Kent loved to hunt and fish, and usually had Marquitta at his side. They enjoyed hunting deer, elk, geese, ducks, and quail, and fishing at Strawberry and Flaming Gorge. Kent was also a big fan of BYU football and basketball, and the Kansas City Chiefs, especially their Head Coach, Andy Reid. 

Kent was also an avid Mall Walker for many years at the University Place Mall in Orem. He rarely missing a day. He loved visiting with his Mall-Walker Family each morning. They became his main social life as many of his family and friends preceded him in death. The walkers brightened his day with a wave and a smile, and maybe a comment about his often-worn BYU hat. Kent’s last lap at the mall was just on January 2.

Kent is survived by his daughter Jayne (Brent) Mooney of Orem, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marquitta, two daughters, Lorie (T.J.) Blair of Orem, and Sharon (Gordon) Wilson of South Jordan, his son, Les (Mia) Larsen of Lindon, an older sister Marvel, and three older brothers, Don, Paul, and Gene.

Visitation with family and friends will be this Monday, February 24, from 9:30-10:30 am at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, located at 495 S. State Street, Orem. Kent’s Funeral will follow in the Mortuary Chapel at 11 am. Dedication of his Grave will take place at Orem City Cemetery at 12 pm.

The family wants to give special thanks to the Orem 2nd Ward members and neighbors for the friendship and service they offered Kent while he was living, and for their support with Kent’s services. 

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.